| Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom | 
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| Brand: Canon
Category: Photography
List Price: $3,999.97
Buy New: $2,480.00
You Save: $1519.97 (38%)
Buy New from $2,480.00
Avg. Customer Rating:   (37 reviews)
Sales Rank: 445
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 20
Display Size: 2.8
Maximum Focal Length: 90
Minimum Focal Length: 4.5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 12
Dimensions (in): 16 x 20 x 12
MPN: 1191B001
Model: XH A1
UPC: 013803063769
EAN: 0013803063769
ASIN: B000H7GSG6
Release Date: October 30, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 AMAZING Camera! January 15, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've worked with a Panasonic AG-DVX100B and several consumer cameras both HD and SD. I can without any doubt in my mind say that if you are willing to commit several weeks to learning the ins and outs of this camera; you will not get better visual images from anything under 8k.
The customization feature of the A1 are worth 3k alone. You can match this camera to anything out there, including film.
The A1 carries Cannon's L series lens which gives sharp images even at the end of its 20x range. The images produced are crisp, clear, HD and completely stunning. Watching random footage from the A1 on a 67" HDTV is pure eye-candy!
Unless you are looking for a camera with the more expensive flash media capabilities, or dozens of variable frame-rates, this is the camera for you!
I have used this camera for close to a year now. Here are several things you must know before you buy:
1. "True HD" is something to discuss for those who study lines and pixels. Those of us who make stunning visual images worry about such things as lighting, composition, movement, audio, etc.
This camera has enough resolution to produce amazing results even in not-so-stunning situations.
2. HDV is the most practical "HD" codec out there. It allows you to record to cheap tapes and when you wish to edit, you are able to do so on your computer. No need for fancy editing consoles, tape decks, and expensive flash media.
3. Stop reading reviews and go look at some of the work that's been done with the A1.
- Search for "Steven Dempsey" on vimeo.com
All of his recent work is done with the A1
- http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=143
is a community of filmmakers who use the A1.
Little champ December 24, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased the Canon XH A1 for a specific project. I received the camera only 1 night before the first day of shooting was scheduled. Be sure to read through the manual to learn what this thing can do. I usually don't read manuals but the custom color/contrast settings are a bit advanced and very helpful in getting the 'look' you want.
I have only been impressed with this camera (as I often am with any Canon products). Battery conservation is excellent, audio is crisp, custom options abound, manual controls are easily accessible, low-light situations are not a problem (+6 to +32 gain! use sparingly, of course), and the image is fantastic for HDV.
Some people have been complaining about the smaller LCD flip-out monitor. I have not found this to be a problem thanks to Canon's focus assist features (2x magnify and the high-contrast mode).
I have one very small complaint: make the MIC->XLR switch a hardware switch! It's annoying to switch it in the camera menu. All the other audio control switches are hardware, so why not that?
Overall, this is a 5-star product at a very reasonable price. 24f, 30f, and 60i modes all perform beautifully. If you're looking for the right hardcase, I have been very pleased with the Pelican 1550 Case w/Foam (Black)
Best Camera, Best Price December 14, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Ok may not be the best camera out there, but anything better will set you back a few extra grand. This will give you the best image out of any HDV or 1/3 inch ccd out there - you can step up to the advanced Canon HD models, but those are mostly the same image with more control features and an 8K price tag.
By far the best bang for buck that ever existed LOL - even Canon's HV20 held up pretty well to other HD 3 chip cameras.
For the cons, main sticking point is that the zoom/focus rings are a tad slow, but for some people this is an advantage - frankly I loved the lightning fast rings on the DVX/HVXs by Panasonic which were great for developing multi shot action for documentaries. Another con is the focus distance is longer than your standard camera - you'll have to stand 5-10 feet further from the subject than normal if your indoors.
But overall, as annoying as these gripes are personally, you still can't find a better image from any other HDV camera. And you can't find a better price either - sure there's cheaper HD 3 chip cameras out there made by Sony mostly, but the quality is a HUGE drop off, so this is the lowest price you'll get for a truly top notch product.
I've shot stuff side by side for events with a Sony Z1U, which is at least 1000 more and the Canon had deeper and more accurate color, very noticeably sharper image, and less color drop off in low light.
Plus having an iris ring vs. a tiny scroll wheel that other camera's have is a big plus.
Don't worry about the 24F (some are worried over the difference between 24f and 24P) - you cannot TELL a difference at all - I zoomed into a frame to see if I could pick up on any differences - nada. Just a razor sharp image. The difference is the algorithms Canon uses to compress the footage onto tape vs. 24p - to make a long story short, hence the F and not P in descriptions, but it is certainly not a drop off.
And to clarify something, this does up to -36 db of grain - I saw a few articles / reviews on the net saying it can only do -12. By default the gain settings are -6,-12, but you can change that in the menu to go higher if you need. Even though grain is never wanted, if you're stuck in that situation, the grain on this camera actually does resemble film grain moreso than video grain, so if you do get caught in low light, it's not that big of a deal so long as you're not in pitch darkness, it kind of adds to the film look in 24F mode.
Go with Canon XH A1 December 2, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought Canon XH A1 a few weeks ago. I have used it under different light and space settings and I want to say that is a very good camera. It has several menus that you need to try and a few things to remember, but the overall conclussion is that not only it produces good video but also it teaches you the basics on filming. For a novice in video production like me it is a good tool to achieve professionalism. I -as many more have done- spent a lot of time comparing models, reading reviews and testimonies. Finally I decided for Canon XH A1 and so far I am very motivated to continue with this one. If you have questions about this review, please write to my email: libnysr@felpsis.net
Great Pro Camera November 30, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a top of the line Broadcast Quality Camcorder. It records on tape or chip, and has a bewildering array of buttons and switches. But with enough study, you can turn out professional HI-DEF videos; including wide-screen 16X9. My main complaint, and this is a BIG one, is it is VERY hard to setup the Firewire feed to a computer. For some reason your Video editing program can't see this camera unless ALL other imaging equipment is either deleted or disabled. That includes any other Video feeds, such as TV Tuners, Scanners, etc. I have spent over a week trying, and STILL do not have it feeding the Firewire line. But I am working on it, and welcome any suggestions from ANYBODY!
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