Canon Xa20 Video Camera

I had been looking for a way to use my Canon XA20 camcorder as a web cam. I connected the Magwell Xi100 to the camera and to my MacBook pro to use with Google Hangouts. Everything just connected by itself and worked. I didn't have to go into system settings or set anything except to choose the Magwell in Hangouts. Now I can Zoom pan and tilt, and connect good microphones. My viewers like what they see and hear as compared to the webcam. I couldn't get an expensive alternative device to work even after going through detailed instructions, trial and error.

The XA20 definitely takes Canon's compact pro camcorders to the next level. I use this camera for a combination of scientific imaging, personal travel video, and concert recording. The image quality is superb, XLR jacks with phantom power give access to pro sound, and IR mode opens up a lot of new opportunities. Well-planned menus and lots of manual control options with assignable hardware controls (the buttons, lens ring, and custom knob are all assignable) make the camera a good choice for difficult shots. The built in mics pick up much too much handling noise, so an external mic is a must (but there would be little point in buying this camera if you didn't want to use an external mic anyway). Overall the camera is a noticeable step up from the XA10, and the increased zoom range is very useful, but the cost is a substantially bulkier and heavier camera. This will be my go-to camera for most uses, but I'll be hanging onto my old HFS10 for times when I need a really small and inconspicuous camera.

Got this for my canon xa20, and it doesn't fit with the camera handle, even when using the spacer ring. I got a different handle to try it out and it looks nice. The lens cap seems to come off pretty easily too but probably because I'm just tossing it into my backpack In the end the footage is crispy though so 5 stars

Working fine so far on old Canon XA20, but have only had battery for a couple of weeks.

Great filter, nice and clear. Works perfectly with my Canon XA20 camcorder.

Lots of battery life for my XA25 (or XA20 for those who have that). Didn't seem to degrade as fast as the Canon one.

It was a tough decision between the XF100 or the XA20. Spent several days researching both online and testing video samples from both in FCPX. Yes the XF100 has a better codec and custom buttons, yet it needs custom profiles to produce great video. The XA20 is ready to shoot out of the box and only needs a few custom adjustments. I lowered the contrast, sharpness, and saturation a bit for better color grading in post. I set the auto gain limit for a max gain of +6, this keeps the noise levels very reasonable in low light.The XA20 is missing a histogram and false color for critical exposure. I fixed this issue by purchasing a 7 external HDMI monitor that has all these features for not much $$ at all. Now I have all the needed exposure features, a much bigger screen that can be profiled properly.The added bonus of a external monitor is that I can use it on my D600 as well. I also added a Rode VideoMic Pro and dead cat for much better audio.Even with all the extras I have a very solid run & gun setup that I use for documentary work and small business ads, for well under $.Remove the xlr handle and you have a great HD video camera for travel.

I use the XA20 for travel, documentary and corporate video. The video is crisp and brilliant. The auto setting seems to find the right, ideal exposure in a wide variety of circumstances. The zoom is amazing but the image gets just a bit softer at full zoom. I like he light weight and ergonomics of this camera as well. This is my first Can camcorder and it was easy to use right out of the box. I am extremely happy with this purchase.

I just purchased my second XA20 camcorder as a backup and for multiple cam shooting for my video business. I use the XA20 for creating video ads, documentaries, tradeshow interviews, product reviews, employee training, and record meeting presentations, mainly for customer or online use. I use the LANC remote control, HDMI port with an external monitor, and both XLR mics during my shoots. I like the small size, flash memory, and many other features too. Easy set up and easy to use.

I've had my XA20 for about 6 months now. I mainly shoot outdoor video and I've filmed Colorado mountain elk hunts, Mississippi river bottom deer hunts in Louisiana and Arkansas' World class duck hunts. This camera has done everything I've asked it todo without the bulk of some larger cameras. It's low light capability combined with the IR function enable me to catch some great early morning and late evening action. The 20x optical zoom has been a huge help getting close to big deer.