Canon XH A1s HDV Camcorder Get Canon XH A1s Price / Buy Online

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Professionals who require a smaller, lighter weight HD camcorder, but who refuse to sacrifice capability and performance, will find the Canon XH A1s to be an ideal solution. The latest in a family of high quality HDV camcorders, the XH A1s delivers the advanced features and extraordinary image control capabilities videographers need to make their visions reality in high definition. Even the most demanding users will find uncommon flexibility, versatility and capability in the extensive array of features and optional accessories. The Canon XH A1s will meet and exceed the highest expectations.

The Canon XH A1S HD camcorder's Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens offers manual zoom and focus, which can operate simultaneously in either manual or Autofocus mode. The three independent manual adjustment rings, (focus, zoom and iris) have been redesigned for easy access and comfortable operation. Other lens innovations include: three sensitivity settings for the manual focus ring; normal, fast, and slow zoom speeds; smooth movement when starting or stopping zooms; and selectable rotational angles between the tele and wide ends of the lens zoom. To improve lens operability, the Canon XH A1S camcorder is equipped with a function to customize the operational feeling of the camcorder. Acceleration and deceleration have been added to the zoom when starting and stopping in the zoom key mode to achieve a more natural zoom sensation during filming.

The Canon XH A1s HD camcorder features Canon's Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization to help deliver smooth, steady video even at longer focal lengths. The system uses two detection methods (gyro and vector) to sense the widest range of vibrations from hand-held shake, to vibration from a moving vehicle. By using optical stabilization, it can compensate for a greater degree of camera shake and avoid any loss in image quality, unlike electronic image stabilizers.

Canon XH A1s Key Features

Canon XH A1s HDV Camcorder Supplied Accessories:

• Battery Pack BP-950G
• Compact Power Adapter CA-920
• DC Coupler DC-920
• Wireless Controller WL-D5000
• Lens Hood
• 32MB SD Card SDC-32M
• Tripod adapter base
• Shoulder Strap SS-1000
• Eyecup
• External microphone holder adjustment band
• Component Video Cable DTC-1000
• Stereo Video Cable STV-290N
• Digital Video Cassette HDVM-E63PR
• IFC-300PCU USB Cable
• AC Cable
• Two R6/AA Batteries

True HD 1080 Capture with Choice of Frame Rates

The XH A1s captures true 1080 High-Definition video, providing images of stunning clarity. Moreover, the frame rate is selectable: Capture and output video in 60i, 30F, or 24F as needed to deliver spectacular clarity or evoke the look and feel of film and episodic TV. A 50i/25F option is available, requiring modification at a Canon Service Center. Modified cameras offer the option of switching to 50i or 60i capture in HD mode and PAL or NTSC compatibility in SD modes.

Genuine Canon 20x HD L Series Zoom Lens

HD image quality starts with optics, and the XH A1s delivers the many benefits of Canon's world-renowned lens technologies. The Genuine Canon 20x HD video zoom lens is a professional L Series lens, incorporating Fluorite and Ultra-Low-Dispersion elements. This state-of-the-art design ensures outstanding resolution, contrast, and color reproduction, delivering image quality throughout the entire zoom range unmatched by conventional optics. The 20x zoom covers an exceptionally wide and useful range of focal lengths -- from 32.5-650mm (35mm photography equivalent), an optional 0.8x HD Wide Angle Adapter is available -- assuring unmatched versatility for a wide range of shooting applications. It also comes with two built-in ND filters, and can be enhanced with an optional wide converter to meet all your needs.

Three 1/3-inch Native 16:9 CCDs (1440 x 1080)

A sophisticated 3CCD design employs separate native 16:9 sensors for each primary color. With 1.67 million pixels (1440 x 1080) per sensor, the effective pixel count of the XH A1s is significantly higher than that of comparable HD camcorders. Canon's superior design thus delivers outstanding picture quality at 1080 HD resolution. It further ensures highly accurate color with wide dynamic range and virtually no color noise.

Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer

Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization

Canon's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) uses a gyro sensor to detect camera movement and activate the Lens Shift System to continuously compensate for shake and jitter. The 20x HD video zoom lens on the XH A1s incorporates Canon's Super-Range IS Technology, which further improves low-frequency vibration control by using two detection methods (gyro and vector). The image at the CCD sensor is analyzed, providing additional feedback to the lens shift element for even greater compensation and precision. The result is highly reliable camera shake correction, even at long focal lengths, without any image degradation.

DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor

Engineered and manufactured by Canon, the DIGIC Digital Signal Processing chip (DSP) uses proprietary algorithms and architecture to deliver the highest image quality at the highest operating speeds. The latest-generation DIGIC DV II HD Processor is designed for HD video, operating at 1440 x 1080 pixels with 4:2:2 color sampling. A new hybrid noise reduction system uses dual processes to improve image clarity in monotone and shadow areas. Color reproduction has also been improved, especially in skin tone areas and with dark and light scenes. The DSP also enables high-quality still image recording in either video or digital camera color spaces.

Instant AF

Instant AF is Canon's next-generation autofocus technology. A new external sensor works in combination with Canon's proven high-performance internal AF system to dramatically reduce focusing time and increasing accuracy, even in low-light or high brightness situations. Focusing performance is also much improved with difficult subjects. The high resolution of HD video makes focus more critical than ever, and Canon's Instant AF helps videographers capture HD images with expert precision.

The XH A1S gives you a choice of two AF modes for different shooting applications. Normal AF changes focus at a speed that appears natural and doesn't distract the viewer. Instant AF changes focus as rapidly as possible and is designed for applications in which quick focus is more important than other considerations -- for example, in news gathering or documentary work.

Comprehensive Focus and Zoom Control

The Canon XH A1S HD camcorder's Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens offers manual zoom and focus, which can operate simultaneously in either manual or Autofocus mode. The three independent manual adjustment rings, (focus, zoom and iris) have been redesigned for easy access and comfortable operation. Other lens innovations include: three sensitivity settings for the manual focus ring; normal, fast, and slow zoom speeds; smooth movement when starting or stopping zooms; and selectable rotational angles between the tele and wide ends of the lens zoom. To improve lens operability, the Canon XH A1S HD camcorder is equipped with a function to customize the operational feeling of the camcorder. Acceleration and deceleration have been added to the zoom when starting and stopping in the zoom key mode to achieve a more natural zoom sensation during filming.

Built-In Neutral Density Filters

Two built-in Neutral Density (ND) filters (1/6 and 1/32) reduce exposure by two or five stops for added image control. They can be used, for example, when shooting bright, sunlit exteriors or to decrease depth of field for a more dramatic, cinematic look. A focus distance readout in the viewfinder assists in setting manual focus.

Superior Connectivity

The XH A1s includes a full complement of input and output ports to meet just about any interface requirement. Two XLR mic/line audio inputs accommodate professional balanced connections. Also provided are industry standard connectors, including component (HD/SD) and composite video outputs (BNC/RCA), an IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port, a LANC terminal, and a headphone jack.

Two Built-in XLR Terminals With Independent Audio Level Control

The two built-in XLR Terminals with independent audio level control on the XH A1S helps you to record audio at as high a level as your video. They provide phantom power and 3.5mm microphone and headphone terminals. With independent audio level control, you'll be in better command over the sound you record. You can simultaneously use the built-in microphone of the XH A1S and the XLR input, with individual sensitivity settings for each channel. The XLR sensitivity setting is selectable, from -12dB through +12dB. Line output level switching is provided, along with an audio volume lock to help prevent variations in the recorded sound.

Total Image Control

A variety of image control functions gives you as much or as little exposure control as you want, and lets you fine-tune your exposures for outstanding video. You get Total Image Control, Exposure Lock for re-composing your shot after setting your exposure, AE shift (+/- 2 levels), Gain Setting, 2 Custom Keys, as well as 7 Program AE Modes and 9 Custom Presets.

Gain Settings

Select automatic gain control or one of 3 preset gains (low, medium, or high), which can be assigned values from -3 dB to +36 dB.

White Balance

Numerous white balance modes are provided to ensure color accuracy in a variety of shooting situations. The automatic modes use a high-precision 128-segment through-the-lens metering system.

• Auto - Provides automatic adjustment of white balance.
• Outdoor - Balances for bright sunlight (5600°K), can be customized.
• Indoor - Balances for incandescent lighting (3200°K), can be customized.
• Color Temperature --Balances to a specifically selected value between 2800-15000°K in 100°K increments.
• Custom Presets A and B - Enables two manual white balance settings to be programmed for instant recall (3200-5600°K).

Gamma

The NORMAL gamma curve provides the best results for conventional viewing on a TV monitor. CINE 1 creates images that resemble the quality and appearance of film as viewed on TV. The CINE 2 setting selects an appropriate gamma curve for images that are to be transferred to film.

Color Matrix

NORMAL, CINE 1, and CINE 2 adjust the color during the shooting. The NORMAL setting is a matrix based on the assumption that images will be reviewed on a TV monitor. If CINE 1 is selected, the resulting quality and grayscale resemble those of a movie film. This is a matrix for creating images on TV that appear like movies. The CINE 2 setting is a matrix that is for images being transferred to film.

Image Enhancement

The XH A1s provides advanced features that improve image viewability and maximize visual appeal. Skin Detail mode minimizes imperfections, such as blemishes and wrinkles, without removing detail in other areas of the image. Three intensity levels are provided, and an alternating zebra pattern in the viewfinder simplifies the process of selecting the desired area for the effect. Clear Scan eliminates the flicker and black bands that usually result when shooting a computer or other CRT screen. Frequency is adjustable from 50.2 Hz to 200.3 Hz to accommodate a wide variety of monitors.

Program AE Modes

Seven programmed Auto Exposure modes simplify the selection of camera settings for a variety of everyday and special shooting situations.

• Easy Recording (Full Auto) - This 'point-and-shoot' mode lets the camera make all the key decisions. The camcorder automatically sets focus, shutter speed, aperture, gain, white balance, and AE program shift as required to deliver the most pleasing video images.
• Auto - Similar to Easy Recording, this mode also provides point-and-shoot operating simplicity. However, it gives the operator the option of manually changing the settings.
• Shutter Priority - The user selects the shutter speed, and the camera automatically selects the proper aperture for correct exposure.
• Aperture Priority - The user selects the lens aperture, and the camera automatically selects the proper shutter speed for correct exposure.
• Manual - The user can select any combination of aperture and shutter speed. Indicators in the viewfinder show the relation of selected combinations to the exposure as metered by the camera.
• Spotlight - This mode automatically adjusts exposure for optimum results when the subject is illuminated by concentrated light source (such as a spotlight) while the background is relatively dark.
• Night - The camera uses slower shutter speeds to enable capture as ambient light levels begin to fall.

High-Resolution Widescreen 2.8-inch LCD and EVF

With both an EVF and an LCD, the XH A1s provides a choice of precise, informative displays for image composition and data readout. The 0.57-inch widescreen EVF is approximately 269,000 pixels. The separate 2.8-inch widescreen LCD also provides a clear, high-resolution image with approximately 207,000 pixels. Operators can choose from 22 levels of displayed shooting data, including an image-only setting that hides all information overlay. Two focusing aids are available: peaking, which highlights the edges of in-focus areas; and magnifying, which provides a 2x enlargement of the central portion of screen.

Custom Presets

Up to 9 sets of customized image adjustments can be stored in the camera's internal memory for instant recall. In addition, two Custom Keys can be programmed to provide instant access to a number of shooting functions to suit the user or the particular application.

Custom Functions

With the XH A1S's Custom Functions capability, you can establish the camera settings best suited to your preference. Three custom functions (C.Fn1, C.Fn2 and C.Fn3) are provided. Each custom function allows a total of 21 main items to be selected. All three custom functions can be recorded on a memory card, and can then be downloaded to another camcorder. Items include: Shockless WB/GAIN, AE Response, High-speed Zoom Setting, Focus Ring Response Characteristics, Ring/Dial Operation Direction Settings, Subject Distance Unit Setting, Color Bar Display, Remote Control Codes, and Tally Lamp Settings. Fine tuning of Gain can be made from 0dB to 18dB, in 0.5dB increments. And, with the +36dB Hypergain function, images can be captured even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

Compact and Lightweight

The XH A1s sports a lightweight, compact design that employs an internal battery compartment. Size, therefore, is not materially affected by the battery used. The compartment will house any BP-900 series battery or DC coupler. The reduced size and weight of these camcorders make them easily transportable and maneuverable -- major advantages for location work and specialized tight-space shooting, often making it possible to capture footage not possible with larger cameras.

An optional 0.8x HD Wide Angle Adapter is also available. Its compactness in combination with their superb HD image quality make the XH A1s ideal not only as support cameras in larger production environments but also as primary capture devices for smaller organizations, such as local news stations, event videographers, and independent filmmakers.

Custom Display

The Custom Display function lets you set 22 display items to create a custom menu to suit your specific needs. Once set, the functions can be recorded on a memory card, and can then be downloaded to another XH A1S or XH G1S camcorder. Items that can be selected include: Record Programs, Camera Data 1, Camera Data 2, Zoom, Focus, Neutral Density, Image Effects, Focus Assist Function, Customize, Recording STD, DV Record Mode, Frame Rate, Tape, Tape Remainder, Tape/Card, Light Metering, Card, Card Remainder, Audio, Condensation, Battery, and Wireless Remote.

IEEE 1394 and EVF Monitor Output Terminals

A robust 6-pin IEEE 1394 terminal is provided on the XH A1S to provide enhanced durability when using external devices, and an external EVF monitor output terminal is also fitted to allow the use of a component external monitor for more accurate image composing and video review.

Built-in Digital Still Camera

Still image shooting capabilities turn your XH A1S into a valuable production tool for storyboarding, continuity and publicity shots, and other applications. You get single image shooting, continuous shooting, high-speed continuous shooting, histogram display, AEB, image quality selection, print order, protect, slide show, and index display. And, digital still images can be recorded in either digital color space or video color space. Image sizes are 1920 x 1080, 848 x 480, 1440 x 1080, and 640 x 480. Still image shooting records images to a MultiMedia Card or SD Memory Card. Metering modes include center-weighted average metering, evaluative metering, and spot metering.

Analog-Digital Converter

Lets you use your XH A1S to convert the analog signal from your TV, VCR or analog camcorder to digital. Or use your XH A1S as a signal converter by connecting it between an analog device and another digital device.

Level Shot and Grid Marker

This features make it easy to keep your camera level or compose your shot with precision. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot -- such as the horizon -- to the marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level. The Grid Marker feature lets you compose your shot accurately in relation to a precise grid.

Zebra Pattern Display

High-brightness portions of the image are displayed as a black-and-white zebra pattern. The sensitivity level can be adjusted from 70 to 100 IRE in 5 IRE-unit increments.

4:3 Output

The XH A1s include 4:3 output capability, which is highly useful in field situations where a widescreen monitor is not available for viewing 16:9 footage. The letterboxed 16:9 image output enables the entire frame to be viewed on a standard-definition 4:3 set.

Memory Card Slot

The memory card slot on the XH A1s accepts SDHC, SD, and MultiMediaCards (MMC). In addition to enabling camera-to-camera transfer of custom settings, memory cards can be used to store digital still images taken with the camcorder.

Flash Accessory Shoe

The accessory shoe on the XH A1s can be used to mount optional accessories. It can also be used with an optional flash unit for still photography. The shoe is compatible with E-TTL II Canon Speedlite flashes, designed for use with the Canon EOS SLR camera system, such as the EX-series models.

Canon XH A1s Specifications

Image Sensor:

1/3-inch Native 16:9 CCD x 3 (horizontal pixel shift)

Total Pixels:

approx. 1,670,000 pixels each

Effective Pixels:

HDV: approx. 1,560,000 (1440 x 1080)
4:3 SD: approx. 1,170,000 (1080 x 1080)
16:9 SD: approx. 1,560,000 (1440 x 1080)

Lens:

20x HD L Series zoom lens, f=4.5-90mm, f/1.6-3.5, 20x HD video zoom Fluorite and UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) glass elements

Filter Diameter:

72mm

Image Stabilization:

SuperRange Optical (Lens Shift)

Video Recording System:

Two rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording
HDV: High Definition Video 1080i
DV: Consumer digital VCR SD system

Audio Recording System:

HDV: 2-channel MPEG-1 audio layer 2, 16-bit (Sampling frequency 48 kHz), Transfer rate: 384kbps
DV: 2-channel PCM digital sound, 16-bit (48 kHz) or 12-bit (32 kHz) selectable

Television System:

HDV: High Definition Video (HDV) 1080i/60i
DV: NTSC standard (525 lines, 60 fields) color signal

Frame Rate:

60i, 24F, 30F

Tape Format:

Videocassettes bearing the HDV or miniDV mark

Tape Speed:

HDV: 18.81mm/s
DV: SP: 18.81mm/s, LP: 12.56mm/s

Maximum Recording Time (80 min. cassette):

HDV: 80 min.
DV: SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.

Viewfinder:

0.57-inch 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen TFT color, approx. 269,000 pixels

LCD screen:

2.8-inch 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen TFT color, approx. 207,000 pixels

Microphone:

High-performance stereo electric condenser microphone

Focusing System:

TTL-video signal sensing system autofocus, manual focusing possible with focus ring

Minimum Focusing Distance:

20mm (wide macro), 1m (entire zoom range)

Minimum Illumination:

NTSC: 6 lux (Shutter speed 1/60, Gain 18 dB)
PAL: 5 lux (Shutter speed 1/50, Gain 18 dB)
Manual mode (when Gain 18 dB, f/1.6, 60i/50i are selected)
NTSC: 0.4 lux (Shutter speed 1/4), PAL: 0.3 lux (Shutter speed 1/3) (when 60i/50i is selected)

Recommended Illumination:

More than 100 lx (60i/24F)

White Balance:

Auto white balance, pre-set white balance (indoor, outdoor), custom white balance, or color temperature setting

Memory Card Recording media:

SDHC (SD High Capacity) memory card, SD memory card, MultiMediaCard (MMC)

Memory Card Still Image Recording Sizes:

640 x 480, 848 x 480, 1440 x 1080, 1920 x 1080 pixels

Memory Card File Format:

Design rule for Camera File System (DCF), Exif 2.2 compliant, DPOF compliant

Video Terminal:

Also serves as RCA pin jack (yellow), both input/output; Also serves as BNC connector, output

Microphone Terminal:

Mic terminal (3.5mm)

Audio Terminal:

XLR 3-pin jack (2 systems); Switchable between MIC/LINE

HDV/DV Terminal:

Special 6-pin connector (IEEE 1394 compliant) input/output

LANC Terminal:

2.5mm stereo mini-jack

Output Levels:

-12 dBV (with 47-kohm load, 1 Vrms output level setting and -12 dB full scale)

Power Supply (rated):

7.4V (battery pack)

Operating Temperature:

32-104°F/0-404°C

Dimensions (W x H x D):

6.4 x 7.6 x 15.6 in. (163 x 192 x 394mm)

Weight:

approx. 4.7 lbs. (2.135kg) body only
5.3 lbs. (2.4kg) fully loaded

Canon HDV Camcorders Feature Comparison Chart