Canon unveils prosumer HD cams

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories

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Lori Grunin

July 26, 2006 4:48 a.m. PT

Update July 27: Mea culpa. In my original post I mistakenly had said that these models would be replacing the GL2. In fact, they are new siblings.

Finally giving independent videographers something to choose from besides its popular but long-in-the-tooth GL2, Canon announced two HDV models designed to appeal to the prosumer and entry-level pro markets. Derived from the same technology that the pro-level XL H1 uses, the XH A1 and XH G1 HDV models share the same design but differ in a few critical input/output capabilities necessary for professionals.

Both models use three wide-aspect 1/3-inch CCDs with a native 1080i (1,440x1,080) resolution; like the XL H1, they can record in 30F or 24F frame rates (Canon's nomenclature for 30fps and 24fps), but not in 720p. In fact, their feature sets share many of the capabilities of the XL H1, including the Digic DV II processor, Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization, and customization architecture. The XH series have fixed 20X zoom lenses rather than the interchangeable lenses on the XL but offer more of a wide-angle view: 32.5mm in 35mm-equivalent terms.

The XH G1's added attraction for pros is the equivalent of the XL H1's Jack Pack: HD-SDI output with embedded audio and time code, Genlock synchronization, and Timecode In/Out.

The XH A1 is slated to ship in October for $3,999 and the XH G1 in November for $6,999.

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