Canon XH A1S, XH G1S, XL H1A, XL H1S, XL2 Product Guide

PRODUCT GUIDE
Image. Flexibility. Control.
Canon professional camcorders deliver performance where it counts—in the field,
in the studio, wherever and whenever the solution requires maximum image quality
and creative control. Embodying decades of Canon leadership and know-how in the
design and manufacture of cameras and lenses, Canon pro camcorders provide
not only outstanding HD and SD capture quality but also the operability, flexibility,
reliability and connectivity that professionals demand. You won’t find more capable tools
for the capture of creative, powerful video content. Put them to work.
Canon Technologies Raise the Standard of Image Quality.
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For Peaking, frequency (edge thickness) and gain (edge density) levels are adjustable. 2 settings can be stored and recalled quickly with a touch of a button. Furthermore, by using the included external component video monitor cable, the opera­tor can also use peaking and magnifying controls to check manual focus on a larger screen, instead of viewing the image through the viewfinder.
SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
Proven Canon Optical Image Stabilizer technology ensures steadier images. The system uses a gyro sensor to detect camera movement and activate a
with SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
without SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon Interchangeable XL Lens Mount
The XL H1S and XL H1A feature the XL mount system that boosts shooting range and flexibility through the use of optional inter­changeable lenses. The wide-angle Canon 6x HD Video Zoom XL 3.4–20.4mm L lens
XH G1S
Genuine Canon Video Lens
Image quality starts with optics, and only Canon professional camcorders deliver the many benefits of Canon’s world­renowned lens technologies. Genuine Canon Professional L-series camcorder lenses incorporate Fluorite and Ultra-Low­Dispersion elements plus SR multi-coating to ensure outstanding resolution and contrast with minimal chromatic aberration. The choice of professionals the world over, Canon L-series lenses deliver a level of image quality throughout the entire zoom range unmatched by conventional optics. The standard 20x zoom covers an exceptionally wide and useful range of focal lengths, perfect for a wide range of shooting situations.
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Fast, Responsive Zoom Control
With an ergonomically designed ring shape and increased speed, the zoom control on Canon professional camcorders starts and stops with exceptional smoothness and provides a comprehensive array of options. The zoom can be controlled in 3 different
ways—the lens zoom ring, grip zoom lever or handle zoom lever (for low-angle shots). Select from among 3 basic zoom speed ranges and fine-tune the zooming with 16 levels of speed control. With the Genuine
Canon 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, zooms from wide to tele range can be varied in speed from 5 minutes to an astounding 1.2 seconds at the fastest setting. Variable zoom speed operation with 16 levels of speed control is also possible through the pressure-sensitive zoom lever
SLOW Approx. 4.3 sec. (speed: 16x) to approx. 5 min. (speed: 1x)
NORMAL Approx. 2.0 sec. (speed: 16x) to approx. 3 min. (speed: 1x)
FAST Approx. 1.2 sec. (speed: 16x) to approx. 60 sec. (speed: 1x)
Zoom speed can be set to NORMAL, SLOW or FAST via C.Fn-02
(rocker). Or choose from one of the 16 levels and preset it to perform constant pace zooms. Starting and stopping of zoom movement is always ramped to avoid “zoom shock” and provide more natural, pleasing look to your footage.
Precise, Flexible Focus Control
HD capture demands precise focus. The highly responsive, independently function­ing focus ring (with selectable operational direction) enables the videographer to focus manually even while zooming—in both Manual Focus and AF modes. There are 4 selectable preset focus speeds along with 3 sensitivity settings for the focus ring, making it possible to fine-adjust
responsiveness as desired. Push AF control enables temporary manual override to quickly find critical focus, while a Focus Limit
function can be engaged to limit the focusing range of the lens, for example, for macro shooting. Dedicated Peaking and Magnifying controls are available to further assist in focusing.
(equivalent to 24.5–147mm in 35mm still photography), for example, is ideal for applications requiring a wider field-of-view. This L-series lens incorporates legendary Canon optical superiority and captures
Canon 6x HD Video Zoom XL 3.4–20.4mm L lens
images with exceptional color and resolu­tion, providing full HD clarity and detail. The XL lens mount also enables the use of the Extender XL 1.6x, which increases the focal length by 1.6x. Moreover, the EF Adapter XL enables users to attach a wide array of superb Canon EF lenses (L-series lenses recommended), designed for the renowned EOS SLR photography system, for specialized image capture.
Extender XL
1.6x
EF Adapter XL
Vari-Angle Prism to continuously compen­sate for shake and jitter. The Canon 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, moreover, effectively corrects over a wide vibration range through the use of the latest Canon SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer technology. It further improves low-frequency vibration detection by analyzing the image at the CCD sensor. The result is extraordinary camera shake correction, even at long focal lengths.
Three 1/3" Native 16:9 CCDs (1440 x 1080)
A sophisticated 3CCD design employs separate native 16:9 sensors for each primary color. The high pixel count —approximately
1.67 million (1440 x 1080) per sensor— ensures detailed HD capture (equal to about 800 TV lines of horizontal resolution). Color is rendered with exceptional accuracy with wide dynamic range and virtually no chroma noise.
DIGIC DV II Image Processor
Engineered and manufactured exclusively by Canon, specifi­cally for HD, the
latest-generation DIGIC DV II Image Processor uses propri­etary algorithms and architectures to deliver optimal image quality. The DIGIC DV II Image Processor is optimized for HD video, operating at 1440 x 1080 pixels with 4:2:2 color sampling. Color reproduction is remarkably natural, espe­cially in skin tone areas and with dark and light scenes. A hybrid noise reduction system employs dual processes to ensure brilliantly clear HD images.
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Sophisticated Audio Control
Canon professional camcorders provide the videographer with advanced control over all aspects of audio during recording. The cameras are equipped with 2 XLR inputs with individual sen­sitivity settings. Sensitivity for the XLR line input in manual mode has been increased, and the audio line output level can be switched between 1 Vrms and 2 Vrms at full scale for wider compatibility in post-production environments. Maximum audio output is +6 dBV with audio recorded at the standard +4 dBu input setting. XLR and microphone sensitivity selections include +12 dB, +6 dB, 0 dB, -6 dB and
-12 dB. 2-channel recording is possible via simultaneous use of the supplied micro­phone and the XLR inputs. Automatic level control settings for the XLR inputs provide the choice of linked or independent 2-channel operation. The camcorder is also equipped with a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack for a camera microphone and a rugged headphone
Audio and Connections (XL H1S / XL H1A)
2 Channel Recording via supplied microphone and XLR inputs
XLR input sensitivity can be set for Channel 1/2 individually
Sensitivity for the XLR line has been increased; output at a maximum +6 dBV is possible when recorded at the standard +4 dBu
2 built-in XLR terminals allow for 2-channel recording via simultaneous use of the supplied microphone and XLR inputs.
Component output terminal
terminal with level control. Additional audio controls include an audio limiter function (in manual recording mode) to prevent distortion caused by sudden loud sounds, a 1 kHz Reference Tone (selectable to
Use the supplied microphone and XLR input at the same time
-12 dB, -18 dB or -20 dB) and monitor output selections of LR/LL/RR/monaural.
HD-SDI, Genlock and Time Code Connection Terminals (XL H1S and XH G1S only)
The XL H1S and XH G1S are ready for any professional application with
Genlock and Time Code Connections
. SDI outputs conform to industry
(BNC)
standards HD-SDI (SMPTE 299M) or SD-SDI (SMPTE 272M). Audio and Time Code are both embedded. The HD-SDI output provides
HD-SDI,
an uncompressed 1.485 Gbps 60i signal at 1920 x 1080 resolution with 4:2:2 color sampling. The 4:2:2 color space ensures better color accuracy for compositing or “green screen” work, and because a single industry standard connection carries video, audio and SMPTE (LTC) Time Code, cable complexity is significantly reduced. This enables longer cable runs, improves the operator’s mobility and simplifies the cabling process.
Genlock input enables synchro-
nization of multiple cameras, whether in a live-switched production environment in the studio or on location. When shooting HD, it can accept either an SD (blackburst) or HD (tri-level) sync signal. Additionally, the camcorders feature
and Output
SMPTE Time Code Input
terminals to better accommodate time code requirements in multi-camera shoots or when synching with other devices. The XH G1S also features flags for 24F 2:3 pull­down information. Added to the video outputted through HD-SDI, which nor­mally outputs 60i,
Supplied microphone
6-pin IEEE1394 terminal for HDV/DV input/output; LANC terminal
BNC HD-SDI, Genlock, Time Code input and output terminals (available on XL H1S)
S-Video input/out­put; composite video; audio input/output (RCA)
BNC style HD-SDI, Genlock, Time Code input and output terminals (XH G1S)
these reference markers ensure that the extra frames removed can be located by compatible hardware or software. Using flags ensures that the cadence of the 24F video is accurate for professional editing.
Superior Connectivity
Additional standard connectors include a resilient 6-pin IEEE 1394 terminal, which provides a robust connection to external hardware. Also provided are component analog video output (1080/60i or
480/60i connection), S-Video input/output, composite video out­put and LANC terminal. Canon professional camcorders are also equipped with flash accessory shoes for use with Canon EX­series Speedlites.
Unrivaled Customization Capability
These camcorders provide an extraordinary range of user customization options, making them unmatched in versatility and flexibility. 23 image adjustments, 22 display options (with 40 sub-items) and 21 custom function settings (with 33 sub-items) can be used to fine-tune the cameras’ performance and operating characteristics for different envi­ronments, different users or different jobs. Organizations that use many cameras can take advantage of this feature to easily match up multiple units. Sets of adjustments can be recorded and transferred to ensure superior camera-to-camera uniformity.
Image Enhancements
Videographers can achieve virtually any look desired, thanks to an extensive range of independent adjustments.
Gamma: The NORMAL gamma curve is ideal
for viewing footage on TV monitors. The camcorders also offer CINE 1 to create images with the quality and appearance of film for TV viewing. For images that are
intended to be transferred to film, the CINE 2 setting provides an appropriate gamma curve.
Knee: 4 settings (AUTO, HIGH, MIDDLE,
LOW) that fine-tune dynamic range (knee point) adjustments in highlight areas control overexposure when shooting high-brightness subjects. HIGH enables high-key shooting, while LOW protects the image from overexposure.
Black: Adjustments to dynamic range in
the dark areas of the image are covered with 3 settings (STRETCH, MIDDLE, PRESS). STRETCH expands the range, providing greater shadow detail. PRESS narrows the range, increasing the deep black content of the image.
Master Pedestal: Adjustments in steps
from –9 to +9 set the video reference black. Higher values brighten the darker areas of the image to reduce overall contrast.
Setup Level: Black level can be adjusted
from –9 to +9.
Sharpness: Control the sharpness of the
image in steps from –9 to +9.
Horizontal Detail: High, Middle and Low
settings adjust the horizontal detail center frequency.
Horizontal/Vertical Detail Balance:
Settings from –9 to +9 adjust the horizontal/ vertical proportion of the detail correction.
Coring: Subtle noise components can be
adjusted in steps from –9 to +9.
Noise Reduction 1/Noise Reduction 2:
With Off, High, Middle and Low options for each, these settings deliver a variety of noise reduction methods and levels to assure the best image quality across numerous shoot­ing situations.
Color Matrix: Correct color matrices are
provided for NORMAL (images to be viewed on a TV monitor), CINE 1 (images with the quality and appearance of film as viewed on TV) and CINE 2 (images intended to be transferred to film).
Color Gain/Hue: Color Gain and Hue are
adjustable from –50 to +50 and –9 to +9 respectively.
Master Red, Blue and Green Gain: Each
setting is independently adjustable from –50 to +50 to provide precise control over color balance.
6 Color Matrixes: By altering 2 of the 3
primary colors, color matrixes including RG, RB, GR, GB, BR and BG (each inde­pendently adjustable from –50 to +50) provide extremely fine color control.
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Custom Display Adjustments
The operating menu on Canon professional camcorders can be customized to suit individual user preferences, maximizing convenience and efficiency.
Custom Function No.
C.Fn-00 Recording Mode Icon
C.Fn-01 Camera Data 1 (F/stop and ShutterSpeed)
C.Fn-02 Camera Data 2 (Exposure, White Balance, Gain)
C.Fn-03 Zoom Indicator
C.Fn-04 Focus Distance Display
C.Fn-05 ND Filter Displays
C.Fn-06 Image Effects
C.Fn-07 Focusing Assist Functions (Peaking and Magnification)
C.Fn-08 Customized Functions(Custom Function and Custom Preset)
C.Fn-09 Video Recording Standard Definition
C.Fn-10 DV Recording Mode
C.Fn-11 Frame Rate Display
C.Fn-12
C.Fn-13 Remaining Time on the Tape (Normal, Warning, Off)
C.Fn-14
C.Fn-15
C.Fn-16 Still Images-Related Icons(Drive Mode, Flash)
C.Fn-17
C.Fn-18 Audio-Related Displays (Mic Mode, XLRand DV Audio)
C.Fn-19 Condensation Warning Icon
C.Fn-20 Battery-Related Displays (Off, Normal, Warning)
C.Fn-21 Wireless Remote Display (Off, Normal, Warning)
Description
Tape-Related Icons and Displays (Operation Mode, Time Code, DV Control)
Tape/Card-Related Displays (Ext. Control, Image Stabilization, Image Size/Quality)
Light Metering-Related Displays (Spot AE Point and Light Metering)
Remaining Still Images on the MemoryCard (Normal and Warning)
Custom Functions
Camcorder operation can be further fine­tuned through the use of Custom Functions. With a wide array of customizable options, camera functions can be optimized to maximize shooting efficiency and uniformity of capture.
Custom Presets
Store up to 9 custom presets (sets of custom image adjustments) for instant access as needed. Custom presets can be stored on memory cards (SD/SDHC or MMC) —along with custom functions, display set­tings and photos—and shared with other Canon professional camcorders. This feature can be used to ensure uniform camera setup across multiple camcorders. The 3 custom preset channels (CP7–CP9) are presets designed by Canon and factory-loaded: CP7 optimizes images for viewing on consumer-use TV monitors by minimizing noise in dark areas and improving contrast; CP8 settings yield movie-like images when viewed on TV; CP9 settings are ideal for images that will be turned into film. Each of these channels can be reset as desired.
Custom Presets Adjustable Items
Gamma Curve* Color Gain
Knee Point Adjustment Color Phase
Black Stretch/Black Press RGain
Master Pedestal* G Gain
Setup Level* B Gain
Sharpness R-G Matrix
Horizontal Detail Frequency R-B Matrix
Horizontal/Vertical Detail Balance G-R Matrix
Coring G-B Matrix
Noise Reduction 1* B-R Matrix
Noise Reduction 2* B-G Matrix
Color Matrix*
Frame Rates
Shoot using any combination of frame rates
1080 HD or SD (16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio)
in formats. Selectable frame rates include
30F or 24F as well as an optional upgrade
to add 50i/25F frame rates (performed by a Canon Factory Service Center).
Operational and Image Enhancement Control
Canon professional camcorders incorporate numerous features that deliver superb con­trol over operation and image enhancement.
Skin Tone Detail: This feature minimizes
imperfections in skin areas without removing other details. Fine adjustments in Hue,
Custom Functions for XL H1S and XL H1A Custom Functions for XH G1S and XH A1S
Custom Function No.
C.Fn-00 Shockless WB/Gain Softens transitions when changing white balance or gain
C.Fn-01 Zoom Ring Control Changes Zoom Ring responsiveness
C.Fn-02 Zoom Speed Changes Zoom keyspeed
C.Fn-03 Focus Ring Control Sets the sensitivity of the FocusRing control
C.Fn-04 Buttons OPER.1
C.Fn-05 Buttons OPER.2
C.Fn-06 Rings Direction The directional response of the Zoom, Focus, and Iris rings can be set
C.Fn-07 OPER. Direction Changes the operation of the cursorand shutter
C.Fn-08 Iris Limit Sets the diffraction limit(On/Off)
C.Fn-09 Photo Button Selects function for Photo + CPData, Photo, Magnifying and OFF
C.Fn-10 Marker Level
C.Fn-11
C.Fn-12
C.Fn-13 Zoom Indicator Selects whether the zoom indicator is a graphicbar or a numeric display
C.Fn-14 Color Bars Selects EBU SD (Type 1) or ARIB Multiformat HDTV (Type 2) colorbars
C.Fn-15 1kHz Tone Selects the level of the reference audio tone—OFF, -12 dB, or-20 dB
C.Fn-16 Wireless Remote
C.Fn-17 LANC AEShift Exposure control selection using Canon ZR-2000 Zoom Remote Controller
C.Fn-18 Tally Lamp
C.Fn-19 LED
C.Fn-20 Custom REC Sets custom recording mode for character record and magnifying
Function Description
Changes the responsiveness of the buttons (Magnification and White Balance Set)
Changes the responsiveness ofthe buttons (Record Review, Bars, Fade, End Search, and Gain Set)
Intensity level of the frame overlays and markerson screen can be set—40%
Focus Assist B/W Mode
Object Distance Units Display
(gray) or 100% (white)
Selects whether to change the display to black-and-white when Focus Assist is activated
Selects whether distance to object is displayed in feet or meters
Selects whether or not the camcorderwill respond to wireless controller commands
Controls the function of the Tally Lamp—ON, Blink, or OFF by wireless control
Selects whether and which set of LED indicatorson the camcorder will be active.
Custom Function No.
C.Fn-00 Shockless WB/Gain Softens transitions when changing white balance or gain
C.Fn-01 AE Response Adjusts response levels when exposure changes
C.Fn-02 Zoom Ring Control Changes Zoom Ring responsiveness
C.Fn-03 Zoom Speed Changes Zoom keyspeed
C.Fn-04 Focus Ring Control Sets the sensitivity of the FocusRing control
C.Fn-05 Buttons OPER.1
C.Fn-06 Buttons OPER.2
C.Fn-07 Rings Direction The directional response of the Zoom, Focus, and Iris rings can be set
C.Fn-08 OPER. Direction Changes the operation of the cursorand shutter
C.Fn-09 Iris Limit Sets the diffraction limit(On/Off)
C.Fn-10 Photo Button Selects function for Photo + CPData, Photo, Magnifying and OFF
C.Fn-11 Marker Level
C.Fn-12
C.Fn-13
C.Fn-14 Zoom Indicator Selects whether the zoom indicator is a graphicbar or a numeric display
C.Fn-15 Color Bars Selects EBU SD (Type 1) or ARIB Multiformat HDTV (Type 2) colorbars
C.Fn-16 1kHz Tone Selects the level of the reference audio tone—OFF, -12 dB, or-20 dB
C.Fn-17 LANC AEShift Exposure control selection using Canon ZR-2000 Zoom Remote Controller
C.Fn-18 Tally Lamp
C.Fn-19 LED
C.Fn-20 Custom REC Sets custom recording mode forcharacter record and magnifying
Function Description
Changes the responsiveness ofthe buttons (Magnification and White Balance Set)
Changes the responsiveness ofthe buttons (Record Review, Bars, Fade, End Search, and Gain Set)
Intensity level of the frame overlays and markerson screen can be set—40%
Focus Assist B/W Mode
Object Distance Units Display
(gray) or 100% (white)
Selects whether to change the display to black-and-white when Focus Assist is activated
Selects whether distance to object is displayed in feet or meters
Controls the function of the Tally Lamp—ON, Blink, or OFF by wireless control
Selects whether and which set of LED indicatorson the camcorder will be active.
*Only for video recording
60i,
Chroma, Area and Y level, plus a level adjust­ment for softening skin tones, enable the operator to achieve the most natural results.
Iris: The Iris Limit function can be set from
OFF to f/9.5. With the Canon 20x HD Video Zoom Lens, the multi-level iris control becomes available beyond the iris diffraction f-number (f/9.5) all the way up to closed (Iris Limit set to OFF). It can also be controlled using LANC with the optional Canon ZR-2000.
Gain: Gain val-
ues can be fine­tuned in 0.5 dB increments from 0 to +18 dB, enabling the operator to opti­mize sensitivity when shooting in low light. Additionally,
-3 dB and +36 dB settings are available. The gain limit can also be set during AGC, so that levels can be judiciously adjusted, for example, when shooting in the dark. While selecting a WB or Gain setting, a new function ensures shockless transitions.
Color Correction: Color Correction enables
the user to control R or B gain (-6 to +6) in 16 areas as well as selected colors set at the Hue, Chroma, Area, Y level while shooting. Selective Noise Reduction lets the user apply noise reduction to targeted color areas. The Menu selection bar uses numbers to simplify EVF Setup, Skin Detail and Color Correction.
White Balance: The camera’s high-precision,
through-the-lens, 128-segment white balance features an increased adjustment range of 2,000–15,000° Kelvin. White subjects are captured white, even in difficult lighting situations, such as candle light. Several automatic modes also deliver accu­rate color in a variety of shooting situations.
Auto — The camera accurately and
automatically adjusts white balance.
Outdoor — White balance is adjusted for
bright sunlight (5,600° Kelvin).
Indoor — White balance is optimized for
incandescent lighting (3,200° Kelvin).
Color Temperature —
White balance can be selected in 100° Kelvin intervals in a range of 2,000–15,000° Kelvin.
Program AE Modes
The camcorder’s 7 pre-programmed Auto
Exposure modes
cover a wide variety of shooting situations. Ideal settings produce top-quality results quickly and easily. To simplify operation, Manual Mode is located next to OFF on the Power Dial.
Full Auto: The camera takes over for point-
and-shoot simplicity, setting focus, shutter speed, aperture, gain, white balance and AE program shift to achieve ideal results.
Auto: This mode offers all the convenience
of Easy Recording, but allows 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 sets the proper shutter speed for correct exposure.
Manual: This mode allows the user to
select aperture and shutter speed in any combination. The viewfinder indicates the relation of selected combinations to the exposure as metered by the camera.
Spotlight: Perfect for an automatic solu-
tion to a typically tricky situation: when the subject is illuminated by a concentrated light source (such as a spotlight) and the back­ground is relatively dark, this mode auto­matically adjusts exposure to compensate.
Night: As ambient light levels begin to fall,
the camera uses slower shutter speeds to achieve optimal image quality.
Viewfinder
The XL H1S and XL H1A are equipped with a 2.4-inch widescreen combination EVF/ LCD monitor (approx. 215,000 dots) for a clear, high-resolution image. The XH G1S
and XH A1S provide both an EVF (approx, 269,000 dots) and a separate flip-out 2.8­inch LCD monitor (approx. 207,000 dots). Numerous viewing functions are provided to maximize convenience and boost the quality of capture. Aspect guides provide industry-standard picture formats, while Histogram and EXIF displays offer real-time brightness information for highly accurate adjustments. The operator can choose to display up to 8 characters of the Custom Preset name and the SDI bit map display may be turned on or off. All viewfinder display information can be removed to leave a clear, unobstructed viewing area. A Magnifying function (operable with the Photo button) enlarges the viewfinder image, making it easier to perform fine image adjustments. Remaining memory is displayed when using Focus Enhancements External Hard Disk Recorders.
Enhanced Operation
Versatility and convenience are hallmarks of Canon professional camcorders. Still images can be “grabbed” from footage either while shooting or during playback. These images can be saved on the memory card for subsequent transfer. The camera’s power LED illuminates green when the camera is powered up and ready. Playback mode preserves the letter-box format, allowing an accurately proportioned view of captured footage. A default write and protect function prevents accidental erasures. Marker colors may be specified at the user’s discretion. The camcorders also support 9 languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Russian, Chinese (simplified) and Japanese.
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