Canon XH A1

Canon XH A1 ... 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.