- log in
- join CNET
- welcome,
- my profile
- log out

Canon XL H1

Manufacturer: Canon USA Part number: 0967B001

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Compare with most popular

$6,499.95 - $7,499.99 at 2 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
3.5 stars Very good
Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Product series; Accessories; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Canon's semipro high-definition XL H1 video camera is a winner for event, reality, ENG, and documentary shooters, but its price is high.
Read more

Where to buy

store customer rating inventory tax & shipping price

store	customer rating	inventory	tax & shipping	price
PREMIER SOURCE of cutting edge electronics since 1973.	Rate this store See store profile	In stock Save $25 +$0 pay till July '09 w Bill Me Later	Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price	$6,499.95 Shop now as of 01/07/2009
Amazon.com Marketplace	Rate this store See store profile	In stock	$7,499.99 Shop now as of 01/07/2009
Savings, Selection & Service since 1971 Sony KDL-32XBR6 Save over $200! 32" LCD HDTV Full HD 1080p BRAVIA video processing Sony KDL-40Z4100 Save over 300! 40" LCD HDTV Full HD 1080p BRAVIA video processing Sony RDR-VXD655 Save $60! DVD Recorder & VHS Player Built-in HDTV Tuner HDMI™ Output

PREMIER SOURCE of cutting edge electronics since 1973.

Rate this store
See store profile

In stock

Save $25 +$0 pay till July '09 w Bill Me Later

Enter zip code to get total price:

Price

+Tax

+Shipping

=Total price

$6,499.95

Shop now

as of 01/07/2009

Amazon.com Marketplace

Rate this store
See store profile

In stock

$7,499.99

Shop now

as of 01/07/2009

Savings, Selection & Service since 1971

Sony KDL-32XBR6
Save over $200!
Product 1

32" LCD HDTV
Full HD 1080p
BRAVIA video processing

Sony KDL-40Z4100
Save over 300!
Product 2

40" LCD HDTV
Full HD 1080p
BRAVIA video processing

Sony RDR-VXD655
Save $60!
Product 3

DVD Recorder & VHS Player
Built-in HDTV Tuner
HDMI™ Output

*Total price for the Canon XL H1 are estimated and may vary slightly based on exact tax, shipping, manufacturer rebate or any sale/promotion on the merchant site.

show

CNET editors' review

Canon XL H1

price range: $6,499.95 - $7,499.99

Reviewed by: Ben Wolf
Edited by: Aimee Baldridge
Reviewed on: 02/13/2006
Released on: 01/01/2006

The good: Very high resolution; extensive image controls; interchangeable lenses; compatible with the Canon XL system of lenses and accessories; compatible jack pack is ideal for multicam studio work.

The bad: No true progressive shooting; strange ergonomics; stock lens hard to focus manually; pricier than the competition.

The bottom line: Canon's semipro high-definition XL H1 video camera is a winner for event, reality, ENG, and documentary shooters, but its price is high.

Read full review

show

User reviews

Write Review

Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 5 out of 5

Sort by:
9 stars

A response to the previous opinion; a "true" look at the H1

by AznBboy58 on February 15, 2006

Pros: Many professional level features; unprecidented at this price point

Cons: Very specific abilities make it cost what it does; only purchase if you know what these abilities have to offer and you know you will use them, otherwise there are other more affordable options.

Summary: Saying that you don't understand why anyone would pay so much more money for this camera as opposed to buying the Sony HC1 is a clearly uneducated opinion and ...

Read more

Summary: Saying that you don't understand why anyone would pay so much more money for this camera as opposed to buying the Sony HC1 is a clearly uneducated opinion and shows ingnorance in this field of products. I work professionally with these products, and would like to chime in on this posted opinion.

The Sony HDR-HC1 is an incredible camera, especially considering what it offers for its price point, but no way can you directly relate it to the Canon XL-H1. The XL-H1 is certainly more expensive, but this is not without reason. It has many, many features that set it at its price point, and definitely provides a superior image and audio when compared to the HC1. But the question is whether you need those abilities.

The Canon XL-H1 has distinct features that distinguish itself from the HC1, some which include:

3CCD capture system, interchangeable lens ability (with a beautiful HD lens that costs more than the HDR-HC1 itself), adjustable frame rates, better dyanmic range, better lux performance, better s/n ratio, xlr audio inputs, HD-SDI uncompressed output, etc ...

There are so many more, but I can't fathom listing them here. My point is that this camera was built for professional use and its feature set is a testament to that. The HC1 is a camera aimed more at the consumer market (which its features and price reflect). Its just silly to really compare these two cameras (in all regards, not just in price like the previous opinion did) ... it totally isn't a fair and equal assesment. Uninformed opinions like that only can confuse potential buyers who are looking for informed views on their possible purchases.

Yes, I believe it is rediculous for someone to spend this much on this camera if they plan to shoot Johnny's first birthday or something like that (which the HC1 is more suited for ... consumer applications). It is meant for professional level applications, and its features and final image quality more than reflect that. If you value, understand, and need abilities like the 24F framerate (which lays onto tape as true progressive scan images which can be edited in a 23.976 timeline for a true 1-to-1 film transfer output), Interchangeable lenses (allowing the ability to connect various lenses, from Canon EF lenses to 35mm CinePrimes for filmmaking), or the "Professional JackPack" (like HD-SDI which completely bypasses the compression in-camera to output the raw 8-bit 4:2:2 data, Genlock and Timecode in and out for syncing multiple cameras), then you'll understand why this camera is pried the way it is (which is still pretty amazing, giving what it offers for this price range).

All I have to say is please make informed comments that can only help those in their purchasing decisions and not troll around with brand loyalty.

Show less

18 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Why???????

by yao8a on December 18, 2008

Pros: Just what I need

Cons: no one....

Summary: Why? Because is a professional camera, so who buy this excellent camera is a PROFESSIONAL... clearly you're not one of us.

Summary: Why? Because is a professional camera, so who buy this excellent camera is a PROFESSIONAL... clearly you're not one of us.
8 stars

GREAT CAM for indie film makers

by x l 2 on November 9, 2006

Pros: ...step by step white balance adjusting

Cons: no true 24p mode

Summary: ..great cam, but test XH G1 and XH A1 first....

this footage is filmed with Canon XL2 (with 24p)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxw5LmAv6w4

http://girlsofthunder.com/got/

...

Read more

Summary: ..great cam, but test XH G1 and XH A1 first....

this footage is filmed with Canon XL2 (with 24p)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxw5LmAv6w4

http://girlsofthunder.com/got/

Show less
9 stars

Well above the competition

by juanmitz on May 5, 2006

Pros: All the pro features

Cons: ergonomics are indeed strange

Summary: I'm a professional news and commercial cameraman and i have to agree that both the editor and one of the previous raters lack the knowledge to rate this camera. ...

Read more

Summary: I'm a professional news and commercial cameraman and i have to agree that both the editor and one of the previous raters lack the knowledge to rate this camera. This is the the only camera under $10.000 that offers full compatibility with professional studios and facilities. That alone makes it woth its price. The other cameras mentioned in the other reviews are certainly nice camera, but they are nowhere close to bein professional.

Show less
1 stars

Why pay $7500.00 more for this camera?

by Time Wing on February 13, 2006

Pros: Not Available

Cons: Not Available

Summary: I have followed the development of HD camcorders for years and finally went from SD to HD with the purchase of the second generation Sony HDR-HC1. It is a 1080i ...

Read more

Summary: I have followed the development of HD camcorders for years and finally went from SD to HD with the purchase of the second generation Sony HDR-HC1. It is a 1080i camera which produces absolutely beautiful video. It's compact, solid - like all Sony products - and is more impressive on a HDTV than I imagined.

Question is: Why would anyone pay $9000.00 for this Canon HD monstrosity when you can have a nice, beautifully functional, compact Sony HD camcorder for a whole lot less?

BTW - I bought mine from RealDealShop.com - which I found on CNET - for $1398.00.

Show less

4 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.

Showing opinion 1 to 5 out of 5

See pricing

show

Specifications

Manufacturer: Canon USA
Part number: 0967B001
Description: Whether you're a broadcast ENG producer, or documentary, feature, or commercial videographer, the XL H1 is the affordable, lightweight HD camcorder you've been waiting for. Its Superior Canon Optics and exceptional image processing give you a brilliant HD image. The XL H1 also features uncompressed HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M) and SD-SDI (SMPTE 259M) output, as well as Genlock input and SMPTE time code input and output for multi-camera shoots. And, with its customizable open-architecture approach, selectable frame rates including 24F, and multiple output options, you've got exactly the right tool - every time. The XL H1 features total Cine control, customizable settings and a well-balanced design - for the creative control, flexibility and advanced capability your video work demands.

General
Product Type Camcorder
Enclosure Color Black
Effective Sensor Resolution 1.17 megapixels
Total Pixels 1.56 megapixels
Optical Sensor Size 1/3 in
Optical Sensor Type 3CCD
Min Illumination 0.5 lux
Analog Video Format NTSC
Image Stabilizer Optical
Video Head Qty 2
PCM Digital Sound 12bit (32KHz / 2 channels), 16bit (48KHz / 2 channels)
Min Shutter Speed 1/4 sec
Max Shutter Speed 1/15000 sec
Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
White Balance Custom, Automatic, Presets
White Balance Presets 2800K - 12000K (100K steps)
Exposure Modes Aperture-priority, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Manual
Exposure Metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Camera Flash None
Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
Camcorder Sensor Resolution 1.67 megapixels
Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 1.56 megapixels
Color Support Color
Status LCD Display Illumination Yes
Still Image Format JPEG
Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
TV Tuner None
Pro Camcorder Features
Audio Signal Format PCM, MPEG1 Audio Layer II
Gain Selection -3 dB, +18 dB, +6 dB, Automatic, 0 dB, +12 dB, +3 dB
Features 4 channel audio recording, Total Cine Control, Flange Back Adjustment, SMPTE Color Bars, Selectable frame rates, SMPTE Time Code
Memory / Storage
Flash Memory 16 MB Flash - SD Memory Card
Floppy Drive None
Image Storage JPEG 1440 x 1080, JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 848 x 480
Media Type Mini DV (HDV)
Recording Speed LP, SP
Lens System
Type Zoom lens - 5.4 mm - 108 mm - F/1.6-3.5 L IS II Canon XL
Focal Length 5.4 mm - 108 mm
Lens Aperture F/1.6-3.5
Optical Zoom 20 x
Lens system type Zoom lens
Min focal length 5.4 mm
Lens System Mounting Canon XL
Max focal length 108 mm
Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
Lens Manufacturer Canon
Features Aspherical lens, Focus preset, Built-in 1/6 neutral density filter, Fluorite glass, Built-in 1/32 neutral density filter, Zoom preset position
Filter Size 72 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 38.9 - 778 mm
Focus Adjustment Automatic, Manual
Min Focus Range 0.8 in
Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive, Manual
Additional Features
DV input Yes
Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
Additional Features Digital noise reduction, DPOF support, AE lock
Time Code Yes
Remote control Remote control - Infrared
Software Drivers & Utilities
Included Accessories Camcorder shoulder strap, Skirt adapter, Adapter holder
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type LCD
Viewfinder Diagonal Size 2.4 in
Viewfinder Resolution 215,000 pixels
Image Aspect Ratio (camcorders) 16:9
Features Zebra pattern
Display
Type LCD passive matrix - 2.4 in
Digital Player (Recorder)
Type None

Microphone
Type Microphone - Detachable
Connections
Connector Type 1 x Genlock, 1 x Microphone, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x Headphones, 1 x TC output, 1 x S-Video input / output, 1 x HD/SD-SDI output, 1 x Composite video/audio (input/output), 1 x Component video output, 1 x Control-L (LANC), 1 x TC input
Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
Audio input type Microphone
Microphone type Detachable
Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Microphone Technology Electret condenser
Miscellaneous
Cables Included A/V cable, 1 x DC coupler cable, 1
Power
Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery type - AA Alkaline
Battery
Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
Display Form Factor Built-in
Display Format 215,000 pixels
Viewfinder Color Support Color
Environmental Parameters
Min Operating Temperature 32 ?F
Max Operating Temperature 104 ?F
Physical Characteristics
Width 8.9 in
Depth 19.5 in
Height 8.7 in
Weight 5.3 lbs

See pricing

show

Product series

show

Accessories

show

Canon XL H1

Where to buy

CNET editors' review

User reviews

Submit your review

Specifications

General

Main Features

Pro Camcorder Features

Memory / Storage

Lens System

Additional Features

Viewfinder

Display

Digital Player (Recorder)

Microphone

Connections

Audio Input

Miscellaneous

Power

Battery

Viewfinder / Display

Environmental Parameters

Physical Characteristics

Product series

Accessories

Manufacturer info