Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output

Comments about Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output:

This is a GREAT camera, I love it. I have one issue though that could mess you up if you are not aware of it. There is a selector for Skin Tone Detail, don't use it. It will make your video look soft. Other than that, this is a great system.

Problems Encountered: Skin Tone DetailAreas in the picture that have skin-tone characteristics are detected when this function is called up in the menu, and the details in those areas will be softened to conceal skin imperfections, smoothing out skin blemishes and wrinkles. These skin areas will be identified in the viewfinder, during setup, by a zebra pattern alternating with the normal picture. On a connected TV or computer screen, a white pattern appears instead. This messed me up so I turned it off.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon XL 2 and the Canon GL2

Items I Recommend: Extra Battery, Panasonic MQ tapes and a flag sun shade

Comments about Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output:

Great lens exchange capability, like with JVC's ProHD, butunlike with Sony's 1080i HDV camcorders. Typical andtraditional CANON front-heavy ergonomics -- big, huge lenswith a little body attached to it from behind.

Problems Encountered: There is no uncompressed HD-SDI VTR recorder, not evenSony's HDCAM-SR decks will take in and record footage whollyuncompressed. In the digital world of high definitionbroadcast video, everything is compressed to some extent.Thus, the XL-H1's much touted uncompressed HD capabilitygoes largely unused, at least underutilized.Very hard to balance it on one's shoulder -- better whenused as a handheld. Go for a clip-on full-sized IDX batteryor battery belt. Must consider this purchase carefully, as one can almost gettwo Sony HVR-Z1Us for the price of one XL-H1. They both do1080i HDV, although the Canon is probably one full classabove the Sony in all other departments.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sony DSR250 DVCam

Comments about Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output:

I bought this as a replacement for my Sony HVR-Z1U as I needed more horizontal res and 24P option that looked good. The lens gives noticeably more resolution than the Sony, and the 24P mode,(24F) once decoded by Cineframe's HDV capture, looks awesome. This looks so close to perfect .. no noticeable loss of resolution compared to the Sony 24F.Range of color control and gamma and all the custom preset options as well as the 'Console' software option make this a true professional piece of equipment. The still shot to SD card option is icing on the cake for wedding videographers. The shoulder mount usage is comfortable, and the preset buttons that shouldn't be hit whilst shooting, are conveniently placed out of the way of fumbling fingers.... great ergonomics.

Problems Encountered: Auto focus is not so good as the HVR-Z1U in low light conditions. Low light sensitivity is marginally poorer than the Z1U, but the extra resolution and reduced color noise make up for that.Variable zoom can behave oddly .. stopping mid-slow zoom ... using fixed rate zoom as a reference option.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sony HDR FX1E, Sony HVR-Z1U, Sony HC1E

Items I Recommend: Spare battery, carry case, remote zoom / control

Comments about Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output:

This camera is absolutely amazing. Perfect for indie filmmakers. I do not know why Canon called it 24f, when in fact the camera will record 24p footage despite the interlaced sensors. When you capture the HD footage, true 23.976 frames per second progressive footage

Problems Encountered: 1. Zoom & Focus will not work simultaneously2. Will not down convert to DV while filming in HD (it will down convert in VCR mode)That's all

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon Xl1s

Items I Recommend: HD Field Monitor

Comments about Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output:

Technically an outstanding camera, only 1 bad item: it is not a good shoulder camera. The HD lens is heavier then the lens of the miniDV. There is hardly any weight on your shoulder. The whole weight is on your right hand. You even need your left hand to support the weight.So I have to look for some extra tools. That's not very practical. But I love this camera! Images with the Mini35 in combination with an Angenieux film lens

Problems Encountered: which choice to make? An extra very heavy battery at the back of the camera or an extra support under the camera?

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Philips LDK90 - JVC-D9 - Sony 150P

Comments about Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output:

This camera is an outstanding choice for amateur film makers, and low budget TV producers that can light scenes right and afford to rent or buy a deck for the uncompressed HD-SDI.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: XL1s, XL2, PD-170, SDX900

Items I Recommend: Deck, glass

Comments about Canon XL-H1 3-CCD Native 16:9 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, SMPTE TC, Genlock, FireWire and HD/SD-SDI Output:

I've looked at many cameras both non-Hi-definition and Hi-def. It offers everything the XL2 has but then High Definition and a few other futures. Remember the first version is always the test version that doesn't stop me from being first in line some one has to buy it! Christian

Problems Encountered: none

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: XL1s