Canon XH A1
Manufacturer: Canon USA Part number: 1191B001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Canon's XH A1 and XH G1 are excellent camcorders for entry-level professionals and independent filmmakers, with hard-to-beat prices for what they offer.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Canon XH A1 price range: $4,195.95
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 05/23/2007
- Released on: 11/01/2006
The good: Excellent video quality; extremely customizable; great lens and optical stabilizer; fast focus.
The bad: No 720p recording capability; coarse, low-resolution LCD.
The bottom line: Canon's XH A1 and XH G1 are excellent camcorders for entry-level professionals and independent filmmakers, with hard-to-beat prices for what they offer.
All things considered it feels comfortable shooting with the XH A1; though it weighs almost five pounds, it's still considerably lighter than most. All the buttons and controls sit in logical locations, grouped roughly by function and generally in the same locations as they appear on competing models. They're good sizes, and various bumps and divots in the buttons provide enough tactile feedback to operate without looking. A large chunk of the camcorder's architecture lets you determine the speed and subtlety with which shifts occur during shooting, including focus, zoom and exposure changes, and white-balance adjustments. (For a complete discussion of the controls, click through the slide show.)
On the lens barrel, rings of different sizes and textures operate focus, zoom, and iris. In response to complaints about the mushiness of servo-controlled focus, Canon offers a Slow speed option; that option, plus a distance readout help to maintain a finer control over focus response, but you'll probably still want to try it and compare to others if you're picky about the feel. I think it feels about the same as the Panasonic AG-HVX200's.
The same three 1/3-inch CCDs with 1080i (1,440x1,080) native resolution that drive the XL H1 sit at the center of the XH series' imaging system, and like the H1, both models can record in 1080i at 30F or 24F frame rates. The latter comes in two versions, one which records to tape at 24 frames per second, and one which downconverts from 24fps to 30fps/60i using 2:3:3:2 pull-down before recording for greater editing compatibility. Their feature sets share many of the H1's technologies, including a Digic DV II processor, Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization, and the H1's customization architecture. The XH cameras have fixed 20x zoom lenses rather than the interchangeable lenses on the XL, but they offer a wider-angle view: 32.5mm-to-650mm equivalent.
The lens and focusing system perform very well. The lens displays very good edge-to-edge sharpness, albeit with a tendency to display a bit of magenta chromatic aberration on the sides, and the center focus looks great, especially when zoomed in tight. As usual, Canon's optical stabilizer works exceptionally well, even all the way out to 20x.
With Instant AF enabled, the autofocus works quickly, and the Push AF, which activates an Instant AF override in manual-focus mode, speeds manual focus considerably. As noted in the XH series' documentation, there's a bit of an autofocus lag in 24F and 30F modes; it's perceptible, but if you shoot a lot in those modes and use AF, your shooting rhythm should adapt after a while. Canon moved the Peaking and Magnify focusing aids out to the body of the camera--they were in the menu system in the XL H1--and you'll rely on them pretty heavily; the tiny, low-resolution LCD is pretty difficult to work with.
Canon provides seven gain levels: 36dB, 18dB, 12dB, 6dB, 3dB, 0dB, and -3dB (although, irritatingly, you can only program three on the L/M/H switch. At its lowest gain, video looks incredibly smooth, and even as high as 3dB you can shoot in low light with relatively little noise. At 12dB there's quite a bit of (mostly) luminance noise, but it doesn't really obscure much detail and you can shoot in near darkness. The quiet on-camera mic works pretty well in basic up-close-and-personal shooting, but you've got plenty of add-on options should your needs be more complex.
As you'd expect from camcorders in their class, the XH's produce excellent HD and SD video: sharp, saturated and smooth. The controversy that began with the XL H1 over the relative quality of Canon's 24F versus Panasonic's 24P--implemented by models such as the Panasonic AG-HVX200--continues, and applies equally to the XH series. To summarize: Panasonic's 24P is a full 720-line frame of video captured roughly every 1/24 second. Canon's 24F "fakes" progressive scan by slightly offsetting the vertical readout of the green CCD from those of the blue and red, generating a frame with 1.5x the lines of the 540-line field, or 810 lines, albeit ones using spatial rather than temporal interlace. As a result, the quality question arises: Do Canon's pseudo-progressive frames look the same as a true progressive frame or does one see artifacts?
I didn't see any; footage I shot specifically to test for 24F artifacts looked correct to me. (I played it back directly on our reference HDTV, the 50-inch Pioneer Pro-FHD1, to bypass the myriad software issues surrounding 24fps editing and playback.) However, if you want to see a bevy of test results, you can find them in the Texas Shootout on DV.com.
At their aggressive prices, the Canon XH A1 and XH G1 look mighty attractive compared to their respective competitors in the indie filmmaker and entry-level studio markets.
User reviews
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Impatient Neophytes Need Not Apply
by mango2005 on May 20, 2007
Pros: Full HDV resolution, reasonable wide angle, Picture adjustments
Cons: No HDMI out, Slightly front heavy, Very front-heavy with wide angle adapter
Summary: The camera is, to say the least, not to be taken lightly from a learning perspective and, I find, from a handheld operator point view either. I've worked off ...
Summary: The camera is, to say the least, not to be taken lightly from a learning perspective and, I find, from a handheld operator point view either. I've worked off and on in pro video production for many years and this camera offers a learning experience even for me. Wow. Pedestal, color-correction, black-stretch, knee adjustments - stuff I vaguely remember touching once or twice in the studio let alone tweeking in a $3K+ camera. (Although, it has been a while) All settings can be saved to a SD card or on the camera as a profile. If you want to learn how to shoot with a high end camera - this is the one to get.
It is better value compared to the overrated FX7 which for some reason got an 8.0 here. This is an easy upgrade from that but the Sony V1U offers me some pause for thought regarding feature horse-trading. The A1 offers full 1440x1080 resolution CCDs compared to the Sony's 960x1080. More importantly though, this offers 1/3" CCDs compared to 1/4" imagers which helps with low light sensitivity and having a shorter depth of field than the Sony. CMOS or not. The 24F mode softens the image somewhat but in a completely digital production flow I would shoot at 30F because 24P modes are like prime lenses, shots look better because they force good shooting habits as opposed to being intrinsically beneficial. Just my opinion though. The V1U does offer a better progressive mode, weighs less and is laid out a bit better. It also has HDMI out which makes for clean green screens. The V1U is also $1K+ more which made the decision pretty easy, at least for me.
The A1's picture noise caused by gain is actually quite pleasing by being pretty monochromatic. The 20X zoom lens is great but OIS seems to lose it at the end of the zoom. The zoom is laggy via the lens ring but I don't shoot like that anyway and prefer a rocker which is totally adequate. It also has an iris ring on the lens which is quite nice to have and the shutter adjustment offers easy access being on a small wheel just behind the lens. Too bad your free hand is likely commited to holding the front of the camera underneath the XLR inputs. This camera really needs sticks or another support of some sort. In indoor situations this is even more pertinent as you'll want a wide angle adapter and Canon's weighs quite a bit. Way too front heavy. The LCD is a bit small and inadequate to the task of setting focus but what else is new. The viewfinder has a squared off eyecup which is not a plus either. However, these should both be overcome with the software CCU which you can get for $600 and throw on a laptop. I haven't tried it yet though but I'm hoping it will make critical focus easier to maintain. Another feature is to automatically move between 2 focus or zoom points at the push of a button. Unfortunately, you can't specify a duration other than slow, medium or fast but a firmware upgrade could make for an auto focus pull if specific durations could be attached or dare I say, more than two points. That would be a class killer.
For a budding film-maker learning their craft this camera is a great choice. Much cheaper at the end of the day than the HVX200 and most of its deficiencies shouldn't apply to you.26 out of 26 users found this user opinion helpful.
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a wonderful camcorder for independent film making
by agentdaniel2005 on December 10, 2006
Pros: Great design, two custom keys, 1080 hd, night and spotlight mode
Cons: takes time to connect to tripod
Summary: The best camera I have ever used. It recordes a perfect picture. I use it for many different things. It is a small design, and light for its side. It'...
Summary: The best camera I have ever used. It recordes a perfect picture. I use it for many different things. It is a small design, and light for its side. It's easy to use, but has many feature compared to the gl2. This is, I repeat, the perfect camcorder
Updated
Perfect camcorder. great for independent film making. Light for its size. Has spotlight, night, and picture mode.5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Camera for the Money
by rocketal on December 12, 2008
Pros: Tons of pro features and manual controls, great lens, solid construction.
Cons: Small LCD screen.
Summary: This camera has everything you could possibly want at this price point. The CNET review pretty much sums everything up. The only downside is the LCD screen, but the other ...
Summary: This camera has everything you could possibly want at this price point. The CNET review pretty much sums everything up. The only downside is the LCD screen, but the other features and manual controls more than make up for that.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for documentary and independent filmmaking. Features compare to a pro camera.
by Huval on November 10, 2007
Pros: Great HD zoom lens. Integrated mic sounds great. 2 custom buttons. Multiple preset settings. Dual XLR w/ phantom power(+48v.) 24p mode. Alot of manual controls. 6hr battery!
Cons: I really, really tried, but I couldn't find any.
Summary: Amazing. A great investment. The battery lasts 6hrs.(5hrs. 45min.) The resolution is stunning. The detail on skin and food is great. I love the manual buttons. It feels like ...
Summary: Amazing. A great investment. The battery lasts 6hrs.(5hrs. 45min.) The resolution is stunning. The detail on skin and food is great. I love the manual buttons. It feels like a pro camera.hell, it looks like a pro camera.(i got on the field at football game b/c they though i was press) The integrated mic is exceptional. It has 3 preset settings and manual level adjustments. Dual XLR. Pro quality right there. I apologize for not finding any cons. I wanted this to be a real review with pros and cons, but i can't find any. The eyepiece on the viewfinder is a little uncomfortable. There's a con.
Besides that... Amazing. The BEST in its price range.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Brillant Camera
by RobLS on December 21, 2007
Pros: Great Quality and Button Layout
Cons: Not fully HD pull of srceen.
Summary: I love this camera. I film alot of action sports and have a Century Optics .3x Ultra HD Fisheye on it and it looks amazing. Highly recommend one!
Summary: I love this camera. I film alot of action sports and have a Century Optics .3x Ultra HD Fisheye on it and it looks amazing. Highly recommend one!
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quality is definitely 5 stars connectivity is 0
by robzoo11 on May 2, 2009
Pros: The images in HD and SD are very good, crisp and clean just like canon always does.
Cons: No compatibility with vista. Even Mac users have issues with connectivity to this camera. READ the forums out there and see all the issues people have with getting vista to recognize the cam, it is definitely a headache you might want to avoid.
Summary: The camera has the canon standard for image quality and excellence, but unless you have an HD burner and player or blue ray burner and player, then all your movies ...
Summary: The camera has the canon standard for image quality and excellence, but unless you have an HD burner and player or blue ray burner and player, then all your movies will be down converted to SD anyway so dont be so pressed to jump into the HD market, your not going to get left behind.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent, professional entry level camera! Perfect!
by ReVoluTioN4405 on September 14, 2009
Pros: great features and buttons. I love manual zoom rings, its about time Canon uses it. The eyepiece is great, look and feel of the camera is top notch.
if you are a true filmmaker, you don't use the LCD screen anyways so who cares if its not the best.Cons: none that i have come across so far.
Summary: this is a great camera for a good entry level price if you are serious about film. the 2 XLR plugs are a serious plus and the lens is amazing. ...
Summary: this is a great camera for a good entry level price if you are serious about film. the 2 XLR plugs are a serious plus and the lens is amazing. 1/3" 3CCD are amazing, crystal clear HD picture!!!
GET THIS CAMERA IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT FILM!!!!! -
A camera with brillant features
by donatello77 on July 18, 2009
Pros: Great design and enenhances one´s creativity to film more
Cons: so far none
Summary: A camera worth investing in
Summary: A camera worth investing in
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Be weary of 24F
by tcat2527 on July 1, 2009
Pros: The image looks great and so do the price
Cons: Canon F modes do not work with any Avid system. You can digitize it now, but there are issues with Timecode.
Summary: Is the 24F issue an Avid bad or a Canon bad? They're both to blame. Just a little warning before you shoot hours of 24F and then want a ...
Summary: Is the 24F issue an Avid bad or a Canon bad? They're both to blame. Just a little warning before you shoot hours of 24F and then want a friend edit for you on an Avid.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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toptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptop
by chiaraL on January 6, 2009
Pros: supertoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptoptop
Cons: nultoptoptoptoptoptoptoptop
Summary: pas mal
Summary: pas mal
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Canon USA
- Part number: 1191B001
- Description: The HDV1080i XH A1 is perfectly balanced for easy handheld shooting. Full control over image variables, with new ultra-fast Instant AF, makes the XH A1 an ideal digital filmmaker's tool. The 1/3" 1.67 Megapixel 3CCD XH A1 records HDV1080i onto MiniDV tape. The use of rectangular pixels delivers the superior quality of full widescreen resolution, as seen on a High Definition display. Selectable frame rates offer digital filmmakers 50i or 25F shooting. Benefiting from a 32.5-650mm (35mm range) Canon L-series 20x optical zoom lens with Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer, the XH A1 inherits the highest optical standards. Fluorite lens elements, Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass and multi-coating virtually eliminate ghosting, flare and chromatic aberration. Ultra-fast auto focusing with Canon's Instant AF system helps achieve the superb clarity and sharpness that defines HD images. The Focus Assist function aids manual focusing. The increased amount of data that must be stored when recording HDV means that more processing power is also needed. Canon's next generation DIGIC DV II processor has been developed to meet the demands of HDV, providing low-noise images with exceptional color reproduction. Split path processing handles movie and still image signals separately, according to their individual color requirements. With an internal battery system allowing the camcorder to operate in extreme environments, the compact XH A1 has been developed for balanced handheld shooting. Ideal for use on location, its controls are positioned for comfortable operation during long shoots. The XH A1 features separate rings on the lens body, allowing full, three-fingered manual control over focus, zoom and iris. A 2.8" widescreen LCD, discretely positioned on top of the XH A1's body, can be rotated for optimum shooting comfort. Footage can also be monitored in 16: 9 widescreen using the 0.57" EVF. A full range of image adjustments are available, including finely graded gain and matrix settings and color correction. Cine gamma settings are provided for digital filmmakers. With an additional 25F shooting mode the XH A1 is able to reproduce the look and feel of film. Presets are available for storing custom settings. An accessory shoe allows a range of peripherals to be attached to the camcorder, expanding shooting options. Two channel XLR audio inputs are also provided.
General
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080i
- Optical Sensor Size 1/3"
- Optical Sensor Type 3CCD
- Min Illumination 0.4 lux
- Special Effects Skintone, Black & White
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Digital Scene Transition Black fader, White fader
- Min Shutter Speed 1/3 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/16000 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Low light, Spotlight
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
- Camera Flash None
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 1.67 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 1.56 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 2 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps
- Still Image Format EXIF
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
- Media Included Qty 1
- TV Tuner None
- Supported Resolution 1080i
Pro Camcorder Features
- Audio Signal Format PCM, MPEG1 Audio Layer II
- Features Total Cine Control
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 16 MB Flash - SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 1440 x 1080, JPEG 640 x 480
- Media Type Mini DV (HDV)
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 4.5 mm - 90 mm - F/1.6
- Focal Length 4.5 mm - 90 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.6
- Optical Zoom 20 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 4.5 mm
- Max focal length 90 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Features UD glass
- Filter Size 72 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 32.5 - 650 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Min Focus Range 0.8 in
- Zoom Adjustment Manual, Motorized drive
Additional Features
- DV input Yes
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Search Modes Date search, Photo search
- Additional Features Contrast control, Sharpness control, Accessories hot shoe, Backlight compensation, RGB primary color filter, Analog to digital conversion with pass through
- Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Included Accessories Lens hood, Camcorder shoulder strap
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type LCD
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.57 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 269,000 pixels
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.8 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones, 1 x Microphone, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x Composite video/audio (input/output), 1 x Control-L (LANC), 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included 1 x A/V cable, 1 x Component video cable, 1 x DC coupler cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter + battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Canon BP-950G
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 207,000 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Physical Characteristics
- Width 6.4 in
- Depth 13.8 in
- Height 7.4 in
- Weight 4.7 lbs
Product series
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Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 20 x, Mini DV (HDV), 4.6 lbs
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Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Camcorder, 3CCD, 20 x, Mini DV (HDV), 4.7 lbs
Manufacturer info
- Canon USA
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Canon USA products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://estore.usa.canon.com/
- Address:
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 - Phone: 516-328-5000
- Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com
