Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Hi,

other question: the handle still has the rattle noise which effect some xa-10?

Regards

Ugo

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

When I have had my handle on it did not rattle. It is actually a bit difficult to get off, so I would not want to need to do it in a hurry.

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Jeff, what would your choice be between the XF100 and the XA20?

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Got mine today! The BP-828 battery did not take 400+ minutes to charge, as indicated in the manual. Perhaps it came with some charge already on it, I didn't check. Went through a lot of the menus setting things up and testing. Haven't assigned a custom button yet; figure I'll wait and see what I access the most. Only complaint so far is startup time is real slow. I agree with others that it needs a sleep mode that will let it wake up quickly when you open the display or hit a button. I would like to see the menu system broken out a little better. The camcorder department needs to talk to the EOS still camera department about how to setup menus. I really like the smart battery indicator telling me remaining power down to the minute. Looking forward to getting some footage into Premiere Pro and seeing what it looks like.

Bob

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Menu is same as XA-10, as far as I can tell. I'm also not crazy about it. However, once you repeatedly use the same functions, it's not too bad. Not very logical or intuitive, for sure.

My BP-828 battery indicates a runtime of 238 minutes, and I've drained and charged twice. I will need to return mine asap, but the seller has no more to exchange for!

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

the XF-100 is a more professional form factor, more suitable for pro use.

XA-20 has 20X zoom and newer sensor. It depends on your needs. I personally would like to have both. Instead I have 2 XA-10s and an XA-20. The lack of buttons on the XA cams is a bummer, but for me it comes down to economics.

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Found a new annoyance while shooting today. The custom button/dial cannot be setup to work in both auto and manual. I think this is a stupid decision on Canon's part and it had to be a conscious one because a notice pops up telling you to change modes to use the button/dial. It has capability to be used in either mode but does not switch over automatically when the user changes exposure mode. Still...I'm really enjoying this camera! I hope Canon is paying attention to these tidbits for a firmware update.

Bob

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Agreed Bob,
There are some annoyances with this camera for sure. Lets hope Canon do help us out with a firmware update, that would be awesome. I would love to be able to put the camera into standby for one.
There is so much to enjoy about this camera, just a few little tweaks & it would be really great!

Jeff,
What was the problem you were having with the 828 batteries that necessitates the need to return them?

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Doesnt last long. 238 mins does not seem right.

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Ok, thanks Jeff. That's what I am getting out of the 2 828 batteries I have also. Interestingly, if I put them on the HF G10 I have, they show 290 mins, but when I put a fully charged 827 battery on the HF G10 it shows 240mins which is what I get with the 828 battery on the XA20.
Bryce

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Well Bryce, you just saved me unnecessary trouble. I now know the batteries are all like mine. Thanks!

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

My 828 says 237min on a full charge. That's almost four hours. I'm new to this genre of camera; what would be a more acceptable duration?

Bob

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

280 mins would be more in line with the XA-10. However, based on Bryce's observations, it sounds like the XA-20 consumes more battery power than the XA-10, or the XA-10 is overestimating it's run time.

Either way, nothing to be done, it is the way it is.

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

The XA20 is rated for 4.5 watts, the XA10 for 3.0 watts. Expect a corresponding reduction in runtime with the same battery; e.g., a 360 minute batterey in the XA10 should give about 240 minutes in the XA20.

Re: XA-20 is a fine camera
 

Mine says 197 mins after full charge!