Canon XH A1 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Nov 21, 2006 12:00 PM
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Widescreen/16:9 Mode (0.0)
The Canon XH A1's three CCD chips have native 16:9 aspect ratios, so the video resolution and quality is best when shooting HDV video, or DV at 16:9. This camcorder does have a 4:3 DV setting, which is accomplished using a pillarboxing method, where the sides of the frame are cropped. It’s similar to the letterboxing effect used by the XL 1S (and countless other camcorders with native 4:3 chips) to achieve 16:9 video by cropping the top and bottom of a native 4:3 image.
Scan Rates/24p (8.0)
The XH A1 cannot record video in “true 24p” opting instead for 24F - and this may be perceived by many as the biggest shortcoming of Canon’s high-end models. We are unconvinced that this should be a deal-breaker for DPs looking for a camcorder that records full-frame video for two reasons: The video resolution and image controls on the XH A1 are arguably superior to those offered by other camcorders in a similar price range, and 24F differs only in that its full-frame video originates from an interlaced imaging system. The upshot is that differences between 24p and 24F deliverables are impacted by many factors, including native resolution, image controls, and the method used by the camcorder to produce full video frames. We’re reluctant to say one looks better than the other, and believe that it’s a matter best left to the individual shooter to assess based on their needs and aesthetic preferences. In addition to 24F, the XH A1 records in 60i and 30F modes.
Other Features (9.5)
Optical Image Stabilization - Canon's Optical Image Stabilization is excellent, and reduces image shake considerably when shooting hand-held. It works especially well in telephoto shots, and Canon has worked specifically to improve the extreme end of the OIS system’s range. It holds a usable shot on distant subjects at the telephoto end of the zoom range, and other than the XL H1, I can’t recall a more solid OIS. One note of caution applies here, as with any OIS system. If the camcorder is tripod-mounted with the OIS set to on, you’ll see some unwanted camera drift as the processor compensates for phantom movements. Be sure to turn OIS off for stationary shots.
Optical Image Stabilization - Canon's Optical Image Stabilization is excellent, and reduces image shake considerably when shooting hand-held. It works especially well in telephoto shots, and Canon has worked specifically to improve the extreme end of the OIS system’s range. It holds a usable shot on distant subjects at the telephoto end of the zoom range, and other than the XL H1, I can’t recall a more solid OIS. One note of caution applies here, as with any OIS system. If the camcorder is tripod-mounted with the OIS set to on, you’ll see some unwanted camera drift as the processor compensates for phantom movements. Be sure to turn OIS off for stationary shots.
Level and Center Marks - These markers superimpose either a horizontal line across the equator of the display (Level mark) or a plus sign in the center of the display (Center Mark) to assist with framing. The markers are not recorded to tape.
Aspect Ratio Guides - These guides superimpose borders on the display corresponding to a variety of aspect ratios including: 4:3, 13:9, 14:9, 1.66:1, 1.75.1, 1.85:1, and 2.35:1 (Cinemascope).
Safety Zone Guides – As with aspect ratio guides, safety zone guides superimpose a border on the display representing 80% or 90%.
Color Bars - The XH A1 can display SMPTE color bars, engaged via an external switch on the camcorder’s lower left side.
Standby Mode -In standby mode, some settings are retained that are generally lost when a camcorder is powered down including: Exposure Lock on/off, aperture and shutter speed settings during exposure lock, color bars setting, and color bars on/off. EVF display settings are also retained in Standby Mode, unlike on the XL H1, where they are lost.
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