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

by Canon

• Captures true 1080 resolution, widescreen (16:9) HD video
• 2.8-inch widescreen LCD monitor; .57-inch viewfinder
• 20x HD zoom lens; Super-range optical image stabilization
• Three 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs (1.67 megapixels)
• DIGIC DV II HD image processor

Product Details

• 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: 1191B001AA
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,996 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 86 people found the following review helpful

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

By D. F. Curran

Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 2:55 Mins

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

77 of 79 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

Amazon Verified Purchase

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!

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful

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

By Brian R. Findlay

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. Read more ›

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic! September 19, 2007

By F. Morse

I just got this in May 2007. I was a still photographer all my life, but now deceided to incorporate videos into my work, so I went straight to the quality camera rather than trying out inexpensive versions, despite being quite a novice when it comes to complicated video camera operations (I'm used to just push/zoom/record when it comes to camcorders).

This camera takes great quality footages, and if you're like me (don't know how to operate it to it's full potential), it's still easy enough to use and get a great shot while you're still reading and learning from the manual. I ended up buying the DVD explaining this specific camera, after reading the manual 3 times and found it more complex than I had imagined. Might as well learn all the tricks after investing in this great equipment, right?

I tape professional concerts on stage, so 20x zoom is thankful, but sometimes even that's not enough for my work! Does anyone have a suggestion as to which teleconverter attachment I should /can use for this?

I also attend red carpet events and interview people at publicized functions. Being a girl, it's bad enough to fight the big boys from the prominent press to grab the celebrity's attention. However, this camera commands attention, and people actually make way for me when I walk around with this professional looking machine. I even succeeded in grabbing Michael Moore and Joan Rivers to talk to my camera for a very brief interview before they had to walk away to the next bigger camera (CNN - had I not been next to their HUGE intimidating camera, perhaps I would have had more time with those celebs? )....

The spotlight mode on this camera has been helpful in filming stage performances where my second camera (Sony) I roll simultaneously from another angle can't seem to handle the crazy changes in the stage lighting as well.

There's much more upsides, but I think people already know that.

The fact that you can adjust just about anything manually makes this camera the bar-none winner!

One of the few non-professional camcorder that comes with microphone jack input as well as headphone jack! Both very much appreciated.

So, the DOWNSIDE:

The still photo capability is nice, but the images come out grainy in higher resolution, but okay in the lower res setting. Outdoor photos faired better. For photography art, stick to your real camera.

The manual that comes with the camera is NOT easily deciphered by a novice like myself, when it gets into the deep and technical aspects of customizing the setting (what, why, and how). A novice would probably end up shooting in auto mode (such a pity) due to it's complex programming involved for custom setting.

Weight: for a girl (115 lbs), I always need a tripod because it's quite heavy after holding it for 10 min and by the end of the event, my arm/shoulder is aching. However, the image stablizer works fantastically when hand-held.

Microphone - invest in external microphone if you're doing serious work. I bought wireless lavs and mics, and I finally get the sounds I'm aiming for. Otherwise, it's great for home video kind of audio (good enough for many cases), with couple of tweekers to enhance it a bit. Read more ›