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Canon XLH1

Shooting HD at 1080i the XL H1 features a new 20x HD VIDEO lens.

 

 

 Canon XLH1
 
     
 
 

 

Whether you're a broadcast ENG producer, or documentary, feature, or commercial videographer, the XL H1 is the affordable, lightweight HD camcorder you've been waiting for.

Superior Canon Optics and exceptional image processing give you a brilliant HD image. The XL H1 also features uncompressed HD-SDI and SD-SDI output, as well as Genlock input and SMPTE time code input and output for multi-camera shoots. And, with its customizable open-architecture approach, selectable frame rates and multiple output options, you've got exactly the right tool -- every time.
The XL H1 features total Cine control, customizable settings and a well-balanced design -- for the creative control, flexibility and advanced capability your video work demands.

 

Key features

  		•  Professional versatility for 1080i HD
  		• HD-SDI out, Gen lock in, Time code in/out
  		• 20x HD VIDEO lens
  		• High resolution 1/3" 1.67 Megapixel 3CCDs
  		• DIGIC DV II
  		• Full CINE and image control
  		• 4 channel audio line-in
  		• Precision lens for HD quality

     

    HD Resolution with Selectable Frame Rates
    The XL H1 delivers 1080i HD resolution, along with selectable frame rates of 50i, 25F and 24F. For high-speed subjects 25 Frame delivers spectacular clarity, 24 Frame gives the look and motion of film.

     

     

    Professional JackPack
    For the professional videographer, the XL H1 gives you the capabilities you need -- no matter what the job, no matter what the facilities. Multi-camera shoots are no problem using Genlock synchronization or SMPTE time code input and output. Also provided are uncompressed HD-SDI and SD-SDI output. The XL H1's professional JackPack brings together all these capabilities, and lets you quickly and conveniently make the connection you need.

     

     

    20x HD Video Lens
    Featuring Canon's XL lens mount, the XL H1's 20x HD lens gives you outstanding resolution, contrast, and color reproduction. What's more, the 38.9 -- 778mm lens is coupled with Canon's superb Super Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system. The sophisticated stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots -- even when they're hand held at long focal lengths or taken with the camera in motion.

    Previously, optical image stabilizers have used a gyro sensor to detect camcorder vibration. The data from the sensor would control a vari-angle prism that continuously corrected the path of the incoming light. Super Range goes one step further by examining the image after it is received by the CCD. The system detects low-frequency vibrations missed by the gyro and sends this data back to accelerate and refine the movement of the vari-angle prism. This greatly improves performance for low frequency vibration, resulting in the most advanced optical image stabilization available today.

    And since the XL H1's OIS system is optical, there isn't the loss of image quality that is inevitable with electronic image stabilizers.

    This lens also includes both Focus and Zoom Presets for repeatable focus or zoom moves.

     

    Three Native 16:9 Image Sensors
    Building on the superior image quality of the industry-leading XL series, the XL H1 is built around a 3 CCD system with a separate native 16:9 CCDs for each primary color. With the XL H1, each 1/3" CCD has 1.67M pixels. The result is higher resolution, delivering outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise.

     

    DIGIC DV II Image Processor
    DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Even though video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II HD digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both HD video and still images.

     

    Combination 16:9 EVF and LCD panel
    Whether you're gathering news on the run or shooting documentary footage in an exotic location, the XL H1's big and bright 2.4", 16:9 Electronic Viewfinder makes it is easy to operate your HD camcorder -- no matter what your shooting style -- and get the shot you need. Depending on your preference, the viewfinder can work in either EVF or LCD mode, and can be adjusted left to right, and forward to backwards.

    Safe Area Markings (80%, 90%), Aspect Ratio Guides, B/W mode, Zebra Pattern (70 -- 100 IRE) make it easy to frame and check exposure, while Peaking and Magnifying Focus Help all assist you in composing your shot and getting the proper exposure.

    With the 20x HD video lens and the XL H1, you can also utilize the Distance Readout System (in either feet or meters).

     

    Custom Presets and Custom Keys
    Using the XL H1's six custom presets and two custom keys, you can quickly and easily retrieve previously defined picture and camera settings.

    Six custom presets allow you to store different sets of camera adjustments, including: color gain, color phase, sharpness, setup level, V detail, color matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch and skin detail (hue, gain, area, Y level). Once saved, the presets are easily retrieved for duplicating a previously defined look.

    Using the SD / MultiMediaCard slot you can store up to 20 Custom Presets and easily transfer them to another XL H1, and with the optional Console software, you can adjust all of the functions of the camcorder and transfer the Custom Presets to and from the camcorder. You can even send the presets by email to another XL H1 user.

    With the XL H1, you can also define two custom keys, in both camera mode and VCR mode, giving you customized shooting modes that can be retrieved as needed.

     

    SMPTE Time Code and Color Bars
    The XL H1 conforms to industry standards with SMPTE time code, as well as Drop, Non-Drop, Rec Run and Free Run modes.

    The XL H1 also generates industry standard SMPTE color bars with a 1 KHz reference tone (-12dB or -20dB) for adjustment purposes, and for setting up video and audio monitors in a variety of production and editing situations. When used as a lead-in, the bars also allow for fast hand-off in the professional broadcast and film post-production environments.

     

     

    Clear Scan
    The XL H1's Clear Scan feature lets you match the scan rate of the camera to the scan rate of computer monitors, thereby eliminating the horizontal band effect from monitors included in your shot.

     

     

    Skin Detail
    The XL H1 gives you great control over hue, gain, area and Y level (+/- 6 steps). During setup EVF shows a zebra pattern over masking area flashes between picture and white-mask. During setup EE and IEEE1394 out flashes between picture and zebra pattern, enabling you to easily smooth out skin blemishes and wrinkles with total control.

     

    4 Channel Audio
    The XL H1 provides 4 channel recording with independent control of levels for each channel. The HD camera's audio capabilities also include Locked or Unlocked in DV Recording.

    Connections

    The flexibility of the XL H1 ensures you have the connectivity you require -- whatever the project -- including:
    BNC video
    Component video
    S-Video
    Composite video
    IEEE 1394
    2 Audio LR connections with Phantom power
    Microphone terminal (3.5mm)
    Headphone terminal (3.5mm)
    LANC terminal
    HD-SDI
    Genlock
    Time Code input and output

     

    		  
     

     

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    What do we think?

    This is the camera that all Canon users have been waiting for.  The H1 offers features previously unheard of on affordable cameras.

     

    Some people will have an issue with the camera not having true progressive scan, hence Canon calling it 25F and 24F.  However, according to Canon it is nearly impossible to see the difference once video is taken onto a non-linear editor.

     

    What it does offer is Gen lock and Time code facilities for multiple camera shoots and the ability to output in SDI.

     

    Canon has rolled out a new HD lens for this camera with 1.6 to f/3.5 aperture, a zoom range of 38.9mm to 778mm in 16:9,  and 47.4mm to 954 mm in 4:3.

     

    All in all it's an impressive bit of kit and likely to prove very popular with those people wanting a good value high end camera.