Have been evaluating a test set from Canon. Any brother and sisters here had any experience with this camera?
This is a 3CCD HD Digital Video camera. It accepts up to two 3 pin external mic input. Has a hot shoe, and dual zoom and record button. One on the right back of the camera and another on the top handle(Allows you to still operate the camera while you hold on to the handle).
Here are some photos of the beast or beauty!
Technical specification:(from canon website)
3-CCD professional HDV camcorders, 1.67-megapixels per CCD (1440 x 1080 effective pixels), with both HDV and DV recording capability
XH A1 and XH G1 provide broadcasters, cinematographers and production houses with a full line of professional, high quality, cost effective HDV solutions
Powered by DIGIC DV II Imaging Processor for ultra high speed processing, improved colour reproduction and wider tonal reproduction
- A hybrid noise reduction system for virtually noise free video output
- Enable the camcorders to perform high speed continuous shooting and higher writing speed to memory card for faster card operation
Superior 3-CCD performance 3 separate 1/3-inch 16:9 interlaced HD CCDs with 1.67 megapixels (1440 x 1080 pixels) for each primary colour
XH G1 comes with a professional jackpack which features HD/SD-SDI output with embedded audio and time code as well as GENLOCK synchronization and SMPTE Time Code In/Out functionality
HDV Recording Format
Record in both HDV and DV formats using MiniDV cassette tapes for convenience
Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio recording capability for full cinematic experience
HDV 1080i recording format features 1080 effective scanning lines
- Employs same MPEG2 compression method (MP@H-1440 for video) as used in digital broadcasts
Canon HD Video 20x Zoom Lens New wide-angle high magnification 20x optical zoom lens with full multi-coating on all surfaces to minimize flare and ghosting
Use of a fluorite and UD (Ultra-low dispersion) lens to correct chromatic aberrations
L-series professional lens with a 32.5mm(W) - 650 mm (T) (35mm equivalent) focal range delivers exceptional versatility for a wide range of shooting situations that demand a wide field of view
Focus and zoom position presets for flexibility and convenience
Manual iris, focus, zoom ring for smooth, fine adjustments preferred by professionals for want to be able to simultaneously adjust zoom, focus and iris setting
Feature Canons Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system (lens-shift type) to enable users to enjoy rock steady still/movie over a wide frequency range - from detecting strong vibrations right down to the slightest breathing motion
2 inbuilt Neutral Density (ND) filters 1/6 and 1/32 ND settings for added image control
Auto Focus /Manual Focus and Position Preset available
Comprehensive Shooting Functions Capture and output video in 50i/25F (for PAL model only) or 60i/30F/24F (for NTSC model only)
For a fee, users can send their XH A1/XH G1 to Canon Service Centre for optional 50i/60i upgrade conforming to PAL or NTSC standards
Instant AF System (Hybrid AF system uses both External AF sensor and internal TV AF system) for super high-speed and precise focusing
Auto Exposure (AE) Mode an extensive range of shooting modes easily accessed via the dial for video recording
- Auto/Tv Priority/Av Priority/Manual/Spotlight/Night/Full Auto/AE Shift/AE Lock
Total Image Control Skin Tone Detail enables for natural skin tones reproduction and minimized imperfections
Colour Correction Function enable users to add tone effects to their video footage, reduces time for any post production work later
- Swapping a selected hue area with a gain-changed colour after specifying the colour range is possible
(only the R-Y gain and B-Y gain adjustment ranges can be adjusted)
Gain +36 dB Assist Function for news-like or grainy image effect
Shooting Assist Functions Marker Display for easy video composition
- Types of markers available: centre marker/horizontal marker/safety zone/aspect ratio marker/grid display
Zebra Pattern to avoid image white-out by confirming maximum brightness level.
Colour Bars (2 types of industry standard SMPTE color bars each available for NTSC and PAL modes) for accurate monitor calibration
Focus Assist Options- Peaking/Magnifying/Display
Other Shooting Assist Functions
- Clear Scan/Index Stamp
Audio Functions & Customization XH G1s embedded audio functionality help reduce risk of cable-related accidents and provides cameraman with more shooting mobility
Both XH A1 and XH G1s 2-channel audio recording is supported for both DV and HDV recording
A inbuilt stereo (electret condenser) microphone is available on both XH A1 and XH G1
The camcorders allow users to store up to 9 different image quality adjustments in the camcorders body. Up to 20 custom presets can be saved and loaded from the memory card
21 different camera setting status can be stored in the camcorders memory and memory card which can then be transferred and loaded from the card
Connectivity Inputs & Outputs Professional Jackpack (XH G1 only) located at rear end of camcorder adds more functionality to suit users needs. Professional Jackpack includes:
- SMPTE Time Code Input and Output: SMPTE Time Code can be recorded along with video to facilitate editing during post-production.
- GENLOCK: Allows users to synchronize a mulit-camera, live-switched production environment in the studio or on location
- HD/SD-SDI: Serial Digital Interface (SDI) terminal is able to deliver full resolution uncompressed HD/SD-SDI video output at a 4:2:2 colour space
XH G1 and XH A1 feature the following terminals and connectors:
- XLR terminal
- HDV/DV terminal (IEEE1394)
- Headphone jack with volume output terminal
- BNC type video input/output terminal
- LANC terminal
- Component output terminal
- Microphone terminal
- Video/audio terminal
- Memory card connector (SD/MMC)
Still Image Shooting Functions Capture photos to memory card while simultaneously recording video to tape
Capture 2-megapixel photos at 1920 x 1070 pixels resolution to an SD card
A still image histogram and EXIF display available for more functionality
A wide variety of metering modes, shooting modes available
Low Light Shooting Modes A wide range of low-light shooting modes and features available:
- Night mode: designed for situations in which light level falls, this mode automatically selects lower shutter speeds for proper exposure
- Spotlight Mode: delivers the proper exposure in situations where the subjects in the centre of the frame is brightly lit but background is dark
- Hot Shoe: Allows users to connect external accessories such as EOS flash units
Designed for Greater Operability 2.8-inch (approx.207K pixels) 16:9 LCD located on top for optimum usage
0.57-inch (approx. 269K pixels) 16:9 electronic viewfinder
High capacity battery
3-easy grip lens rings controlling focus, zoom and iris for independent operation
A anti-slip shaped handle ensures solid firm grip
