Canon XH-A1

The Canon XH-A1 is part of Canon's line of handheld prosumer HDV camcorders. The form factor of the camera is a close successor to the Canon GL2, with the newer HDV models being slightly larger and heavier. It is smaller then the Canon XL H1, and lacks some of the other camera's features - including interchangeable lenses. The camera is marketed towards independent and documentary filmmakers, and for broadcasters and journalists for electronic news gathering.

Canon's XH-G1 is very similar in its design and feature set to the XH-A1, however the XH-G1 includes a jackpack that includes connections for HD-SDI/SD-SDI Out, genlock, and time code.

As of October 2008, this camera retails for about $3300.

Use of the Canon XH-A1

The Canon XH-A1 has been used in a variety of applications in broadcast, on-line, and theatrical productions. Use of the camera in professional applications includes the Chicago Tribune's on-line videos, [ [http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.php?articleId=196603640 DV Magazine - Canon XH A1: Read All About It!] ] and the camera is being used for the production of the motion picture . [ [http://gizmodo.com/386778/crank-2-high-voltage-being-shot-with-cheapo-best-buy-hd-cameras-still-ridiculous Crank 2: High Voltage Being Shot With Cheapo Best Buy HD Cameras, Still Ridiculous] ]

Technical details

The camera is capable of shooting in either NTSC or PAL video formats, and the default format depends on the region where the camera is sold. Users are able to have the firmware upgraded by Canon to support both formats at an additional charge. Video is recorded to MiniDV cassettes with a maximum record time of 80 minutes. CCDs are the image sensor technology used in the camera with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 in high definition Mode. When recording in standard definition in a

Customizations to the image on the camera include gamma, knee, black levels, color gain, and sharpness settings. These settings allow the operator to develop a look for the production within the camera.

Shooting modes of both HD and SD, include 60i, 30f, and 24f in NTSC. PAL offers recording modes of 50i and 25f. Canon's 30f, 25f, and 24f are similar to 24p, but utilizes Canon's DIGIC DV II HD image processor to make the interlaced signal progressive. However, Canon's "f" frame modes are not compatible with other manufacturer's implementations of the HDV standard, such as Sony and JVC. The frame mode is compatible with non-linear editing software such as Final Cut Studio, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0, and Avid Xpress Pro.

Optics

lenses. The lens body has 3 rings effecting, focus, zoom and aperture however these rings do not manually drive the lens. Instead, sensors measure the movement of the rings and electronically drive the lens through built in motors allowing for smoother operation and more feedback telling the user exactly what focal range, aperture f-number and zoom number the lens is set to. The lens thread supports 72mm filters and adapters such as fish-eye and wide angle lenses. Modern devices such as the Letus35 also allow for 35mm lenses to be attached providing a very shallow depth of field and create a more "film" like feel which is often desired by many amateur film makers and allows for even greater operational flexibility of the XH-A1.

Audio

The XH-A1 provides two channels of audio through the built in microphone or via external XLR audio. In HDV mode the camera can record two 12-bit channels at a rate of 192kb/s and 1.5Mbit/s in DV mode.

References

External links

* [http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/HDV/XHA1/ Canon XH-A1 Website]
* [http://exposureroom.com/search?q=Canon%20XHA1 ExposureRoom Website - Tons of Video footage using the Canon XHA1]
* [http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.php?articleId=196602584 Digital Video Magazine Review of XH-A1]
* [http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=138 DVInfo.net XH-A1 & XH-G1 Online Forums]
* [http://dvinfo.net/canonxh/xhskinny.php DVInfo.net XH-A1 Skinny - provides detailed information about camera]