Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Product Description

Canon XH-A1 captures true 1080 High Definition resolution video at 60i, 30F or 24F frame rates (or, 50i/60i with optional upgrade). It captures a true 16:9 widescreen HD image that is made for your HD broadcast and theatrical projects. It comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD Professional L Series Fluorite lens delivering outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction; delivers clarity and image quality you won't see with conventional optical glass lenses. Designed specifically for HD, Canon's DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality for HD video, with improved color reproduction - especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also employs a hybrid noise reduction system that integrates two types of noise reduction, for high definition images that are crystal clear. Designed for professional use, the Canon XH-A1 comes with a 2.8" Widescreen LCD and .57" Widescreen EVF for bright, high-resolution views. The LCD and EVF can be used at the simultaneously, giving both cameraperson and director or producer a view of the action. It records on HDV digital tape cassettes. There's also a slot for SD memory cards.
Canon's innovative Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer combines gyro- and image-sensors to correct camcorder shake instantly - whether it's the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car; the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording; or the slower motion of body sway. With HD, focus is more critical than ever. Instant AF is the next generation of auto focus, designed with HD resolution in mind. It combines an external AF sensor with Canon's legendary auto focus system for fast and accurate focus. Together, the two sensors reduce focusing time - even in low-light situations - and improve focusing performance on difficult subjects. There are 9 Custom Presets, 2 Custom Keys, and 7 Programmable AE Modes.

Customer Reviews:

Little champ.......2007-12-24

I purchased the Canon XH A1 for a specific project. I received the camera only 1 night before the first day of shooting was scheduled. Be sure to read through the manual to learn what this thing can do. I usually don't read manuals but the custom color/contrast settings are a bit advanced and very helpful in getting the 'look' you want.
I have only been impressed with this camera (as I often am with any Canon products). Battery conservation is excellent, audio is crisp, custom options abound, manual controls are easily accessible, low-light situations are not a problem (+6 to +32 gain! use sparingly, of course), and the image is fantastic for HDV.
Some people have been complaining about the smaller LCD flip-out monitor. I have not found this to be a problem thanks to Canon's focus assist features (2x magnify and the high-contrast mode).
I have one very small complaint: make the MIC->XLR switch a hardware switch! It's annoying to switch it in the camera menu. All the other audio control switches are hardware, so why not that?
Overall, this is a 5-star product at a very reasonable price. 24f, 30f, and 60i modes all perform beautifully. If you're looking for the right hardcase, I have been very pleased with the Pelican 1550 Case w/Foam (Black)

Best Camera, Best Price.......2007-12-15

Ok may not be the best camera out there, but anything better will set you back a few extra grand. This will give you the best image out of any HDV or 1/3 inch ccd out there - you can step up to the advanced Canon HD models, but those are mostly the same image with more control features and an 8K price tag.

By far the best bang for buck that ever existed LOL - even Canon's HV20 held up pretty well to other HD 3 chip cameras.

For the cons, main sticking point is that the zoom/focus rings are a tad slow, but for some people this is an advantage - frankly I loved the lightning fast rings on the DVX/HVXs by Panasonic which were great for developing multi shot action for documentaries. Another con is the focus distance is longer than your standard camera - you'll have to stand 5-10 feet further from the subject than normal if your indoors.

But overall, as annoying as these gripes are personally, you still can't find a better image from any other HDV camera. And you can't find a better price either - sure there's cheaper HD 3 chip cameras out there made by Sony mostly, but the quality is a HUGE drop off, so this is the lowest price you'll get for a truly top notch product.

I've shot stuff side by side for events with a Sony Z1U, which is at least 1000 more and the Canon had deeper and more accurate color, very noticeably sharper image, and less color drop off in low light.

Plus having an iris ring vs. a tiny scroll wheel that other camera's have is a big plus.

Don't worry about the 24F (some are worried over the difference between 24f and 24P) - you cannot TELL a difference at all - I zoomed into a frame to see if I could pick up on any differences - nada. Just a razor sharp image. The difference is the algorithms Canon uses to compress the footage onto tape vs. 24p - to make a long story short, hence the F and not P in descriptions, but it is certainly not a drop off.

And to clarify something, this does up to -36 db of grain - I saw a few articles / reviews on the net saying it can only do -12. By default the gain settings are -6,-12, but you can change that in the menu to go higher if you need. Even though grain is never wanted, if you're stuck in that situation, the grain on this camera actually does resemble film grain moreso than video grain, so if you do get caught in low light, it's not that big of a deal so long as you're not in pitch darkness, it kind of adds to the film look in 24F mode.

Go with Canon XH A1.......2007-12-03

I bought Canon XH A1 a few weeks ago. I have used it under different light and space settings and I want to say that is a very good camera. It has several menus that you need to try and a few things to remember, but the overall conclussion is that not only it produces good video but also it teaches you the basics on filming. For a novice in video production like me it is a good tool to achieve professionalism. I -as many more have done- spent a lot of time comparing models, reading reviews and testimonies. Finally I decided for Canon XH A1 and so far I am very motivated to continue with this one. If you have questions about this review, please write to my email: libnysr@felpsis.net

Great Pro Camera.......2007-11-30

This is a top of the line Broadcast Quality Camcorder. It records on tape or chip, and has a bewildering array of buttons and switches. But with enough study, you can turn out professional HI-DEF videos; including wide-screen 16X9. My main complaint, and this is a BIG one, is it is VERY hard to setup the Firewire feed to a computer. For some reason your Video editing program can't see this camera unless ALL other imaging equipment is either deleted or disabled. That includes any other Video feeds, such as TV Tuners, Scanners, etc. I have spent over a week trying, and STILL do not have it feeding the Firewire line. But I am working on it, and welcome any suggestions from ANYBODY!

Misleading specs.......2007-11-25

I notice this camera claims "True 1080" resolution. All HDV cameras cannot capture true 1080 resolution which is defined as 1920x1080. The HDV format is limited to 1440x1080 and crummy 4:2:0 color sampling. Do not use HDV if you plan to do any chroma keying, visual effects (compositing) or post effects (like Magic Bullet).

Product Description

Celestron's newest VistaPix binocular/digital camera gives you the best of both worlds! VistaPix is a high-quality powerful binocular for clear, sharp, bright views of the outdoors and a versatile digital camera - all in one! VistaPix is all you need to view the world around you and save those memorable moments to share with others. VistaPix images can be stored using its internal mass storage until you're ready to download them to your PC. Once downloaded, the fun begins. With VistaPix Photo Express SE software, you can crop, re-size, manipulate color and much more. You can even record and play back videos! VistaPix gives you the tools to add that creative touch. Most important,VistaPix is from Celestron, an acknowledged leader in the design and manufacture of quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes, accessories, binoculars, spotting scopes, and microscopes.

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