Canon Technologies Raise the Standard of Image Quality.
PROFESSIONAL
VIDEO
TECHNOLOGY
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.
4 5
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.
PROFESSIONAL
VIDEO
TECHNOLOGY
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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PROFESSIONAL
VIDEO
TECHNOLOGY
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.
8 9