For the professional and serious non-professional alike, the XH A1 combines a wealth of features with the outstanding performance of a 3 CCD, High Definition camcorder.

 

The excellence of the XH A1 begins with its Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens with Professional L Series Fluorite. Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization corrects for a wide range of camera movement and vibration, and Instant AF (Auto Focus) ensures ultra-quick, accurate focus. The DIGIC DV II HD image processor then ensures improved color reproduction and noise reduction - for a final result that is the zenith of image quality.

 

If you need advanced image control, the XH A1 gives you features that let you make manual adjustments to fine-tune your video. If you prefer to concentrate on your subject and let your camcorder take care of exposure and image controls, the XH A1 let you do that as well.

With a wide range of features and optional accessories, the XH A1 is a versatile, flexible and powerful performer that is sure to meet your uncompromising standards.

The Image Quality of High Definition

 

The 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's made for your broadcast and theatrical projects.

The XH A1 comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens that shows why the name Canon is synonymous with optical excellence.

 

Canon reserves the L-Series designation for its highest quality photographic lenses. The Professional L Series Fluorite lens of the XH A1 ensures outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction, and delivers clarity and image quality you won't see with conventional optical glass lenses. And, because it's an ultra-low dispersion (UD) lens, chromatic aberration is reduced for brilliant results.

 

The XH A1's design gives you equally impressive operational performance. The design lets you operate the zoom using the lens barrel ring, the control on the camera's grip, or the control on the camera's handle. When using the zoom ring on the lens, you can control the speed of your zoom by varying the angle of the ring, or by varying the speed at which you rotate the ring. When using the grip control, you can zoom at 16 different speeds; or you can use the control to operate at a single zoom speed which you preset. When using the handle zoom control, you can operate the zoom at a single speed which you preset. You can also select high-speed zoom to increase the zoom speed when using either the grip or handle control. And, because the lens is designed with a zoom ring, you can operate zoom, focus and aperture using a single hand.

 

This f1.6 - 3.5, 4.5 - 90mm lens gives you a wide view that is equivalent -- at its widest -- to a 32.5mm focal length lens on a 35mm camera. It also comes with 2 built-in ND filters, and can be enhanced with an optional WD-72 wide converter (.75x) to meet all your needs.

 

Simultaneous Still Image Shooting lets you capture still images to memory card while you record video to tape. It also lets you capture still images to card from HDV footage for news applications or for creating storyboards.

Support for 9 languages including: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Russian, English, Chinese (simplified), and Japanese.

Analog-Digital Converter lets you use your XH A1 to convert the analog signal from your TV, VCR or analog camcorder to digital. Or use your XH A1 as a signal converter by connecting it between an analog device and another digital device.

 

Level Shot and Grid Marker features make it easy to keep your camera level or compose your shot with precision. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot -- such as the horizon -- to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level. The Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately in relation to a precise grid,

Canon CONSOLE Image Control & Storage Software Version 1.1 is an XH A1 accessory that lets you control key functions of the Canon XH A1 camcorder remotely through a PC, delivering camera set up and image adjustment capabilities wherever you are working. Commands and responses are exchanged through a single IEEE1394 cable.

Backwards compatible with the feature set of the XH A1 camcorder

Control all aspects of color and exposure settings

Measure and adjust video and phase parameters precisely with wave form and vector display

Control zoom, focus, white balance preset shift, shooting mode & frame rate, color correction, skin detail, sky detail, custom presets

 

Split screen views of record and playback control panels let you view video as it's recorded to the hard drive and simultaneously adjust camera settings for the next shot

 

Built-in XLR terminals (2) supply phantom power (+48 dB) and can be switched between LINE and MIC.

External Microphone Holder lets you attach an external microphone to your XH A1.

Internal Battery Compartment

Flash Accessory Shoe can accept a Canon EX Speedlite flash unit for still photography.

Letterbox Display during playback allow easy viewing of HD footage on any monitor, even a 4:3 monitor.