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As Canon's first HD video camera, the Canon
XL H1 High Definition
(HD) camcorder and 20x HD video zoom lens with Superior Canon
Optics* provide broadcasters with a low-cost 1080i resolution
option for ENG, Documentary or Reality TV production. Filmmakers
will also appreciate the extensive Cine controls and 24 Frame
rate option the XL H1 camcorder offers. Canon's "professional
jackpack" features include uncompressed digital HD-SDI output
for seamless integration into broadcast studios or high-quality
image transfer to non-linear editing systems. The Genlock
feature allows movie sets to easily synchronize camera settings
across multiple camcorders and SMPTE time-codes in-and-out
allow for streamlined tape and edit management.
"As FCC deadlines for transferring all television content
to digital rapidly approach, broadcasters are looking for
low-cost acquisition options that do not require them to
revamp their entire infrastructure," said Yukiaki Hashimoto,
senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer
Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon
Inc. "By offering backward compatibility with current SD-based
infrastructure, the XL H1 HD camcorder combines the right
features at the right price to meet the demanding needs of
television production and movie making."
The XL H1 camcorder has three 1/3 inch 16:9 interlaced CCDs
that capture images at 1080i resolution. The camcorder features
selectable frame rates of 60i, 30 Frame and 24 Frame to allow
the user to adjust to the assignment at hand and can switch
back to SD resolution if needed.
At the 30 Frame rate, broadcasters can capture high motion,
like sports with confidence that each frame is captured individually
and completely. Filmmakers can utilize the 24 Frame rate
when creating the look and feel of movie film. The 60i frame
rate, meanwhile, delivers exceptional resolution for shooting
environments like ENG or Reality TV.
The XL H1 HD camcorder is the first model to include Canon's
proprietary DIGIC DV II image processor. DIGIC DV II is an
image processor that can process both HD and SD video signals
as well as still photos, while maintaining the correct color
space for each mode.
Make the Connection with the Professional Jackpack Terminals
The XL H1 camcorder's professional jackpack terminals consist
of three key features designed to streamline production:
HD-SDI output (High Definition Serial Digital Interface),
Genlock and SMPTE (Society of Motion Pictures and Television
Engineers) Time Code input and output.
To streamline in-studio television production, the XL H1
model offers HD-SDI and SD-SDI output. HD-SDI output allows
professionals to directly connect to a TV control room or
a non-linear editing system. With this feature, users can
plug their XL H1 camcorder into any professional's system
with an HD-SDI input and can deliver live, unfiltered HD
content in all its brilliant detail. With other HDV models
on the market, the user must feed the HD signal into an analog
to digital signal converter box which adds an extra step,
not to mention, an extra cost. The XL H1 camcorder can also
record to HDV Master recording media or Mini-DV tapes.
Multi-camera shoots with the XL H1 model are no problem thanks
to the camcorder's Genlock synchronization input feature.
This feature allows many XL H1 camcorders to synchronize
through a switcher. With its SMPTE time code input and output,
multiple cameras on a shoot can all lay down the same time
code. The XL H1 camcorder uses a customizable open-architecture
approach, selectable frame rates and multiple output options
so professionals have exactly the right tool, every time
they need it.
Each year, the number of filmmakers turning to video-based
acquisition solutions for movie production grows. Moviemakers
that shoot video place strong emphasis on delivering the "film" look
to their pictures. Canon's new XL H1 camcorder offers filmmakers
the ability to customize their video recordings using a number
of variables, including: three color matrixes for a wide
range of color correction and two cine gammas for intricate
adjustment of dynamic range, customizable: knee, black stretch,
horizontal detail, coring, sharpness, noise reduction, color
gain, hue and master color adjustments. Each one of these
settings can be modified independently, thereby giving the
camera operator precise control over the "film-like" appearance
of their video.
In addition to its extraordinary video capabilities, Canon's
XL H1 HD camcorder can capture still images plus metadata
at full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 dpi or 2.1 megapixels)
onto a standard Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card and MMC media.
The "Photo" button located on the outside of the camcorder
allows users to capture still images at up to five frames
per second. Camcorder settings can be stored on the memory
card and transferred to another camcorder so setup can be
replicated.
The XL H1 camcorder's still image capture plus metadata feature
provides an in-camcorder solution for cinematographers and
directors to check for scene continuity and provides added
back-up to any still photographers on set.
Canon is launching a new multi functional color electronic
viewfinder (EVF) and 2.4" 16:9 LCD monitor with Safe Area
Marking built-in; black and white mode; Zebra Pattern (70-100
IRE); Horizontal and Vertical flip and a Distance Readout
(using 20X HD Video lens).
As a menu option, users can chose to view Aspect Ratio Guides
in the viewfinder. Canon provides a choice of 4x3, 13x9,
14x9, 1.66:1, 1.75:1 1.85:1, 235:1 guides. The XL H1 HD camcorder
viewfinder also includes a feature called Focus Help. The
first setting — Peaking — creates an exaggerated
line in the viewfinder that disappears when the image is
focused. The second setting — Magnifying — enlarges
the viewfinder image, helping the camera operator better
see if the image is properly focused.
The new XL H1 HD camcorder features Canon's XL-interchangeable
lens mount. For the XL H1 camcorder, Canon drew upon its
exceptional heritage and expertise in designing and manufacturing
lenses for photography and broadcast TV to create its new
20x HD video zoom lens with Superior Canon Optics. This lightweight,
high performance lens achieves fast, precise focusing and
a unique balance of focal length, angle of view and depth
of field; key quality attributes that distinguish Canon from
some other brands.
In addition it incorporates multiple Fluorite elements for
superior contrast, resolution and color fidelity through
the reduction of chromatic aberration. The 20x HD Video lens
offers a fast f/1.6 to f/3.5 aperture for users that shoot
under the most demanding lighting conditions and a close
focusing distance from only 20mm away (when at wide angle).
At an aspect ratio of 16:9, the 20x zoom range is an impressive
38.9mm to 778mm (35mm equivalent). At the 4:3 aspect ratio,
it is an equally impressive 47.4mm to 954mm (35mm equivalent).
The lens features a 72mm filter thread, two independent ND
filters (1/6, 1/32), focus and zoom presets, and optical
image stabilization.
Canon's Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system
corrects camera shake instantly so even hand held shots,
at full telephoto, and shots taken from a moving car, are
smooth and steady. Because it is optical, it can compensate
for a greater degree of camera shake and avoids any loss
in image quality, unlike some electronic image stabilizers.
Other optical image stabilizers use a gyro sensor to detect
camcorder vibration (the data from which controls a vari-angle
prism that continuously corrects the path of the incoming
light). Canon's SuperRange OIS system goes one step further
by examining the image after the CCD receives it and detecting
any low-frequency vibrations missed by the gyro. This data
is fed back to accelerate and refine the movement of the
vari-angle prism. This greatly improves performance for low
frequency vibration, resulting in the most advanced optical
image stabilization available today.
The XL H1 camcorder and the 20x HD Video Lens with Superior
Canon Optics will be available as a kit in November for an
estimated selling price of $8,999.
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Daniel Del Aqua is a contributing
author to www.digital-camcorders-reviews.net. A guide
that offers reviews, ratings & info on where to find
the best mini dvd camcorders, Handycam video cameras,
batteries & accessories.
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