Editorial Reviews
Product Description:Canon 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. It comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD Professional L Series Fluorite lens delivering outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction; delivers clarity and image quality you won't see with conventional optical glass lenses. Designed specifically for HD, Canon's 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. Designed for professional use, the Canon XH-A1 comes with a 2.8" Widescreen LCD and .57" Widescreen EVF for bright, high-resolution views. The LCD and EVF can be used at the simultaneously, giving both cameraperson and director or producer a view of the action. It records on HDV digital tape cassettes. There's also a slot for SD memory cards.
Canon's innovative Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer 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. 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. There are 9 Custom Presets, 2 Custom Keys, and 7 Programmable AE Modes.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
OUTSTANDING PICTURE, October 24, 2008
By
Richard J. Allen, Sr.GREAT CAMERA!! THE PICTURE IS OUTSTANDING!! ONE DISAPPOINTMENT IS THAT THE CAMERA IS NOT EQUIPMENT WITH A "HDMI" CABLE CONNECTION. FOR THE PRICE I WAS SURE THAT IT WOULD HAVE THAT CONNECTION.
BUT OVERALL, I'M VERY HAPPY WITH THE CAMERA. 99% OF MY SHOOTING IS OUTSIDE OF ACTIVE RAILROAD OPERATIONS. FAST MOVING TRAINS, ETC. ASO I SHOOT FIREFIGHTING SCENES FOR MY FIRE DEPT. ONCE AGAIN, OUTSTANDING CAMERA!!
Great camera, October 23, 2008
By
Thomas H. Yacoe (Palo Alto, Ca)
Having worked with many 'prosumer' 3CCD cameras, this is a great choice for an aspiring filmmaker of any sort. I use it for films, video journalism, blogging, anything.
warning! Be careful with compatibility, September 20, 2008
By
Rafael Chinchilla (Costa Rica)
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.
Great Price for a Great Camera, September 14, 2008
By
Steven G. Huntley (Wonderful Western Colorado)
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3806EH8COQTFY Thinking of moving to HD? It's probably a good time to do it!
Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom
Focus Enhancements 60GB FireStore FS-4 Pro HD DV Disk Recorder With Direct To Edit DTE Technology - Model ASYF-1162-01LF Miscellaneous Accessories
A occasional fuzzy image problem shooting in standard definition, September 8, 2008
By
Flick FanIf you get an earlier version of the XH-A1 you may experience a problem shooting in standard definition. (It only occurs in some, not all cameras.) Your picture will look fine in your viewfinder and on your LCD screen. However when you download the footage the scene will be out of focus and the central image will look fuzzy (i.e. something other than the central image may be in sharp focus)--check this using a tripod for the shoot. It will be more pronounced if you are using a wide aperture. This only occurs if you shoot in standard definition and not while you are shooting in HD. (My guess is the problem is an adjustment for SD auto focus with the HD lens.) This is a problem Canon will fix for you in a very quick turn around. If you think this is occurring with your XH-A1 you should call Canon tech support and go over the problem with them so they can give you a repair code. Most likely the repair will be free. If you have this problem, once they repair it, this will be, once again, a five star camcorder. This camera is so complex you might not know whether any problem you are having is you or the camera, so I just wanted to mention this case where the problem does seem to be the camera's. 2008 Learn the (Canon XH A1, XH-A1) XHA1 TUTORIAL TEACHING PROGRAMMED-INSTRUCTION DVD
