Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom
by Canon
Our Price: $3,499.95
Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days
Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CanonRelease Date: 2006-10-30
Model: XH A1
Product features:
- Captures true 1080 resolution, widescreen (16:9) HD video
- 2.8-inch widescreen LCD monitor; .57-inch viewfinder
- 20x HD zoom lens; Super-range optical image stabilization
- Three 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs (1.67 megapixels)
- DIGIC DV II HD image processor
- Portabrace PB-2850TBH Trunk-Style Hard Case (Blue)
- Corel VideoStudio Pro X2
- Nero 9
- Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9
- Portabrace CBA-XHAG1 Camera Body Armor - Mini (Blue)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom
Customer Review: $4000+ Camera with $800 image?
Summary: 1 Stars
This camera is unbelievably overpriced.
It's like they priced it by the pound or by the button.
The imagers are 1/3". Do you know how small that is? Stink out your pinky and look at the quick, smaller than that. Three of those, one for each color is what your image is recorded through. That is what is gathering all the info. And that is why your over half your point and shoot photos are blurry without a flash. It is the same imager as your $99 point and shoot camera. Go buy a $200 point and shoot that takes HD video and you have the same imaging ability of this camera. Everything else is bells and whistles.
If you were offered two cars, both had the same guts and performance, but one had a bunch of bells and whistles and cost more than four times as much, which would you buy?
What is the rest of the money for? A big telephoto lens, that does not help gather more light. It doesn't, compare the f-stop between it and a prosumer camcorder and point and shoot. It does not even have a higher zoom ratio.
The ability to shoot at different resolutions? Big whoop, so do point and shoots.
The ability to shoot at pseudo frame rates? Point and shoots do that too. Most consumer camcorder do that too and the newer camcorders don't have to shoot in lower HD rez...HDV is only 1440 x 1080...not the full 1920x 1080. And the new camcorders don't have to fake it like this one.
XLR hookups, so what, fine add $200. But they probably cost $50 to build on this thing.
Manual controls of wb, shutter, etc. So does a point and shoot for stills, why should doing that for video cost you thousands?
The ability to do slow zooms. WOW...not that is worth thousands more. Are you a zoom freak. Afraid of moving your legs. Afraid of editing? You're buying this thing and you can't edit. When was the last time you saw a slow smooth ZOOM on network tv. Probably a football game. Is that why you are buying this?
What the hell does this thing do that warrants the price difference between it and even the Canon consumer model HD camcorders?
I've used this camera, nothing warrants it.
NOTHING except to look like a pro. And that is what you are paying for, a lame status thing. The ability to change settings with a button instead of a menu. The ability to manually focus with a ring. The ability to hook in pro mics. And the big "look at me" design. Kinda like driving a hummer.
Hey I have a expensive car, I must be important.
Unfortunately that is the stigma attached to videography. In order to sastify your clients ignorance, you must have a "big" camera, even though the same results can be achieved with a $900 camera.
And instead of charging anything realistic to what's really built in this camera, Canon and the industry get together and make up an arbitrary semi-pro, pro price point. One that you really can't or shouldn't pay. This is half the cost of a new car. This four months of mortgage payments.
Nothing in this camera is not in your average point or shoot, except the lens which arguably and comparitively $500 worth of gears and glass.
And of course if you want to look like a pro, you have to buy one of these under-equipped behemoths.
Will this camera make you talented. No. Will this camera, give you abilities you cannot get using something less expensive. NO.
If you have skills you will do fine with a $900 camera.
Are you a budding filmmaker? The only things you should be concerned with...are a 24fps frame rate...and the ability to change lenses.
Neither of these are offered on this camera. 24f is not true 24fps and barely looks like it.
More Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom reviews:
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Description of Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom
Canon XH-A1 captures true 1080 High Definition resolution video at 60i, 30F or 24F frame rates (or, 50i/60i with optional upgrade). It captures a true 16:9 widescreen HD image that is made for your HD broadcast and theatrical projects. It comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD Professional L Series Fluorite lens delivering outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction; delivers clarity and image quality you won't see with conventional optical glass lenses. Designed specifically for HD, Canon's DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality for HD video, with improved color reproduction - especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also employs a hybrid noise reduction system that integrates two types of noise reduction, for high definition images that are crystal clear. Designed for professional use, the Canon XH-A1 comes with a 2.8" Widescreen LCD and .57" Widescreen EVF for bright, high-resolution views. The LCD and EVF can be used at the simultaneously, giving both cameraperson and director or producer a view of the action. It records on HDV digital tape cassettes. There's also a slot for SD memory cards. Canon's innovative Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer combines gyro- and image-sensors to correct camcorder shake instantly - whether it's the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car; the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording; or the slower motion of body sway. With HD, focus is more critical than ever. Instant AF is the next generation of auto focus, designed with HD resolution in mind. It combines an external AF sensor with Canon's legendary auto focus system for fast and accurate focus. Together, the two sensors reduce focusing time - even in low-light situations - and improve focusing performance on difficult subjects. There are 9 Custom Presets, 2 Custom Keys, and 7 Programmable AE Modes.All Digital Camcorders
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