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Top Canon XH A1 Camcorder Reviews
DV wrote a review on the
Canon XH A1 and said, "The XH A1 lacks the professional
Jackpack, but costs less than half of the H1's price" They
found a few problems with the video camera but the XH A1 ended
up earning their Award of Excellence.
Canon XH A1 News Release Summary:
New XH A1 Camcorder Offers 24 Frame HD Recording for Less than
$4,000
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 26, 2006 – Both of Canon's new three-CCD
HD camcorders – the XH A1 and XH G1 models - provide
broadcasters, cinematographers and production facilities with a
full line of professional, high quality, low cost HD solutions.
Broadcasters, Event videographers, and cinematographers with
tight budgets will appreciate Canon's flexible, powerful and
feature rich XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders. Whether on set, in
the field, or shooting a feature film, these two camcorders
offer selectable frame rates and deliver stunning 1080i HD
video.
Building on the image quality of the award winning XL H1 model,
the XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders offer a Genuine Canon 20x HD
zoom lens, Super Range Optical Image Stabilization, 60i, 24F,
30F frame rates and total image control. The XH A1 model will be
available in late October for an estimated selling price of
$3,999*, while the XH G1 model adds HD-SDI output with embedded
audio and timecode; Genlock synchronization and Timecode In/Out
and will be available in mid-November for an estimated selling
price of $6,999*.
"Canon is now offering a full range of HD solutions that give
professionals the control they need at a price point they can
afford." said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and
general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A.,
Inc., "Joining the open architecture of the XL H1 model, Canon's
newest camcorders round out our high definition line by
providing features and design demanded by a wide variety of
professionals."
Both camcorders have three 1/3 inch native 16:9 1440 x 1080 CCDs
that capture images at 1080i resolution. The camcorders feature
60i, 30F and 24F selectable frame rates to allow users to adapt
to each assignment. At the 30 Frame rate, camera operators can
capture high-speed subjects with spectacular clarity. Filmmakers
can utilize the 24 Frame rate to create the look and motion of
movie film. The 60i frame rate works well in applications such
as ENG or Reality TV. For a fee, users can also send their
cameras in to Canon's Factory Service Center for an optional
50i/60i upgrade to conform to PAL standards.
Professional Optics for Professional Performance
Calling on more than 70 years of optical excellence in
manufacturing lenses for broadcast and still photography, the
camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens. This lens
includes both fluorite and UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) glass
elements to achieve HD performance throughout the whole zoom
range. These elements minimize color fringing even at high
magnifications. Multi-Coating reduces flare and ghosting. The
"L" series lens has a focal range of 32.5mm - 650mm (35mm
equivalent), delivering exceptional versatility for a wide
variety of shooting situations, especially documentary and
newsgathering applications that demand a wide field of view. In
addition to manual focus and zoom rings, the lens includes a
manual iris ring for the smooth, fine adjustment that
professionals prefer. For added control, a High Speed Zoom Mode
allows the zoom to respond more quickly and intuitively.
Furthermore, the lens contains two built-in Neutral Density
Filters (1/6 and 1/32).
The Canon XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders feature Canon's
Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization to help deliver smooth,
steady video even at longer focal lengths. The system uses two
detection methods (gyro and vector) to sense the widest range of
vibrations from hand-held shake, to vibration from a moving
vehicle. By using optical stabilization, it can compensate for a
greater degree of camera shake and avoid any loss in image
quality, unlike electronic image stabilizers.
Instant AF (Auto Focus) - The Next Generation Focusing System
Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting
in High Definition, the XH A1 and XH G1 models feature Canon's
revolutionary new Instant AF focusing system. It offers a
dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared
to traditional autofocus systems). The Instant AF feature uses
an external sensor, in combination with Canon's autofocus
system, to significantly decrease the time it takes to find
focus, even in low light conditions. This new system achieves
focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." Users can
especially see the benefits of Instant AF in high brightness,
and night shooting situations. Camera operators can capture
fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.
Canon's DIGIC DV II Image Processor
The XH A1 and XH G1 camcorders feature Canon's DIGIC DV II
proprietary digital signal processor, which Canon designed
specifically for HD acquisition. Found also in Canon's flagship
XL H1 HD camcorder, the DIGIC DV II processor provides highly
accurate color and tonal reproduction needed for high HD image
quality. A new noise reduction system, combined with a new gamma
system, helps to reduce noise in monotone and shadow areas. The
fast processing speed of the DIGIC DV II chip allows video and
photos to be shot simultaneously. Furthermore, the processor's
low power consumption, contributes to longer battery life.
Design
The XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders are designed to handle a
variety of different shooting situations. Canon housed the 2.8"
Widescreen LCD securely beneath the handle, which allows it to
swing out easily when needed. The handle provides an additional
record start/stop and a zoom control, making it ideal for
low-angle shooting. The new models include toggle switches,
which are standard on high-end video equipment for gain, color
bars, and white balance. To reduce camcorder size, an internal
battery compartment holds one Canon BP-950G or the large
capacity BP-970G battery. Both camcorders offer two built-in XLR
terminals with mic/line level and phantom power, an external
microphone holder for attaching shotgun microphones, a
voice-recording mode, and two-channel manual audio level
adjustment allows precise control.
Complete Customization
The image, display items, and functions of the Canon XH A1 and
XH G1camcorders can be uniquely customized for different
applications and users. Camera Operators can finely adjust a
total of 23 image settings, including color gain, RGB
independent gain, and 6-axis matrix. These cameras provide a
wide range and degree of image adjustment. Users can store a
total of nine image presets in the internal memory, or to a
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card for exporting to other XH A1 or
XH G1 camcorders.
Users can fully customize the camcorder's display as well,
matching the preference of the shooter, or set up for a specific
application. The camera operator can hide or display up to 21
different items and they can also personalize (or design for
different shooting conditions) up to 20 custom camera functions.
Users can save and read up to three groups of settings from an
SD Card.
Additionally, camera operators can use the 'sky detail' function
for removing detail or noise in the sky without affecting other
areas of the picture. Users can also increase video gain up to
+36dB, for capturing images in extreme low light situations.
The XH G1 HD Camcorder and the Professional Jackpack
Like the XL H1 model - the XH G1 HD camcorder includes Canon's
Professional Jackpack Terminals, which are a trio of connections
that provide professionals with outstanding quality and
versatility: HD-SDI/SD-SDI Output, SMPTE Timecode Input/Output,
and Genlock Input.
The HD-SDI connection outputs an uncompressed 1.485 Gbps digital
signal with embedded audio and LTC Timecode (SMPTE 299M),
reducing the number of cables and improving the camera
operator's mobility, or integrating seamlessly into broadcast
studios. Professionals can also use the HD-SDI output for
playback or easy capture and transfer. The signal can also be
set to SD-SDI, during shooting or playback (SMPTE 272M).
Users can easily facilitate multi-camera shoots with the XH G1
model due to the camcorder's Genlock synchronization input. This
feature permits trouble free switching of XH G1 camcorders in a
multi-camera situation. With its SMPTE time code input/output
terminal, each camera on a shoot can lay down synchronous time
code.
Still images
The XH A1 and XH G1 camcorders can both capture 2.0 megapixel
photos at 1920 x 1080 resolution to an SD card, which comes in
handy in pre and postproduction, storyboarding, and continuity
applications. The user can capture photos in video color space
while simultaneously recording video to tape. In addition,
professionals can use the camcorder as full featured digital
still camera, capturing photos in digital camera color space,
complete with metering modes, shooting modes, and the option of
using a Canon EX Series Speedlite Flash on its dedicated flash
shoe. The camcorder includes a still image histogram and EXIF
display for exposure verification.
Console Software Version 1.1
Canon's optional Console Image Control and Storage software,
Version 1.1 allows users to control camcorder functions and
settings remotely from a Windows-based laptop or desktop
computer. They can record footage directly to a computer's hard
drive as well as monitor their shoot with on-screen Vectrascope
and Waveform monitors. Camera operators can use the software in
a variety of shooting conditions, like mounting the camcorders
on a crane, in studio, or in an inaccessible location. Console
software Version 1.1 will be available as a free upgrade to
owners of the original software or a complete version can be
purchased this October for an estimated selling price of $599*.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and
industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of
Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on
the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company
Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology,
ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2005, with global revenues
of $31.8 billion. For more information, www.usa.canon.com.
Canon XH A1 Best Price
(When Available)
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