Digital Video Camera & Camcorder Review

Canon announces the XL H1. 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 multi-camera 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 features total Cine control, customizable settings and a well-balanced design — for the creative control, flexibility and advanced capability your video work demands.

MobileWhack has a review of the Canon XL H1 and gives it a rating of 5.7 (average) They write - “For all you Movie makers and TV stations owners out there, check out this new camcorder, it is called the Canon XL H1 High Definition Camcorder and features a 20X hd video lens, Native 16:9 HD Image Quality at 1080i; Adjustable Frame Rates of 60i, 30F and 24F; and Canon’s Professional “Jackpack” Terminals. The FCC deadline for transferring all television content to digital is fast approaching, this camcorder would be the perfect low cost option for ENG, Documentary or Reality TV shows.

The Canon 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 multi-camera shoots. 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.”

FilmDalies has a review of the Canon XL H1 and writes - “Canon XL H1 is the obvious high definition upgrade choice (1080i) for people who got used to the versatility of the previous Canon models. Naturally, the new camera allows interchangeable lenses – a Canon trademark. Statistics on Canon owners indicate that 85% of the shooters stuck to their original lenses which could be part of the reason why SONY sticks to their line of prosumer camcorders with built-in Carl Zeiss lenses.”

VideoSystems has a review of the Canon XL H1 and writes - “While Sony has achieved unprecedented Handycam compactness in its HDV designs, Canon has instead opted to retain the bulkier “chainsawâ€? profile of its XL1 and XL2 series, which permits the use of larger interchangeable lenses, mostly of Canon design.

The XL H1 features a new Canon 20X (5.4-108mm) HD zoom with a microprocessor-actuated vari-angle prism for optical image stabilization â€â€? Canon invented OIS, incidentally â€â€? as well as a new algorithm that examines, on the fly, low-frequency shake in captured images to fine-tune the vari-angle prism’s responsiveness.”

Full Specs here

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