Canon XH A1S Camcorder Review

Compression & Media Summary
• The XH A1S records to tape and uses HDV compression for high definition video (DV compression for standard definition). • The camcorder can record video using a 60i, 30p, or 24p frame rate. • There is an SD/SDHC card slot, but only still photos can be saved to the card (and Custom Preset data). • No editing software comes with the camcorder, but HDV is compatible with most systems.
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Compression (8.3)

The Canon XH A1S compresses high definition video using the HDV format, and it uses the DV codec to record standard definition video. HDV has been around for a long time (it was developed in 2003), so it should be very familiar to pros or experienced videographers. The format is also compatible with a wide range of editing programs. HDV has a constant bitrate of 25 Mbps when shooting 1080i video.

As with most pro cams, the XH A1S offers a few alternate frame rates in addition to the regular 1080/60i. The camcorder can shoot progressive 1080/30p and 1080/24p video (also using the HDV codec). These 30p and 24p modes, which are called 30F and 24F by Canon, are different from Canon's consumer line because on the XH A1S they record the footage to tape in their native format (without using a 2:3 pulldown). Recently, however, Canon has also implemented a native 24p mode on its consumer-level HV40 camcorder.

In HD, the camcorder records 30F and 24F footage onto tape as 30p and 24p*

In SD, the camcorder records 30F and 24F footage onto tape as 60i using 2:3 pulldown conversion*

* images provided by Canon

The charts above illustrate how the XH A1S captures video using its alternate frame rates for both HD and SD recording. Note that the camcorder still uses a 2:3 pulldown during playback, which means footage being played from the tape (with the camcorder connected to a television) will be 60i. Video output from the camcorder's FireWire port, however, will be native 30p or 24p (if the footage was shot in those modes). For standard definition recording, the camcorder does not capture the 24p and 30p modes natively and it uses a 2:3 pulldown when recording the footage to tape.

Media (6.0)

The XH A1S records video to good, old-fashioned MiniDV tape. While most consumer camcorders have done away with tape in favor of internal hard drives and flash memory, tape-based professional camcorders are still quite popular. MiniDV tape is cheap, familiar, and easy to use. Most importantly, you don't have to worry about the headaches involved with finding an editing program that is compatible with your HD footage. The HDV codec used to record video onto MiniDV tape is compatible with a number of widely-available professional and prosumer-level editing programs.

The camcorder records to regular MiniDV tape.

For storing still images, the XH A1S has an SD/SDHC memory card slot located inside the camcorder's battery compartment. Video cannot be recorded to these cards using the XH A1S, so they can only be used to capture photos or store Custom Preset data.

Editing (8.0)

Since the HDV codec has been around for so long it is one of the most compatible compression systems available for HD video. Most outdated professional editing software has HDV compatibility, so if you're using an old version of Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere, you shouldn't have to worry about paying for an update or downloading a new plug-in. Of course, editing footage that has been recorded to tape does have its own set of issues. You do have to log and capture all your footage, which can be time consuming and tedious. This phase of the post-production process is made much simpler when you record to non-linear media like memory cards.

Tape has its significant advantages, however. Mainly, it costs a whole lot less than the expensive memory cards used in professional camcorders (like the SxS and P2 card systems). It also provides a good archiving system that isn't easily corruptible (unlike an external hard drive). As long as you keep your tapes in good storage conditions, they should last you quite a long time.