Canon XL1S MiniDV Digital Camcorder
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Veratile, Rugged, Beautiful
  • great camcorder
  • Canon XL1s - Be Wary of Service & Waranty
  • Good Enough
  • XL2 blows this one away... 5+++++
Canon XL1S MiniDV Digital Camcorder

Manufacturer: Canon
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:
  1. Canon FA200 EOS Flash Adapter for XL1Camcorder Canon FA200 EOS Flash Adapter for XL1Camcorder
  2. Canon MA200 Shoulder Pad / Microphone Adapter for XL1 / XL1S Canon MA200 Shoulder Pad / Microphone Adapter for XL1 / XL1S
  3. Bogen / Manfrotto Pro Video Kit w/351MVB2 Aluminum Tripod Legs, 503 Pro Fluid Head, 75mm Half Ball, Spreader, Shoes & MBAG90P Padded Case Bogen / Manfrotto Pro Video Kit w/351MVB2 Aluminum Tripod Legs, 503 Pro Fluid Head, 75mm Half Ball, Spreader, Shoes & MBAG90P Padded Case
  4. Canon XLR Mic Adapter/Shoulder Pad for XL1 & XL1S Canon XLR Mic Adapter/Shoulder Pad for XL1 & XL1S
  5. Canon 72mm Neutral Density .3 Filter Canon 72mm Neutral Density .3 Filter

Product Features:
  • Professional-quality MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 3 CCD lens
  • 16x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 320x) and image stabilizer
  • Interchangeable lens system--can use Canon EOS lenses with optional adapter
  • Three shooting modes: Normal Movie, Digital Photo Mode, and the cinema-like Frame Movie Mode and shoot in 16:9
  • Record for up to 90 minutes on one battery charge

ASIN: B00005NKXS
Release Date: 2001-08-08
Canon XL1S MiniDV Digital Camcorder

Product Description

Canon pursued imaging greatness resulting in the ultimate digital camcorder system, the XL1S. It starts with a highly intelligent "open architecture" design, which allows you to customize your XL1S with the widest variety of optional accessories available. Plus you have extensive control over picture and sound adjustments to tailor the "look and feel" of each recording to your preference or even your clients'. Whether you define yourself as an imaging enthusiast, professional videographer or digital filmmaker there is a Canon XL1S digital camcorder configuration that's just right. Which one is right for you?The Canon XL1S is not one, but many different cameras. Interchangeable lenses and viewfinders allow the XL1S to be tailored for optimal performance in any shooting condition. Incorporating high-precision optics and features found only previously on top-end professional gear, the XL1S raises the standard for others to follow.

Amazon.com Product Description

Small enough to carry around and costing not much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the XL1S produces such high-quality results that it is sure to be the top choice for many independent filmmakers who demand full features and controls. Like its predecessor, the XL1, this camera uses three separate 270,000 pixel CCDs (one for each primary color) for the best picture quality. The XL1S records digital audio, with two channels of 16 bit/48 KHz sound or four channels of 12 bit/32 KHz sound. The body is based on a magnesium-alloy frame for maximum durability. It ships with a 16x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, but is also compatible with other XL camcorder lenses. With an optional adapter, you can use Canon EF (EOS) still-camera lenses--some of which also feature optical image stabilization.

The electronics of the XL1S have many advanced features, including a number of programmed AE modes, as well as both shutter and aperture priority modes. There are two different auto modes, one of which allows you to adjust any setting manually, if you want, and the other, which adjusts every setting automatically and lets you adjust nothing. A spotlight mode automatically compensates for difficulties when shooting a subject bathed in a spotlight. The computer-shooting mode gets rid of monitor flicker that happens when shooting a computer screen. There are also three different shooting modes: normal movie, digital photo, and frame movie. Normal movie mode is for any time you want to shoot video footage. Digital-photo mode records a still image for six seconds on the MiniDV tape and also captures any accompanying audio for a commentary track. The frame movie mode records 30 noninterlaced still images per second, instead of capturing 60 fps interlaced images. This mode isn't intended to be used for shooting video (playback may not look completely smooth). Rather, frame movie mode should be used as a burst, or continuous, shooting mode, like you'd find on a still camera.

The XL1S offers many new and updated features over the XL1. There is a 16:9 shooting mode where electronic lines draw are displayed through the viewfinder so you can compose your shots flexibly for later conversion to HDTV, where 16:9 is the standard. SMPTE color bars help establish a proper color reference for shooting and editing. Interval recording lets you shoot time-elapsed motion video with intervals from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Zebra patterns help you determine overexposed areas in your shot so you can adjust the aperture and shutter accordingly.

Digital Video Format and IEEE 1394
The XL1S is a consummate professional creation tool that supports the established industry standards, MiniDV and IEEE 1394. Support of these standards make the XL1S a flexible video creation tool that interoperates with standard DV equipment and computer editing systems as accorded by engineering, scientific and broadcast communities.

DV Format Technology and Its Advantages
The MiniDV format supported by the XL1S delivers more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution -- a 25% improvement over analog systems. The DV format allows for near lossless transfer within digital editing environments for faster creation, increased productivity and improved production quality of final prints.

IEEE 1394 (DV Terminal)
The XL1S comes standard with a DV terminal that conforms to IEEE 1394 for digital transfer of video and sound, in addition to regular video and audio outputs. The IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire®) standard allows editing, copying and recording of digital video over a single cable. This transfer format affords improved image and sound quality and is virtually free from generation loss.

The 3 CCD System

The XL1S maximizes the capability of the DV format by using a 3 CCD (charge-coupled device) system with a separate CCD for each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting prism separates light passing through the lens into individual color components and each is sent to its own CCD. Compared to a single CCD, the 3 CCD system achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for the demands of high-end video production - wide dynamic range, low color noise, high-contrast detail, natural color resolution and low-aliasing. The 3 CCD system also makes advanced Pixel Shift (for increased image quality) and Low Light Recording (for increased flexibility) possible.

The three CCD image sensors in the XL1S, each with 270,000 pixels, were specifically designed to capture as much image detail as possible and for shooting under extremely low light conditions. The size of each pixel is 72 square microns - 150% larger than the pixel-size on comparable DV models. The result is an approximate 4 dB improvement in sensitivity. This improved sensitivity means that each CCD can capture more information at all light ranges. In super low light, the XL1S still captures crisp and clear digital data. Under extremely bright conditions, the Pixel Shift capabilities of the XL1S greatly reduces vertical white streaks and smears, making it a consummate field recording device for all conditions.

Because human eyes see green more clearly and readily, the green component of a video signal contains 60% of the picture detail whereas the red and blue components together comprise the remaining 40%. With the advanced Pixel Shift on the XL1S, the green CCD is physically shifted the equivalent distance of 1/2 pixel horizontally from the red and blue CCD, and the green signal is electronically shifted 1/2 pixel vertically. This shifting of the green CCD increases the sampling points, resulting in a system that is comparable to 410,000 pixel CCD systems in terms of resolution. With a larger pixel size and the process of Pixel Shift, the Canon XL1S gives wider dynamic range, better low light recording, reduced vertical smears, and high quality still images without sacrificing the highest resolution DV available.

Audio and Video Inputs and Outputs
The XL1S offers a plethora of means by which to get audio and video in and out of the camcorder. The XL1S is designed to handle two types of analog video input and output: using audio/video cables (composite) or S-video. There are four audio inputs and outputs. All connections are on the camera body.
What's in the Box

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Veratile, Rugged, Beautiful.......2007-12-21

7 years later, the XL1-S still stands as one of the best Prosumer minDV cameras money can buy.

Very comparable to the Sony PD-150. Both great cameras, but I prefer the Canon.

The only drawbacks are the abscence of XLR inputs and the tiny LCD screen.

However, for a camera that is probably 5-7 years old, anything above $2,000 is way overpriced in my opinion. You can always go for the cheaper GL-2, but it does not have all the features of the XL.

4 out of 5 stars great camcorder.......2004-12-16

i am currently in high school, in the media tech department. we do the school news, and produce some films. we currently have 3 kinds of camcorders, the sony dsr200, sony dsr300, and the canon xl1. most of the class perfers the xl1 for many reasons.
it is definately the easiest to use, it is very light weight, and has many options that other cameras just dont have. it has a firewire port directly on it to help get onto computers, though there are other ways.

i have personally used this camcorder, and i must agree, it is a wonderful piece of technology. a few months ago i had bought one of the new Sony handycams that burns to miniDVD, and i had nothing but disappointment, now i am looking into an XL1 of my own, because i know how to use it, it is easy to learn how to use, and there is so much more that you can do with it then most camcorders. if you are looking for something professional, and yet decent in price, you might want to consider the canon xl1

3 out of 5 stars Canon XL1s - Be Wary of Service & Waranty.......2004-11-02

Canon still seems to have problems with it's lenses and how they interface with its electronic components, which means a blurry picture. For Canadians, there is only 1 service department in Calgary, while customer service is in Ontario. Imagine the bills trying to track down your camera over 2 provinces. Canon has somehow managed to keep this issue under wraps but it is a good idea to investigate where your nearest service department is and what kind of return time you can expect on repairs. The XL delivers great shots and definately looks the part, which can be important, but if it's not in your hands then it won't do much good.

4 out of 5 stars Good Enough.......2004-08-10

As of now, the XL1S is a little outdated by some other cameras that are on the market, but the end product has very desirable results. I have used cameras like the Panasonic DVX-100, and the XL1 will suit your needs at least 90% of the time that the DVX will. There is no LCD screen, but the viewfinder does sort of double as one and the overall shape of the XL1 makes it unwieldy at times, and more convenient at other times.

Overall, if you have the chance to get this camera, then go for it if something like the DVX is out of reach. The XL2 is coming out soon apparently, which will probably drop the price of this camera and it would be a great opportunity for people on a smaller budget to pick up a camera that is capable of cinema quality pictures.

3 out of 5 stars XL2 blows this one away... 5+++++.......2004-07-25

Most of you need to recheck your information, the XL2 is currently available and it is featured on the Canon.USA website and it is far beyond any panasonic or previously produced XL's. I think Canon waited a little longer to produce this gem so it would be the only one out there like it (especally for the price). I had the ability to see the quality first hand prior to the release, because I was involved in making the commercial for it (you'll see snapshots of us making the commercial in flash when you click on XL2 under camcorders). Believe me the XL2 is the one you really want...
MINIDV CAMCORDER ACCESSORY KIT FOR CANON XL1 XL1S XL2
Average customer rating: Not rated
    MINIDV CAMCORDER ACCESSORY KIT FOR CANON XL1 XL1S XL2

    Manufacturer: Digital Innovations
    ProductGroup: Photography
    Binding: Electronics

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    ASIN: B000SZNQHG
    MINIDV CAMCORDER ACCESSORY KIT FOR CANON XL1 XL1S XL2

    Product Description

    Hi Resolution Limited Edition Pro Series 2.0X Telephoto Lens + Limited Edition Pro Series Hi-Resolution 0.45X Extra Wide Angle Lens W/ Macro Lens for Closeups + Hi Resolution pro Series 3 Piece Multi-Coated Filter Kit (UV,PL,FLD) + All Lenses are 72MM and will screw directly onto your lens + 7 Pack Of CCD Mini DV Cassettes + CANON EXTENDED 6000MAH EXCLUSIVE UPGRADED 8HR BATTERY + CANON\ 1HOUR HOME AND CAR CHARGER + CANON 3CCD REMOTE CONTROL PRO TRIPOD 10 FUNCTION + CANON TRAVELLERS PRO HARD CASE + Digital Video Camera DVC MiniDV Head Cleaner + New Professional 5 Piece Lens Maintenance Kit

    Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Binoculars
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Binoculars

      Manufacturer: Bushnell
      ProductGroup: Photography
      Binding: Electronics

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      Accessories:
      1. Bushnell Binocular Cleaning Kit Bushnell Binocular Cleaning Kit

      Product Features:
      • Ideal for birding and wildlife observation
      • Field of view: 367 feet at 122 meters
      • Porro prisms
      • Features wide angle, Rubicon-coated objective lenses, carrying pouch and neck strap
      • Fully coated lens

      ASIN: B0007YYAZK
      Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Binoculars

      Product Description



    • MAGNIFICATION: 10x
    • FIELD-OF-VIEW: 367ft./122m @ 1000 yards/meters
    • EXIT PUPIL: 5mm
    • PRISM TYPE: Porro
    • WEIGHT: 26.4 oz.
    • OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 50mm
    • LENS COATING: Fully Coated
    • FOCUS TYPE: Zip
    • FEATURES: Wide angle, Rubicon-coated objective lenses, carrying pouch and neck strap

      Amazon.com Product Description

      With fully coated optics for exceptional light transmission and Rubicon-coated objective lenses for brilliant daylight viewing, the Tasco Sonoma series binoculars are widely praised for offering outstanding optical performance and minimizing reflection. Covered by the Tasco limited lifetime Warranty, Sonoma offers optical quality combined with an attractive, contemporary exterior.

      The Tasco SN1050 Sonoma 10 x 50 binoculars feature powerful 10x magnification, making them ideal for birding and wildlife observation. Wide angle, Rubicon-coated objective lenses, a carrying pouch and neck strap round out the SN1050's outstanding features.

      What's in the Box
      SN1050 binoculars, carrying pouch, and neck strap.
      Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Fiberglass w/Ruby Lens Binocular
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Fiberglass w/Ruby Lens Binocular

        Manufacturer: Bushnell
        ProductGroup: Photography
        Binding: Electronics

        All Binoculars All Binoculars | Binoculars | Optics | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
        High Magnification (Over 11x) High Magnification (Over 11x) | Binoculars | Optics | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
        Bird Watching Bird Watching | By Use | Binoculars | Optics | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
        Binoculars Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
        Accessories:
        1. Bushnell Sport Optics Accessory Kit Bushnell Sport Optics Accessory Kit
        2. Bushnell Binocular Cleaning Kit Bushnell Binocular Cleaning Kit

        Product Features:
        • Full-size binoculars with fully coated optics
        • Rubicon lenses comprised of 14 layers with ruby tint for reduced glare
        • Zip focus system allows you to move through the entire focus range in less than a half-turn
        • Magnification:
        • Objective lens: 50mm

        ASIN: B0000A0AF0
        Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Fiberglass w/Ruby Lens Binocular
        Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Ruby Lens Binocular
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Ruby Lens Binocular

          Manufacturer: Bushnell
          ProductGroup: Photography
          Binding: Electronics

          All Binoculars All Binoculars | Binoculars | Optics | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
          High Magnification (Over 11x) High Magnification (Over 11x) | Binoculars | Optics | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
          Bird Watching Bird Watching | By Use | Binoculars | Optics | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
          Binoculars Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
          Accessories:
          1. Bushnell Sport Optics Accessory Kit Bushnell Sport Optics Accessory Kit
          2. Bushnell Binocular Cleaning Kit Bushnell Binocular Cleaning Kit

          Product Features:
          • Full-size binoculars with fully coated optics
          • Rubicon lenses comprised of 14 layers with ruby tint for reduced glare
          • Zip focus system allows you to move through the entire focus range in less than a half-turn
          • Magnification:
          • Objective lens: 50mm

          ASIN: B0000A0AF3
          Tasco Sonoma 10x50 Ruby Lens Binocular

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