Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000H7GSG6
• Item model number: 1191B001
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,086 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Manufacturer Description Your vision...in high definition.

For the professional and serious non-professional alike, the XH A1 combines a wealth of features with the outstanding performance of a 3-CCD, high-definition camcorder.

The excellence of the XH A1 begins with its Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens with Professional L Series Fluorite. Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization corrects for a wide range of camera movement and vibration, and Instant AF (Auto Focus) ensures ultra-quick, accurate focus. The DIGIC DV II HD image processor then ensures improved color reproduction and noise reduction - for a final result that is the zenith of image quality.

If you need advanced image control, the XH A1 gives you features that let you make manual adjustments to fine-tune your video. If you prefer to concentrate on your subject and let your camcorder take care of exposure and image controls, the XH A1 let you do that as well.

With a wide range of features and optional accessories, the XH A1 is a versatile, flexible and powerful performer that is sure to meet your uncompromising standards.

Canon XH A1 Highlights

The image quality of high definition The XH A1 captures true 1080 high-definition resolution video at 60i, 30F or 24F frame rates (or, 50i/60i with optional upgrade). It captures a true 16:9 widescreen HD image that is made for your HD broadcast and theatrical projects.

Genuine Canon HD zoom lens The XH A1 comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens that shows why the name Canon is synonymous with optical excellence. This Professional L Series Fluorite lens ensures outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction, and delivers clarity and image quality you won't see with conventional optical glass lenses.

3CCD performance The XH A1 is equipped with three 1/3-inch Native 16:9 CCDs (1.67 megapixels), delivering outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction, and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise.

Instant AF With HD, focus is more critical than ever. Instant AF is the next generation of auto focus, designed with HD resolution in mind. It combines an external AF sensor with Canon's legendary auto focus system for fast and accurate focus. Together, the two sensors reduce focusing time -- even in low-light situations -- and improve focusing performance on difficult subjects.

DIGIC DV II HD image processor DIGIC DV II HD is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Designed specifically for HD, DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality for HD video, with improved color reproduction - especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also employs a hybrid noise reduction system that integrates two types of noise reduction, for high-definition images that are crystal clear.

Ensure a crisp, clear picture with Canon's Super-Range OIS

Super-range optical image stabilizer Canon's innovative Super-Range OIS combines gyro- and image-sensors to correct camcorder shake instantly - whether it's the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car, the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording, or the slower motion of body sway.

Image control A variety of image control functions give you as much or as little exposure control as you want, and let you fine-tune your exposures for outstanding video:

• Total image control
• 9 custom presets and 2 custom keys
• 7 Program AE modes

Additional features

• 2.8-inch widescreen LCD and .57-inch widescreen EVF give you bright, high-resolution views. The LCD and EVF can be used at the same time, giving both cameraperson and director or producer a view of the action.
• Captures true 1080 resolution HD video at 60i, 30F, 24F
• Three 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs with 1.67 megapixels (1440 x 1080)
• Complete customization
• 9 custom presets; 2 custom keys
• Compact design
• Manual iris ring
• 2 built-in XLR terminals with line level and phantom power
• External microphone holder
• SD memory card slot
• Flash accessory shoe (Supports Canon EX Speedlites)
• Fully compatible with optional Canon Console Image Control & Storage Software Version 1.1
• Optional 50i/60i upgrade available
• One-year parts and labor limited warranty

What's in the box

XH A1 high-definition camcorder, DC coupler (DC-920), component video cable (DTC-1000), stereo video cable (STV-250N), wireless controller (WL-D5000), shoulder strap (SS-1000), battery pack (BP-950G), 16MB SD card (SD-16M), HDV tape (HDVM-E63PR)

Product Description

The excellence of the XH A1 begins with its Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens with Professional L Series Fluorite. Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization corrects for a wide range of camera movement and vibration, and Instant AF (Auto Focus) ensures ultra-quick, accurate focus. The DIGIC DV II HD image processor then ensures improved color reproduction and noise reduction - for a final result that is the zenith of image quality.If you need advanced image control, the XH A1 gives you features that let you make manual adjustments to fine-tune your video. If you prefer to concentrate on your subject and let your camcorder take care of exposure and image controls, the XH A1 let you do that as well.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After a long search I bought this one.., January 30, 2007

By 

Surfzup101 (Arnold, md USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I looked at this camera the Panasonic hvx200, the sonys, the jvc 200, and even Canon's bigger brother the X1. I found this one to have fantastic reviews on DVinfo.net, a great video forum. My concerns about 24f vs 24p were addressed to my satisfaction- there really isn't a difference. I like tape vs the HVX's expensive storage solutions. One concern I had was, will it look like a pro camera? That is important in some situations where your equipment gives you added credibilty with clients and talent.

As soon as I opened the box I was in love! This is a really substantial camera. Especially with the opt wide angle from Canon and the matte box provided, this does not look like your mama's camcorder.

I really like the manual controls, so that you don't have to go thru menus to change parameters. The layout of everything is great. I really like the dual on/off and zoom controls- top of handle plus rear right side. Holding the handle for low or medium height shots is very, very comfortable and the controls are perfectly positioned.

Only down side- and it is incidental. The matte box is a bit flimsy- lightweight plastic. That helps with weight, but I worry about breaking it. Some may say that HDV codec is not as good as DVCpro, but my eye does not see it. The colors are magnificent and it blows away many other cams in low-light.

If you are looking for point and shoot, this is not your baby, but if you want a pro quality camera for a really great price- this is it!

72 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic camcorder, March 7, 2007

By 

D. F. Curran "dfcurran" (Missoula, MT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Length:: 2:55 Mins

I use this camcorder now for all my filming (capturing with Final Cut Pro) and I highly recommend it.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect companion for XL-H1, July 22, 2007

By 

Brian R. Findlay "brfindla" (Merrimack, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

About 1 year ago I bought an XL-H1 and a Sony HVR-A1U to do work on a documentary. Though the Sony has proved to be a great camera in its own right, it doesn't cut well with the XL-H1, and the image quality in bright light was near as good, in darker settings, things just fell apart. So I bought this camera XH-A1. I thought when I bought the XL-H1 I would end up buying a second when I could afford it, but I found no compelling reason on a couple of counts. (1) Jack pack is wonderful if you are planning to haul around a RAID array and a generator. I'm sure this would be allot of fun for the run a gunner like myself ;-) (sarcasm). Even though I have heard people criticize the HDV format for compression and artifacts not seen as much with the uncompressed format you get from the HD/SDI output.. I personally think maybe its 1 person in a 1000 who could tell the difference in the end (and they might be faking, I can't). This pictures is NOTHING short of Stunning period. (2) I thought having two cameras that I could syncronize with the clocks would be really needed.. but its really not that difficult to do in an editor by just finding a synchronizing frame (like a handshake, etc) and going from there. (3) I wanted the TC output to drive an external 24 bit audio recorder (this camera doesn't have it the HL-H1 does). Well, after getting it to work, I never used it.. I did lots of 24 bit recording, but like the video, it was easy enough to synchronize externally in the editor later. The autofocus on this camera is hugely improved over the xl-h1. I NEVER run the XL-H1 in "auto" anything, this camera I do as it seems to have more smarts, though I STRONGLY suggest putting the gain into "LOW" not auto and setting it for -3 in the menu setups. Also, Always do manual white balance. I still favor running about everything in manual as its better control and fewer unexpected problems, but I would trust this camera far more than the XL-H1 in auto.

DOWNSIDES:
For me, there are only two downsides to this camera (1) Wide angle lens - I know there is a screw on available, I haven't tried it.. but the $3K canon wide angle lens (almost the same price as this camera!) is just amazing, I wonder how great this one is. (2) Power of the big camera.. as much of a joke as it may sound.. I have gotten several interviews and in several places because the XL-H1 is huge, expensive, and professional looking. I have walked though security at events because the guys "assume" I am with something official (just an independent doc), and have seen them stop guys with huge expensive still cameras, etc.. its actually very funny, but if you understand human nature.. it makes people take you seriously. The XH-A1 performs every bit as good, but lacks that effect to the same degree (though it still looks pretty "professional"). I hope that helps.

Last comment, unless you're going to film (I think 24F is pretty bogus) try 30F, looks much smoother and better. People fell in love with the distortion of vinal recordings, but it was still distortion. 24F (p) is the same thing.. looks jerky, maybe more like a movie, but if you have a better technology why on earth would you like something inferiour? My 2 Cents.