WARNING: This is a "PAL" product and CANNOT be used in the USA. It is designed for use with video products built to European TV standards. For use in the USA please choose NTSC.
Almost unique at the prosumer level, the Canon XL 2 shoots in a true 16:9 ratio without artificial letter-boxing or vertically squeezing a 4:3 image. This camera uses a CCD block with 680,000 total pixels per chip. In 4:3 mode the chip crops the left and right sides resulting in the conventional ratio with 350,000 used pixels per CCD. In 16:9 mode the chip is used at full width resulting in a true 16:9 image utilizing some 460,000 pixels per chip.
Progressive and Interlaced Interpolation
The Canon XL 2 offers 3 different shooting modes for specific image looks. The camera offers both interlaced and progressive interpolation modes that include both 30 and 24-frame options. For in-depth technical details we recommend visiting this LINK.
The Luxury of Canon Lenses
Canon is unique in offering an interchangeable lens system. The XL 2 comes standard with a 20x zoom lens with an optical image stabilization system. The anti-shake system becomes especially important as greater zoom length is used. Highly advanced glass technology and lens coatings are meant to increase resolution and reduce intra-lens reflections. The standard XL 1 series lenses can also be fitted to this camera.
Signal System
PAL System, 25-Frames Interlaced 24p and 25p Available
Image Device
1/3-Inch 3-CCD 16:9 and 4:3 Switchable
Lens
Standard 20x Zoom Lens with Canon XL Mount Focal Length 5.4 to 108 mm in 20x Optical Zoom No Digital Zoom Wide Aperture Range f/1.6-3.5 (depending on zoom) Minimum Object Distance 20 mm Macro Mode 1 Meter Standard Mode Filter Diameter 72 mm
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Horizontal Resolution
530 Lines
Sensitivity
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Minimum Illumination
5.5 Lux with f/1.6 in 60i Mode, 4:3 Aspect, 1/60 Second Shutter
Vertical Smear
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Built-in Filters
ND 6 = 2 Stops ND 32 = 5 Stops
LCD Monitor
2.5-Inch LCD with VF Magnifier Removed
Viewfinder
Color LCD with Magnifier and Adjustable Ocular
Scan Matching
Yes
Memory Card Slot
No
Shutter Speed Range
1/22 to 1/15,000 Seconds
Gain Selection
-3 dB, Auto, 0 db, 3 dB, 6 dB, 12 dB, 18 db
VTR Section
-
Tape Format
Mini DV
Tape Speed
SP Speed = 18.81 mm/second EP Speed = 12.56 mm/second