Recording media is not included. Be prepared-always carry extra media.
The Canon XH-A1sE is an updated version of the award-winning XH-A1 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-A1sE; 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.
| Signal System |
MiniDV HDV: 1080i/50i, 1080i/25f DV: PAL |
| 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 | 1/3, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25, 1/50, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000, 1/16000 |
| 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) |
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon XH-A1sE 3CCD HDV Camcorder:
XHA1s PAL Version Review
Level: Professional Videographer
I live in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe to be specific and have been using the XL1s PAL to shoot television commercials, documentaries and short films. The lens on the XL1s PAL is amazing and gives great color, I decided to get the XHA1s PAL (PAL) because that is the system we utilize in Southern Africa as work flow is easier as everyone uses PAL in this region. I have been a Canon fan for the longest time due to the lens quality on their cameras, I just found the products worth the while.
First of all the look and feel of the camera is just incredible to say the least, the two XLR balanced sound ports are very essential, coming from XL1 (Which didn't have a problem with sound for most projects) this input turns the camera pro-type as you are able to adjust the Sound for both channels. The Sound from the ports is very clean, you can also lock the Sound levels (db) that I found just great.
The lens is great for the XHA1 shooting with this in manual mode is something I found wonderful, after adjusting the white balance and going into 50i frame rate and shooting in HD, the picture is so realistic, make sure the shutter speed is between 50-60 frames for the best results under normal light levels and kept the white balance levels at about 3db (noise level) under normal light conditions, below these levels you get a shudder, slow motion type effect, in 25fps you get a more film like effect, although I personally prefer the 50i rate for most non film projects.
I recently shot a documentary of farming and found the camera very portable and user friendly, you can actually fast frame quickly, and get angle shots very easily by its very nature you can run and gun with it very easily, the size is very deceiving for what the camera can achieve, I'm happy with it and look forward to doing-many a project with it.
The most important part of equipment is your creativity and ability to come up with great work, the XHA1s has been used for a number of indie films world-wide, shorts and Crank 2 the movie, used with the Lextus lens adapters one can actually improve the picture for film, my only cons with this camera the weight and lack of balance, trying to shoot shoulder or hand mount you get fatigued, so use a tripod or take quick shots freehand so you don't feel the weight, I also feel the on-board microphone is flimsy and can get damaged easily so one needs to take care not to bump it and so on during the lifespan of the camera, just like with any piece of equipment it will have minor flaws, but the pro's with this one out-weigh the cons, yes I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone it is a work-horse in a pony's body.
I can only imagine what the new XF305 and XF300 Canon camera's can do we will just have to wait and see.
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