Canon XL H1 Camcorder Review

Scan Rates/24p (8.0)
The fact that the XL H1 cannot record video in true 24p may be this camcorder’s most oft-mentioned shortcoming, but this is an indication that Canon sees the primary market for the XL H1 as television shooters. In either DV or HDV modes, the camcorder records footage in 60i, 30F, or 24F. Switching between modes is exceptionally easy, via the large frame rate selection toggle on the camcorder’s right side, and the XL H1 manages the transition from one frame rate to another in just a few seconds. 24F or “24 Frame” differs from 24p in that it is an interlaced format, but is easily converted to 24p because the frame rate is identical.

Other Features (10.0)
Optical Image Stabilization  - We found Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization system to be exceptionally good. When shooting hand-held, it reduces image shake considerably, especially when shooting telephoto shots. I was able to hold a usable framing on distant subjects with relative ease, even when the lens was zoomed to 20 x. When you consider its relative heft compared to most other sub-$10,000 camcorders, and very good OIS, the XL H1 is a highly capable unit for hand-held shooting. Be aware that if the camcorder is mounted on a tripod, OIS will result in some unwanted camera drift as it compensates for “phantom” movements, so be sure to turn this option off for stationary shots.

Level and Center Marks - This feature creates either a horizontal line through the center of the EVF (Level mark) or a plus sign in the center of the EVF (Center Mark) to help you create level shots.

Aspect Ratio Guides - This creates thin white border lines conforming to the variety of aspect ratios that you might have in mind for your final project. Shoot in the lines and you’ll be in the clear. Aspect ratios include: 4:3, 13:9, 14:9, 1.66:1, 1.75.1, 1.85:1, and 2.35:1 (Cinemascope).

Safety Zone Guides - You can set a safety zone of 80% or 90% with a white border around the EVF.

Color Bars - The XL H1 can display SMPTE color bars, accessed by pressing the Bars/Fade Select button to cycle through options.

White / Black Fade - White and black fader effects are accessed by pressing the Bars/Fade Select button. Pressing this button repeatedly, cycles through options for Color Bars, White Fade and Black Fade.

Standby Mode - When the camcorder is placed in standby mode, a number of settings are retained that are typically lost when the camcorder is powered down including Exposure Lock on/off, aperture and shutter speed settings during exposure lock, color bars setting, color bars on/off, and faders setting. However, EVF display settings and the side panel light are lost in Standby Mode.