Courtesy of Canon

Whether you're a broadcast ENG producer, or documentary, feature, or commercial videographer, the XL H1 is the affordable, lightweight HD camcorder you've been waiting for.
Its Superior Canon Optics and exceptional image processing give you a brilliant HD image. The XL H1 also features uncompressed HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M) and SD-SDI (SMPTE 259M) output, as well as Genlock input and SMPTE time code input and output for multi-camera shoots. And, with its customizable open-architecture approach, selectable frame rates including 24F, and multiple output options, you've got exactly the right tool — every time.
The XL H1 features total Cine control, customizable settings and a well-balanced design – for the creative control, flexibility and advanced capability your video work demands.
HD Resolution with Selectable Frame Rates
The XL H1 delivers 1080i HD resolution, along with selectable frame rates of 60i, 30F and 24F. For high-speed subjects 30 Frame delivers spectacular clarity, 24 Frame gives the look and motion of film.
Professional JackPack
For the professional videographer, the XL H1 gives you the capabilities you need – no matter what the job, no matter what the facilities. Multi-camera shoots are no problem using Genlock synchronization or SMPTE time code input and output. Also provided are uncompressed HD-SDI and SD-SDI output. The XL H1's professional JackPack brings together all these capabilities, and lets you quickly and conveniently make the connection you need.
Total Cine Control
With the XL H1, you can control the total look of your video by fine-tuning all important picture settings:
– Gamma
– Knee
– Black
– Master Pedestal
– Setup Level
– Sharpness
– Horizontal Detail Frequency
– Horizontal / Vertical Detail Balance
– Coring
– Noise Reduction 1
– Noise Reduction 2
– Color Matrix
– Color Gain
– Color Phase
– Master Red Gain
– Master Blue Gain
– Master Green Gain
– R-G Matrix
– R-B Matrix
– G-R Matrix
– G-B Matrix
– B-R Matrix
– B-G Matrix

20x HD Video Lens
Featuring Canon's XL lens mount, the XL H1's 20x HD lens gives you outstanding resolution, contrast, and color reproduction. What's more, the 38.9 – 778mm lens is coupled with Canon's superb Super Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system. The sophisticated stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots – even when they're hand held at long focal lengths or taken with the camera in motion.
Previously, optical image stabilizers have used a gyro sensor to detect camcorder vibration. The data from the sensor would control a vari-angle prism that continuously corrected the path of the incoming light. Super Range goes one step further by examining the image after it is received by the CCD. The system detects low-frequency vibrations missed by the gyro and sends this data back to accelerate and refine the movement of the vari-angle prism. This greatly improves performance for low frequency vibration, resulting in the most advanced optical image stabilization available today.
And since the XL H1's OIS system is optical, there isn't the loss of image quality that is inevitable with electronic image stabilizers.
This lens also includes both Focus and Zoom Presets for repeatable focus or zoom moves.
Still Image Recording
In addition to all of the features and capabilities you'd expect from a Canon HD camcorder, the XL H1 also gives you the flexibility to record still images. The images can be captured at full HD resolution (1920x 1080), with all the custom settings. With many pre- and post-production, storyboarding, and continuity applications, still image recording is just another way the XL H1 delivers versatility.
Three Native 16:9 Image Sensors
Building on the superior image quality of the industry-leading XL series, the XL H1 is built around a 3 CCD system with a separate native 16:9 CCDs for each primary color. With the XL H1, each 1/3" CCD has 1.67M pixels. The result is higher resolution, delivering outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise.
DIGIC DV II Image Processor
DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Even though video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II HD digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both HD video and still images.
Combination 16:9 EVF and LCD panel
Whether you're gathering news on the run or shooting documentary footage in an exotic location, the XL H1's big and bright 2.4", 16:9 Electronic Viewfinder makes it is easy to operate your HD camcorder — no matter what your shooting style — and get the shot you need. Depending on your preference, the viewfinder can work in either EVF or LCD mode, and can be adjusted left to right, and forward to backwards.
Safe Area Markings (80%, 90%), Aspect Ratio Guides, B/W mode, Zebra Pattern (70 — 100 IRE) make it easy to frame and check exposure, while Peaking and Magnifying Focus Help all assist you in composing your shot and getting the proper exposure.

With the 20x HD video lens and the XL H1, you can also utilize the Distance Readout System (in either feet or meters).

Custom Presets and Custom Keys
Using the XL H1's six custom presets and two custom keys, you can quickly and easily retrieve previously defined picture and camera settings.
Six custom presets allow you to store different sets of camera adjustments, including: color gain, color phase, sharpness, setup level, V detail, color matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch and skin detail (hue, gain, area, Y level). Once saved, the presets are easily retrieved for duplicating a previously defined look.

Using the SD / MultiMediaCard slot you can store up to 20 Custom Presets and easily transfer them to another XL H1, and with the optional Console software, you can adjust all of the functions of the camcorder and transfer the Custom Presets to and from the camcorder. You can even send the presets by email to another XL H1 user.

With the XL H1, you can also define two custom keys, in both camera mode and VCR mode, giving you customized shooting modes that can be retrieved as needed.

Flange Back Adjustment
This adjustment is used to adjust the Flange Back of a lens mounted on the XL H1. This adjustment can be done automatically or manually by the user
SMPTE Time Code and Color Bars
The XL H1 conforms to industry standards with SMPTE time code, as well as Drop, Non-Drop, Rec Run and Free Run modes.
The XL H1 also generates industry standard SMPTE color bars with a 1 KHz reference tone (-12dB or -20dB) for adjustment purposes, and for setting up video and audio monitors in a variety of production and editing situations. When used as a lead-in, the bars also allow for fast hand-off in the professional broadcast and film post-production environments.
Clear Scan
The XL H1's Clear Scan feature lets you match the scan rate of the camera to the scan rate of computer monitors, thereby eliminating the horizontal band effect from monitors included in your shot.
Skin Detail
The XL H1 gives you great control over hue, gain, area and Y level (+/- 6 steps). During setup EVF shows a zebra pattern over masking area flashes between picture and white-mask. During setup EE and IEEE1394 out flashes between picture and zebra pattern, enabling you to easily smooth out skin blemishes and wrinkles with total control.
4 Channel Audio
The XL H1 provides 4 channel recording with independent control of levels for each channel. The HD camera's audio capabilities also include Locked or Unlocked in DV Recording.
Interface Connections
The flexibility of the XL H1 ensures you have the connectivity you require — whatever the project – including:
– BNC video
– Component video
– S-Video
– Composite video
– IEEE 1394
– 2 Audio LR connections with Phantom power
– Microphone terminal (3.5mm)
– Headphone terminal (3.5mm)
– LANC terminal
– HD-SDI
– Genlock
– Time Code input and output
60i/50i Video Mode Option
With the XL H1's versatile open-architecture approach, you can even customize your HD camcorder to record in both 60i and 50i. (This optional upgrade must be performed by a Canon Service Center.)

HDV Recording
The XL H1 is capable of recording and playing back High Definition (HD) images using DV cassette tapes. The camcorder records in HDV1080i, and uses a Mode Select and a Frame Rate dial to select HD signals or SD signals and the frame rate.
The images recorded on the tape are configured as follows:
– Under the "HDV1080i" (HDV) specifications, 1440 x 1080 (16:9) images in 60 fields (or 50 fields for PAL*) are recorded. (60i/50i recording)
– Under the "HDV1080i" (HDV) specifications, 1440 x 1080 (16:9) images in 30 frames (or 25 frames for PAL*) are recorded. (30F/25F recording)
– Under the "HDV1080i" (HDV) specifications, 1440 x 1080 (16:9) images in 24 frames are recorded. (24F recording)
*Assumes 60i/50i Mode optional upgrade has been performed.