Release Issued by Canon:
Handheld HDV1080i camcorders broaden Canon’s range for professionals
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of two highly portable 1.67 Megapixel 3CCD handheld High Definition (HD) camcorders – the Canon HD Video Camera Recorder XH A1 and the Canon HD Video Camera Recorder XH G1 – Canon brings professional quality 1080i High Definition Video (HDV) to a new generation of videographers.
Complementing the flagship XL H1, Canon now offers a range of versatile HD camcorders designed for use by independent moviemakers, ENG (Electronic News Gathering) professionals, production houses and broadcast studios. The new camcorders help to establish Canon as a major presence in the rapidly emerging HD capture sector: the XH A1 features 25F (25 frame) shooting and dedicated Cine gamma settings to achieve the look and feel of film; the XH G1 establishes a new product category, incorporating additional studio standard connectivity.
“With the launch of the XH A1 Canon brings the professional standards of HD to a new generation of exciting young independent moviemakers – just as the XM2 opened new doors and helped to shape the MiniDV revolution,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Alongside the new studio-equipped XH G1 and the flagship XL H1, Canon is defining a new HDV landscape.”
The XH series offers:
HDV1080i with 1.67 Megapixel 3CCD imaging and 25F shooting for digital film makers
Canon L-series 20x optical zoom lens [35mm equivalent 32.5-650mm], with fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass elements and Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (lens shift type)
Instant AF for high-speed auto focusing; Focus Assist for manual operation
Advanced DIGIC DV II processor optimised for HD
Professional connectivity, with 2 channel XLR audio input: the XH G1 offers additional HD-SDI output, Time code input/output and Gen lock input jacks for multi-camera setups
Balanced compact design, with optimal control layout
Internal battery system for enhanced versatility
The quality of High Definition
Both camcorders benefit from the 1.67 Megapixel 3CCD imaging sensor first introduced on Canon’s flagship HD camcorder, the XL H1. Recording HDV1080i footage, the result is stunningly realistic video capture.
The HDV standard was developed as a way to store HD video on inexpensive and widely available MiniDV cassettes – HDV1080i (1440x1080 pixels) provides the highest possible resolution under the standard. Since the XH A1 and XH G1 use pixels with a native widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio of 1.333:1, video is actually displayed at the full 1920x1080 resolution of HD displays.
In addition, simultaneous still image recording is also possible: digital photos are captured to convenient MMC or SD memory cards. Still image capture is an ideal tool for storyboarding, location scouting and continuity applications.
20x zoom lens for HD
A 4.5-90mm ƒ/1.6-3.5 20x optical zoom L lens is constructed to the highest standards, drawing on Canon’s 48 years of experience developing lenses for broadcast. Fluorite lens elements and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass deliver exceptional clarity. The Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer, compensating for unwanted vibrations across the frequency range, and two Neutral Density (ND) filters, allowing the iris to be fully opened even in the brightest conditions, are incorporated in the lens. Separate focus, zoom and iris rings on the lens barrel allow for full manual control of key variables. Multi-coating, applied to all surfaces, virtually eliminates ghosting, flare and chromatic aberrations. Focus and zoom points are stored as presets and easily returned to with accuracy and speed.
Instant AF
Instant AF is a new auto focus system designed for High Definition recording. HD places additional requirements on an AF system, since focusing errors are more noticeable. Employing a combination of two AF techniques (external metering sensors and TV AF), Instant AF is able to rapidly identify a subject’s distance and focus on it accurately at accelerated speed.
When focusing manually, Focus Assist (Peaking, Magnifying) is available as an aid to users.
DIGIC DV II
Introduced with the flagship XL H1 professional camcorder, Canon’s DIGIC DV II image processor is optimised for the increased processing requirements of HD. DIGIC DV II incorporates a special noise reduction system, providing low noise images distinguished by excellent colour reproduction and a wide tonal range.
Like its predecessor, DIGIC DV II also provides split path processing for video and still images: the simultaneous capture of 2 Megapixel stills is possible.
Industry standard professional connections
Both camcorders feature 2 channel industry standard XLR audio inputs, allowing external microphones to be connected.
For professional studio-based productions, the XH G1 incorporates an HD-SDI output terminal, allowing uncompressed video signals to be exported directly to external recorders. Seamlessly integrating into the studio, Gen lock input and Time code input/output (switchable) allow the camcorder to be synchronised with other cameras and recorders in a multi-camera shoot.
Compact and mobile
The XH series is considerably more compact than comparable competitor models. All controls are positioned on the camcorder’s body for intuitive operation, maximising the use of space. A built-in 2.8” wide LCD screen folds out from the top of the camcorder’s body and can be rotated through 180°. A generous 0.57” Electronic View Finder (EVF) with 269K pixels is also available.
Internal battery
A new internal battery system insulates the power source from extreme conditions. As a result both camcorders have a greater degree of shooting versatility: they can carry on operating in cold temperatures, for instance, when other camcorders may not be able to continue. This is particularly useful for videographers working in the field.
Availability and reader enquiries
The XH A1 and XH G1 will be available from November 2006.
Reader enquiries
UK – www.canon.co.uk
Eire – www.canon.ie
