Canon XH-G1 3CCD HDV Camcorder, 1080i, 16:9, 20x Lens, 24f Mode, and HD-SDI "Jackpack" (Time Code, Gen Lock)

Comments about Canon XH-G1 3CCD HDV Camcorder, 1080i, 16:9, 20x Lens, 24f Mode, and HD-SDI "Jackpack" (Time Code, Gen Lock):

Excellent imagery as well as ease of use. A good design that is both ergonomic and portable. A great 2nd camera to complement the XL-H1

Comments about Canon XH-G1 3CCD HDV Camcorder, 1080i, 16:9, 20x Lens, 24f Mode, and HD-SDI "Jackpack" (Time Code, Gen Lock):

My particular requirements: I shoot corporate video for a medical device company, and travel around the country to many different hosipitals/facilities. My videos run the gamut of simple point and shoot presentations, to complex interviews and scenes involving green screen for keys.About half of my shoots are done in the OR, taping live operations that will be used for product training. To that end, and lieu of travel, I needed a robust, swiss-army knife of a camera. The G1 meets those expectations.Due to dim lighting, I needed a camera with large enough glass, but not something that would require shoulder mounting (or as heavy as the XH-H1). As I shoot downward over a clinicians shoulder, I opted for the G1 mounted on a varizoom rig pro harness. The VZrig pro allows one to tilt the camera down without stooping. A perfect balance for a forward heavy cam.The placement of buttons are not so concerning as I use the ZR2000 lanc controller on the rig handle. However, coming from an XL1s, I'm not happy with the recessed audio knobs on the XHG1, finite control during live shots is difficult.The view finder, like all current HDV cameras, is too small to sufficiently judge focus, and peaking can also be hard to distern from grain when using medium to high gain in very dark rooms. Therefore I use a 7 Marshall HDV monitor, via component output. It's sufficient to judge tack sharp focus and is easier on the eyes. (I then use the view finder to for data display).The glass on the XHG1 is sharp enough to resolve excellent uncompressed images via the HD-SDI port, (and I capture via a Xena card and write to cineform intermediate at 2k 444). Resulting in high quality green screens and keys. Something I would have expected from a camera 3x times the price.Even thought the camera is somewhat fat, it's not as tank-like as the Pany HVX. In fact, when using the long handle for knee and low angle shots, it very comfortable and of good balance. However, I would never hand hold this camera for very long without a shoulder rig or tripod. It's weight would make for a poor consumer vacation camera, and draw too much unwanted attention. (I have a sony HC1 and canon HV10 for such usage, and the HV10 is good companion/B-roll HDV cam for the G1).I shoot only 1080 at 60i, and never bother with 24p or other frame-rates. I want to capture at the highest rez possible for all shoots, doing any such conversions in post.I have played with the presets and find them interesting. They could be useful for looks and camera matching. However, it's always best to use identical camera's and shoot flat. Doing miracles in post, and thanks to current digital tools and HD-SDI, much can be done to achieve a variety of looks in post. Having a neutral master to draw from to go a number of directions.Finally, the camera is rugged enough to survive many fedex shipments in a foam padded pelican case.I think I've covered the basics of this camera. There are several articles on the net that go in the finer details of each any every feature, and mostly some I'll never use, but feel all warm and fuzzy to have.You're reading this because you want to know if the camera simple works, doesn't fail on the job and wind up in warranty wonderland. I've put the XHG1 through it's paces, and it works as documented. I would'nt recommend hitting it with a hammer or crawling through the mud. But when handled in a professional manner, it should have a long, meaningful life. Hopefully as long as my XL1s of five-years. Now that was a good ROI.

Expertise: Pro-shooter, some still photography, 6 years

Problems Encountered: None... (so far )

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: XL1, XL1s,

Items I Recommend: VZPro rig, ZR2000 (cheap plastic -but good function), 7 Marshall HVD monitor