Canon XL H1A Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas and David Kender
Published on Feb 6, 2009 6:00 PM

Intro
Product Tour
Performance Low Light Performance
Audio Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Comparisons Conclusion
Photo Gallery Specs and Ratings


Product Tour Summary
• The long profile of the Canon XL H1A leaves room for dozens of buttons and dials on the left side.
• Easy access to controls is the name of the game.
• The construction feels solid, but the overall balance is not great.
Introduction (Page 2 of 12) Performance


Lens & Imaging System


The provided Canon lens on the XL H1A

 

Lens   Sensor
Filter Diameter 72mm   Type 3 CCD
Focal Range 5.4 - 108mm   Size 1/3-inch
Focal Range (35mm equiv.) 38.9 - 778mm   Pixel Count (Gross) 1.67 million
Aperture f/1.6 - 3.5   Pixel Count (Effective) HD approx. 1.56 Megapixels
SD (4:3) approx. 1.17 Megapixels
SD (16:9) approx. 1.56 Megapixels
Lab Tested Wide Angle* 53°
*How We Test Wide Angle

Product Tour


 Tally lamp and
remote sensor
The removable hood offers
a lot of shade
and protection.

 
Hidden behind are an
S-Video, BNC video-out,
RCA video-in/out, RCA
stereo in, and RCA stereo-out
The front mic connections
 The included mic extends
far out past the body.
The large battery offers long shooting times.
On the XL H1S, the Genlock, TC-in, TC-out,
and HD/SD-SDI live here.
On the H1A, it’s just plastic.
 Tape deck
The hand grip is large, and the grip belt
comfortable. Canon packs a lot of controls
onto this surface, but does so sensibly.

The eyecup flips
down to fit over
the 2.4-inch
LCD screen to
make an effective,
though bulky, EVF.
Headphone volume dial
1/8-inch (mini) headphone jack

6-pin DV/HDV jack
and LANC jack
XLR phantom power
and mic attenuator
switches

XLR mic inputs
Component-out
The Mode Dial is prominently
placed and easy
to handle.
Behind this panel are
audio controls. The master
volume dials peak through.
AE
 Aspect
Frame Rate
2 EVF outs
Peaking &
Magnifying
AE Lock
 Menu Scroll Dial
Gain
Standby Mode
Lens
Release
White Balance
Bar/Tone Generator

The focus dial is wide and smooth.
 The iris ring is new on this generation.
 Optical image stabilization switch
Focus/Zoom Preset mode
Focus/Zoom Preset on/set
Auto/Manual Focus switch

The zoom dial is not as smooth as we'd like.
 ND filter with three settings: Off, 1/6, and 1/32
Tally lamp
Playback controls are under the plastic door


Photo button
Record button
Dioptric Adjust

Zoom toggle
Photo Button
Accessory Shot
Zoom toggle

Tripod mount
This switch locks the eyecup on the viewfinder.
The SD card slot is awkwardly placed.



In the Box

• Canon 20x HD Video Lens III
• Camera Dust Cap
• Lens Cap with Soft Case
• Lens Hood
• Color EVF Unit
• CA-920 Power Adapter with AC Cable
• Microphone Unit with holder
• MiniDV Cassette
• DC-920 DC Coupler
• BP-950G Battery Pack
• 32MB SDHC Memory Card
• Remote Control (with AA batteries)
• Shoulder Strap
• Component Video Cable
• Audio RCA cable
• External Monitor Cable
• Tripod Adapter Base

 

 

 



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