Canon XL-H1 3CCD High Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000B6D2SU
• Item model number: 1626B001
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,497 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

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. Its superior Canon optics and exceptional image processing give you a brilliant HD image. The XL H1 also features uncompressed HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M) and SD-SDI (SMPTE 259M) output, as well as Genlock input and SMPTE time-code input and output for multicamera shoots. And, with its customizable open-architecture approach, selectable frame rates including 24F, and multiple output options, you've got exactly the right tool--every time.

The XL-H1's HD resolution and selectable frame rates give the look and motion of film.

HD Resolution with Selectable Frame Rates
The XL H1 features 1,080 lines of resolution shooting at 60 interlaced frames per second. It includes total Cine control, customizable settings, and a well-balanced design--for the creative control, flexibility, and advanced capability your video work demands. While the XL H1 does not have a true 24-frame progressive mode, it features a movie-like 24-frames-per-second frame rate that filmmakers can use to create the look and feel of movie film.

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 3CCD system with a separate native 16:9 CCDs for each primary color. With the XL H1, each 1/3-inch CCD has 1.67 megapixels. The result is higher resolution, outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction, and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise.

The generous 2.4-inch LCD functions as a viewfinder that makes it easy to get the shot you need.

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-inch, 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, and 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).

Conveniently connect with on-site equipment and multicamera setting with the XL-H1's JackPack.

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. Multicamera 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.

Total Cine Control
In addition, the XL H1 boasts three color matrixes for a wide range of color correction and two cine gammas for intricate adjustment of dynamic range. With the XL H1, you can control the total look of your video by fine-tuning all important picture settings:

The XL-H1 lets you customize every picture setting for total video control.

• Gamma, Knee, Black
• Master Pedestal
• Setup Level and Sharpness
• Horizontal Detail Frequency
• Horizontal / Vertical Detail Balance
• Coring
• Noise Reduction 1 and 2
• Color Matrix
• Color Gain
• Color Phase
• Master Red, Blue, and Green Gains
• R-G, R-B, G-R, G-B, B-R, B-G Matrices

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

Capture still images at full HD resolution--1,920 x 1,080 pixels.

Interface 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), vHeadphone terminal (3.5mm), LANC terminal, HD-SDI, Genlock, and Time-Code input and output.

Still Image Recording
In addition to all of the features and capabilities you'd expect from a Canon HD camcorder, the XL H1 also gives you the flexibility to record still images. The images can be captured at full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080), with all the custom settings. With many pre- and post-production, storyboarding, and continuity applications, still image recording is just another way the XL H1 delivers versatility.

HDV Recording
The XL H1 is capable of recording and playing back high-definition (HD) images using DV cassette tapes. The camcorder records in HDV1080i and uses a Mode Select and a Frame Rate dial to select HD signals or SD signals and the frame rate.

The XL-H1 gives you great control over hue, gain, area, and Y level to easily smooth out unwanted skin details.

The images recorded on the tape are configured as follows:

• Under the "HDV1080i" (HDV) specifications, 1,440 x 1,080 (16:9) images in 60 fields (or 50 fields for PAL) are recorded. (60i/50i recording)
• Under the "HDV1080i" (HDV) specifications, 1,440 x 1,080 (16:9) images in 30 frames (or 25 frames for PAL) are recorded. (30F/25F recording)
• Under the "HDV1080i" (HDV) specifications, 1,440 x 1,080 (16:9) images in 24 frames are recorded. (24F recording)

What's in the Box
XL H1 digital camcorder, HD-20x zoom XL5.4-106mm L IS II, wireless controller, WL-D5000/(AA size batteries), battery pack (BP-950G), compact power adapter (CA-920), power supply coupler (DC-920), AC cable, microphone unit, shoulder strap (SS-1000), skirt adapter (PC-A10), adapter holder, SD memory card (SD-16M), D terminal component cable (DTC-1000).

Product Description

High Definition's Highest Expression - Whether you're a broadcast ENG producer, documentary, feature or commercial videographer, the XL H1 is the affordable, lightweight HD camcorder you've been waiting for. Its Superior Canon Optics and exceptional image processing give you a brilliant HD image. For pristine image quality, the XL H1 features uncompressed digital HD-SDI output (SMPTE 292M), as well as Gen-lock 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. Like all of Canon's 3CCD camcorders, the XL H1 includes image control features, customizable settings and a well-balanced design - for the creative control, flexibility and advanced capability your video work demands. HD Resolution With Adjustable Frame Rates- The XL H1 delivers HD at 1080i, along with selectable frame rates of 60i, 30F, and 24F. For high-speed subjects, 30F delivers spectacular clarity, while 24F 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 Gen-lock synchronization or SMPTE time code input and output. Also provided is uncompressed digital HD and digital SD through an SDI output. The XL H1's professional JackPack brings together all these capabilities and lets you quickly and conveniently make the connection you need. Total CINE Control- With the XL H1, you get total control over the cine look of your video by fine-tuning a number of variables: 3 color matrixes, 2 cine gammas and adjustable: knee, black stretch, setup level, master pedestal, horizontal detail, coring, sharpness, noise reduction, col

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars warning! Be careful with compatibility, September 19, 2008

By 

Rafael Chinchilla (Costa Rica) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon XL-H1 3CCD High Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

All Canon HDV cameras has an important issue: if you record in 24F or 30F modes, the tapes can only be played back in the camera itself. Canon records those signals in a proprietary mode that is not HDV compliant. YOU CANNOT PLAYBACK THE TAPES IN ANY DECK OR CAMERA other than Canon.