Canon XH A1s HD Camcorder Review
XH A1s – Professional Video Camera Recorder from Canon
Canon is as always assumes to have precision in its imaging techniques and devices. The company has persevered to provide with one of the best camcorder that is highly compact, glossily stylish and easily maneuverable. Also, the images delivered are extremely professional and does have a quality high-defined video or HDV recording at 1080i.
PRODUCT DETAILS
This digital camcorder from Canon has unique features like 1/3-inch, 1.67 MP 3CCD which is otherwise charge-coupled device, fully enhanced audio functions, total and complete image control, increased user friendliness, a 20x, Lseries high-defined video lens with a simultaneous 3-ring control to it, CPS video support from Canon and finally the professional high-defined video recording with 1080i and shooting modes of 50i, 25F and other optional modes like 24F or 30F or 60i. There are also image quality adjustments of Brightness, Contrast, Colour, Sharpness, Backlight, Black and White supported which produces better results.
DESIGN
The XH A1s is a digital camcorder which is a bit heavy on the front. But the high quality optics and the lens allows you to balance this pull down. Along with the auto focus, the manual focus allows zooming and the iris rings located in the barrel of the lens is the first of its kind. There are several frame modes options which are a boon for the new and independent movie makers.
This multimedia camcorder with its three 1/3-inch CCDs has image output that is extraordinarily pleasing. There is a natural and exact colour balancing which provides brilliant videos and image quality. This is one device which allows more functionalities and image controls than any other and by far is an ideal partner for the new and aspiring photographer.
The positioning of the LCD display is believed to be clever as it is located on top and the left side of the camcorder is fully accessed. This also makes viewing and focusing a literal pleasure. The Canon’s new Instant AutoFocus which is otherwise dubbed as the Instant AF helps quicker focus for a faster snap. The focal length is precise to a fraction of the second with the auto focus. Instant AF has an added sensor for focusing on the external but this auto focus could be deactivated if one prefers manual focusing.
HDV FEATURES
Canon XH A1S HD Camcorder has a resolution output of 1080i with a high-defined video recording. One can select frame rates between 50i which gives a realistic and ultra crispy pictures and 25F that allows regal and traditional film making. There are other shooting upgrades in modes like 24F/60i/30F also.
VIDEO RESOLUTION
Canon’s DIGIC DV II is a processor that is mainly designed to cope with the excess data amount that is high requisite for HD. This works in perfect harmony with the 1/3-inch 1.67 MP 3CCD sensors which enable a high-resolution shooting mode.
HD VIDEO LENS
The Canon XH A1S HDV Camcorder has remodeled its lens for better comfortability and the efficiency is assured with this 20x L-series HD video lens. The perfectly designed control ring is a new added feature in this digital device. There is also independency in the control of the Iris, the Zoom and the Focus which can be altered as per the user.
In combating chromatic aberrations elements of fluorite lens and UD glass (Ultra-Low Dispersion) are used expertly. This allows an output of good clarity in the video. Footage is maintained and ensured with a shift-type OIS or Super Optical Image Stabilizer.
AUDIO FUNCTIONS
The Canon XH A1S 3ccd Camcorder has done practical changes in the audio functions which helps the user for good control and flexibility. There are two audio inputs (XLR) which is built-in while the manual mode has independent limiters. Both the built-in and the XLR microphones can be used at the same time along with the independent XLR sensitivity settings. The specific audio features while shooting and recording that is available in this HD camcorder are 16-bit 2ch (48 kHz), 12-bit 2ch (32 kHz) from DV recording and 2ch recording/MPEG1 Audio layer II of HDV recording.
IMAGE CONTROL
The Canon camcorder has made it possible with an array of image adjustment functionalities. There are options which include white colour balance adjusted from 2000K to 15000K and a selective RGB options for noise reduction and AGC or Auto Gain Control limits extend the fine tuning of image capturing. There are a wide number of custom presets up to nine settings which can be stored in the camera itself or in a SD memory card. There are a number of adjustable parameters which are the Gamma, knee, black, master pedestal, NR (1/2), colour matrix, colour gain, hue, setup level, sharpness, H detail, H/V balance, coring, independent RGB gain, colour matrix (6-axis adjustment). This could be later transferred to any other Canon camcorder which is compatible to receive them.
EASY-TO-USE
In overall the XH A1S HD camcorder is extremely user friendly with its entire exterior buttons to its refinement mechanics with a more sturdy terminal system. This helps in not allowing access to any kind of accidental operation or usage. There is also a Firewire connection with a 6-pin.
CPS SUPPORT
Canon provides an elite service of repairs via email or phone with its committed team members and there is also the CPS or Cam Profile Switching Video Support.
Canon XH A1s High Definition Camcorder – Technical Specification Details
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Model Name | XH A1S |
| Camcorder Type | High Definition Camcorder |
| Dimensions W x H x D | 163 x 192 x 394 mm |
| Weight | 2135g |
| Colour | Black |
| LCD Monitor | Movable with a 2.8 inch widescreen and pixels of 207,000 dots. |
| Image sensing | 1/3-inch CCD with a 3CCD horizontal pixel shift and 1.67 megapixels per CCD |
| Lens | 20x HD Video Lens supplied Iris, Independent Zoom and Focus rings and a filter diameter of 72 mm |
| Zoom speed | Handle zoom with fixed settings and grip zoom with varied/fixed zoom (16 speed level settings available) |
| Image stabilizer | Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (lens shift system) with an Angle detection and movement vector detection for sensing |
| Shooting modes | 7 modes which includes the Auto, Spotlight, Night, Television, Av, Manual, Full Auto |
| Focus mode | Instant AF, MF, One-push AF, Normal AF, Preset focus |
| Audio features | 16-bit 2ch (48 kHz), 12-bit 2ch (32 kHz) from DV recording and 2ch recording/MPEG1 Audio layer II of HDV recording. |
| User interface | 2x XLR inputs with 48V phantom power supplies, Front microphone jack (5V DC jack), and 3.5mm mini jack head phone output, Input/Output for HDV and DV terminals, AV mini-terminal (input/output),BNC jack (output), component jack (output), viewfinder component jack of video jack AV terminal of 3.5mm 4-pin mini jack (V: input/output, A: input/output) |
| Product specifics | Auto exposure or AE Lock with Push and Shift functions, skin setting for images, selective noise reduction, custom preset, white balance, still image recording, zebra pattern, colour bar, clear scan, Memory cards (SD / SDHC / MMC), with a power safe. |
| Added Specifics | Search for date and index, Date code display and shooting data Analogue signal – DV signal conversion Microphone level meter Tally lamp World clock Remote control sensor Accessory shoe with EOS flash units supported Custom key and DV control |
| Battery | BP-930, BP-945, BP-950G, BP-970G lithium-ion built-in battery |
| Service support | CPS Video service available |
February 8th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
I was searching for information on lenses for my canon 500D when I found your site. Great post. Thank You.