Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder
- Price: $2,649.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
Remember the Essentials
Recording media is not included. Be prepared-always carry extra media.
The Canon XH-A1s is an updated version of the award-winning XHA1 HDV camcorder. The camera is geared towards the videographer on a budget who isn't willing to compromise any of the professional attributes of its big brother, the XL-H1. With the same high quality 1/3" CCDs, the camera yields an image both crisp and noise-free. The solid feeling is instantly apparent when operating the XH-A1s; despite its modest frame, the camera performs like a pro. Improvements over the previous model include higher quality zoom, focus and iris rings.
Utilizing the highly efficient HDV compression format allows over an hour of high definition recording on a single miniDV tape! Featuring a 20x fluorite fixed lens, its superior optics gives professional level shooters ultimate image fidelity unmatched by the competition. Also included is the Instant AF auto-focus system, incorporating technology that helps reduce auto focus reaction time while increasing overall accuracy.
- Updated Features
- The XH-A1s improves upon on an already stellar camera. Some improvements include simultaneous use of XLR and built-in microphone, audio volume lock, a 6-Pin FireWire I/O, the ability to share scene files between XL-H1 series and XL-G1 series camcorders, an audio limiter, and more!
- HD at Your Fingertips
- The XH-A1 camcorder has three 1/3" 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 fast 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.
- High Quality Images
- The XH-A1 HD camcorder includes 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. The highly effective chip ensures clean, noise-free footage with unmatched color fidelity.
- Flip-Out LCD
- The camera features a flip-out LCD capable of being viewed from both sides of the camera, a feature often overlooked on competitive cameras. The LCD provides ample resolution for more capable focus assistance. The display tucks cleanly under the handle when not in use, resulting in unfettered side controls.
- Instant AF
- Instant AF is an auto-focus assistant that dramatically increases both speed and accuracy when paired with HD technology. High Definition requires far more precision to get perfect focus than its standard definition counterpart. The increase in fidelity means the camera itself must work harder to find complete focus. If the auto-focus still doesn't satisfy, Canon has included independent rings for not only focus and zoom, but iris as well; a feature usually only afforded to high-end ENG systems.
- Customizable
- The XH-A1 can be customized in a variety of different ways. The image itself can be tweaked to get an endless array of different styles. Additionally, all of these functions can be saved via a Secure Digital (SD) card, for future retrieval. This feature can also be used to transfer camera settings from one camera to another, which can save time during projects with multiple cameras.
- Optical Stabilization Feature
- Canon calls its image stabilizer Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization and it helps defeat camera shake from hand held shooting and even shake produced from a moving vehicle. Because it is an optical function, it can compensate for a greater degree of camera shake and avoids any loss in image quality unlike electronic or digital stabilizing methods.
- Hard Disk Monitoring
- When recording to a compatible DTE drive, the camera will display inside the EVF how much space is remaining.
| Signal System |
NTSC* MiniDV HDV: 1080i/60i, 1080i/30f, 1080i/24f *Optional PAL/NTSC 50i/60i upgrade available via Canon's Factory Service Center. |
| Image Device | 3 1/3" Native 16:9 CCDs at 1440 x 1080 (Interlaced) |
| Lens |
4.5-90mm (32.5-650mm; 35mm photo equivalent) 72mm Front Lens Filter Thread |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1080 Lines |
| Sensitivity | f/1.6-3.5mm |
| Minimum Illumination | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Built-in Filters | ND: 1/6, 1/32 |
| LCD Monitor | 2.8" (207,000 Pixels) |
| Viewfinder | 0.57" (269,000 Pixels) |
| Memory Card Slot |
Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Secure Digital (SD) MultiMedia Card (MMC) |
| Shutter Speed Range |
60i/30f 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000, 1/15000, CS (Clear Scan) 24f 1/3, 1/6, 1/12, 1/24, 1/48, 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000, 1/15000, CS (Clear Scan) |
| Gain Selection | -3, ±0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 36dB (36dB, Camera Only) |
| VTR | |
|---|---|
| Tape Format | Mini DV Cassettes |
| Tape Speed | 18.8mm/s |
| Maximum Recording Time | 80 min |
| Audio Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Audio Signal Format |
HDV 2 Ch/MPEG-1 Audio Layer II DV-PCM 16-bit/48KHz 12-bit/32KHz |
| Input and Output Connectors |
Audio: XLR (x2 Input) BNC Video Component Video Composite Video FireWire 6-Pin Microphone: 3.5mm Headphones: 3.5mm LANC Terminal |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Power Requirements |
100-240VAC, 50/60Hz 7.4VDC |
| Power Consumption | 7.8W with Power Supply |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F (0°-40°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 6.4 x 7.6 x 15.5" (16.3 x 19.2 x 39.4cm) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 116 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (102)
- Zoom range/performance (100)
- Easy to use (60)
- Image stabilization (55)
- Great sound (53)
Cons
- Complicated to operate (7)
- Poor in low light (7)
- Poor sound (7)
- Small LCD (5)
- Limited zoom (4)
Best Uses
- HD shooting (87)
- Documentaries (79)
- Movies/short films (78)
- Weddings (57)
- Home movies (47)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro (57), Pro videographer (37), Enthusiast (17), Casual user (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (49)
Most Liked Positive Review
Incredible potential!
My first uses have produced less than stellar results because I relied on the default "AUTO" white balance, gain and on-camera microphone(s).Much good advice from XH-A1 users ([@...Read complete review
My first uses have produced less than stellar results because I relied on the default "AUTO" white balance, gain and on-camera microphone(s).Much good advice from XH-A1 users ([@] forums) has improved my satisfaction with this camera and I anticipate being able to rival or exceed the quality produced by more tenured videographers.This camera is NOT for the novice or anyone intimidated by complexity because the documentation is adequate but far from tutorial except to explain the camera's options. In other words, you have to learn/know what you want to achieve in order to figure out how to set/reset the camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good Camera, Not Very Reliable
I've owned this camera now for about seven months, and I have been very impressed with its features and capabilities. Unfortunately, the camera has been less than reliable. This unit has been sent ...Read complete review
I've owned this camera now for about seven months, and I have been very impressed with its features and capabilities. Unfortunately, the camera has been less than reliable. This unit has been sent in for warranty repairs three times since I took ownership of it, twice for dust build-up in the lens and a third time for a circuit board failure. I don't use the camera in any sort of extreme environments, just for general nature/outdoor videos.The only reason I give the camera three stars is because it has a wide variety of features and customizations that you would only expect on a higher end/more expensive camera. However, that being said, this camera failed me when I needed it the most and I've had hours of priceless footage ruined due to the problems with this unit. I truly do think I got a lemon, seeing as how no one else seems to have had these kind of problems. In the overall scheme of things, I still believe this camera is a good investment. On a side note, I am also disappointed with Canon's customer service department for not replacing this camera after it had been sent in for warranty repairs for the second and third time.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 116 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
This is a great buy for the price. It is a very versitile camera with many uses. I have not had any problems with it. I have always used Canon cameras and I am pleased with this one. It fails to get 5 stars as I am unhappy with some of the button placement and the fact that many changes must be done by going into the menu and making selections. Overall, a very good camera
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I recently ordered my second XH-A1s and love it just as much as my first. I have owned the other for over 2 years. I bought a JVC GY-HM100U because everyone was switching to flash drive cameras. I have switched back to tape. Now I use two of these cameras on shoots and the picture quality is much better than flash drive camcorders I have seen. The best feature on this camera is the lens with the zoom ring, focus ring, and iris ring. The manual features allow you to have total control over the image. Plus, I find the tape format to be more useful and economically sound. I shot a documentary with this camera and it has just won three festival awards. Top notch, great product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I use this camera for documentaries and commercial work. Professional quality and ease of use is why it is #1 in its field. The only negative is I wish it had interchangable lenses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Lots of Options
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
The quality is outstanding. It is extremely functional and can be used in many different applications. This is a great camera and I highly recommend it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Small eye piece
- Small LCD
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I shoot a mix of commercials, Weddings, Outdoor/Travel, and an occasional documentary.
Purchase used from B&H as I'm not 100% ready to switch to file based, but I needed to upgrade to HD at a for one of my clients. Good battery life, better than my Canon XL2 but not as good as my DVX100. Beautiful lens, great images. There are a lot of buttons and switches which is great for changing settings without the need to get into setup menus. Could confuse casual users.
A few things I don't like; Small eyepiece, small flip out LCD. Auto focus is slow in low light. Can only switch between XLR and internal mic via a menu selection. A bit heavy for handheld shooting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Not true hd
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I'm a professional dance videographer and this camera has everything I was looking for - external manual controls (focus and iris rings), 2 XLR inputs, ability to record to tape or memory card, great zoom and gain options. Only downfall for me is the 1440 lines of resolution...wish I could have found all these features in a camera with 1920 lines, but I made the sacrifice for the great price!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- NOT DETECTED BY HPVISTAP
- Small LCD
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I'M STILL GETING TO KNOW THIS CAMERA; I USED IT RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX TO SHOT A WEDDING AND WAS VERY PLEASED WHITH IT'S PERFORMANCE IN LOW LIGHT. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT CAN BE DONE ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW THIS CAMERA WELL. LOVE THE VIDEO QUALITY AND COLORS.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I purchased two of these for use in a multicamera music performance shoot. They held their own against several other cameras used during the shoot.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I purchased this camera to film instructional art DVDs, and I LOVE how easy it is to use and that most functions are not buried in layers of menus.
I also film in natural northlight settings and its spot on for accurate colors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
Great for filming events, great 20X zoom lens, great presets, the new 6 pin firewire is more stable then the old 4 pin.
Problems: Battery is hard to get out, mic is not as good as my old XL1-S and there seems to be an issue with capturing via firewire with the "Mac Snow Leopard OS system" ... will not capture in HD but will work with my old Mac OS?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor Image Quality
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
Great Sound and picture quality outside and sunlight. I bought this camera 2 years ago, and I am very happy that I was able to sell it back. This camera is very poor in low light. NO mater what I did even setting gain to -3, the camera produced a lot of grains and noise. I regret for buying it. I am switching back to Sony. the only thing good about this camera is the lense.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I use the product for various events for my business. The great aspect about the camera is the HD quality, size and handling. This is a great product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Nature Videography
- Travel
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
Canon XH A1s
There are too many positives about this camcorder (in my opinion) to mention, but listed is some pros and cons of the camcorder (in my opinion).
As of writing this Review, I have owned and used the camcorder for about 6 months.
Pros:
* High Definition.
* Zoom is impressive (20X) and with Magnify you can even get closer (you will probably want it on a tripod for the Magnify).
* XLR Audio Inputs.
* The Audio Can be Customized for each channel - 1 & 2.
* Image Stabalizer.
* You can take Still Photos at the same time as the Video (it is nice that you do Not have to go into Camera Card just to take a picture).
* It can film in really low light (at the cost of quality).
* Easy to Operate.
* LCD Screen is nice.
* Many custom controls.
* There are 2 Custom Keys - which you can assign different functions for quick and easy changes.
* It has a Letterbox feature for play the Widescreen video on an old 4:3 TV.
* Being a little bit bigger and heavier then some other camcorders - it does not jerk at the slightest flinch.
* Bigger lens provides a bigger view.
* Camcorder has a Flat Bottom - setting in on a Surface - it is stable.
* The Zoom lever can be set for a Constant or variable Zoom Speed.
* Manual Focus ring, zoom focus ring, iris ring.
* Side Display on Camcoder of Tape Info (nice when you have Displays Turned Off on the LCD Screen/Viewfinder - so you can still see Recording Time, etc.)
* AWB and Custom White Balance.
Cons:
* There is NO Self Timer (which I have used on the GL2 on other camcorders on a regular basis).
* There is NO Fader (which I have used on the GL2 on other camcorders on a regular basis to fade out or in for the day).
* A lot of Noise in the picture in really low light.
* It does NOT have the Record Search buttons that let you easily Play Back a Scene to a previous time (I used this feature all the time on the Canon GL2 to cut off the end of a scene).
* The Record Review does NOT Play back any Audio (which would be nice to make sure the audio was picked up (without having to go into the VCR Mode and Play it).
* The Letterbox feature is ONLY available on video but Not Still Pictures.
* It does NOT Remember the Letterbox setting (when you turn the camcorder - it resets back to the default setting).
* The Terminal Covers somtimes easily come off - there has been a couple of times that I almost lost a few of them.
* It would be nice if the Date & Time Record (Char Rec) could be turned On or Off via a Custom Key.
* It would be nice if the Search Features worked on the Still Photos (on the memory card) - for instance Date Search.
* It would be nice to assign a Custom Key to bring up the Customize Menu.
* It would be nice to have a 3rd or 4th Custom Key.
* It would be nice to have a Bigger Viewfinder.
NOTE: Do NOT try to use the BP 945 Camcorder Battery that the Downloaded Manual Lists as a Compatible battery - it is Too Tall for the battery compartment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
This camera has all the features I was looking for. The image quality is amazing and the stabilization works very well. I've been able to achieve great results so far. I know I made the right choice with a Canon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
Just Great
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
Just learning how to operate this camera and a good amount of time is needed to feel comfortable. It can do many fantastic things that other cameras of this price range cannot do. One thing that I have not discovered yet and am still looking, is that I find no time lapse capability with this camera. I like it very much so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
The support for the camera is great. Many sites have in depth tutorials on how to use the features. Awesome for a novice like me. I went from point and shoot cameras to learning how to creatively shoot better video. Its really a great camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
- I haven't found any yet
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
I am currently a wedding and event videographer, Raising money to film two documentaries. So far this camera has been a great HD camera. I really like the adjustable zoom speed. The first Wedding I recorded with this camera, I was impressed and more importantly, the client was impressed by the vividness of everything that was recorded. I can't wait to see how well it will perform in filming the documentaries. The only reason I don't give it five stars is because I haven't used all of its features yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
good product
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon XH-A1s 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
Getting started could not be easier.
Great camera for the money.
1 negative...not compatible with Final Cut Express uploader. Needs firewire 800 to I movie then on to FCE!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- Instruction Manual (PDF 7.6mb)
Media
Required item: Recording media is not included. Be prepared-always carry extra media.
- Price: $6.00
Batteries & Power Adapters
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $144.99
-
- Original: $99.95
- Save: $9.99
- Price: $89.96
Lenses & Lens Adapters
Capture your desired angle of view with a quality conversion lens.
- Price: $299.00
-
- Original: $149.00
- Save: $14.90
- Price: $134.10
External Microphones
Focus your sound with a high-quality microphone. Audio quality can make or break your video.
- Price: $176.90
Create a more snug fit and vibration isolation for a shotgun mic when it is mounted in the camcorder's mic clip. (B&H # SAROCS)
Bags & Cases
Carry, organize and protect your investment with quick access to your gear.
- Price: $190.09
Tripod & Stationary Supports
Stabilize the your footage and eliminate handheld fatigue with the support you need.
-
- Original: $399.00
- Save: $11.05
- Price: $387.95
- Price: $149.95
Allows for quick tripod mounting and unmounting.
What's in the Box
- CA-920 Compact Power Adapter
- DC-920 DC Coupler
- BP-950G Battery Pack
- SS-1100 Shoulder Strap
- WL-D5000 Wireless Controller
- Lens Hood
- HDVM-E63PR Digital Video Cassette
- SDC-32M SD Memory Card
- Eye Cup
- Two R6/AA Batteries
- Tripod Adapter Base
- AC Cable
- External Microphone Holder Adjustment Band
- 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty
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