Canon XL2 and Panasonic AG-DVX100 Comparison

by News Editor
Published on Jul 3, 2004 6:00 PM



There are now two prosumer camcorder models that feature variable frame rate recording: the Panasonic AG-DVX100A and Canon's XL2. There are a multitude of differences between these camcorders, as well as some very distinct similarities. But, at the end of the day, three features set the XL2 apart from the AG-DVX100A and any other prosumer camcorder on the market: the interchangable lens system, the 16:9 aspect ratio mode, and the number of effective pixels per CCD. We've laid out the differences in a spec table.

For years, Canon has been a leader in digital and optical imaging lenses, and XL camcorder line upholds that reputation. The XL2 ships with an amazing 20x optical zoom lens, with optical image stabalization built in. The glass is coated with Canon's own flourite, which they claim is a driving force behind superior optical imaging. Additionally, Canon remains the only camcorder manufacturer that has integrated an interchangable lens system into their product line. In this sense, the XL2 is leaps ahead of other manufacturers competing for the independent market. The XL2 remains compatible with the XL series of lenses, and adds a new one to the previous three: a 20x optical zoom lens with "super range optical image stabilization" on board. The optical zoom alone puts the XL2 in a league all its own. The AG-DVX100A has a Leica Dicomar 10x optical zoom lens, a magnificent piece of glass, but there was something very empowering about handling the XL2 and manually cranking through 20x optical zoom distances, wondering if any end was in sight. The new lens also has on-board zoom and focus speed sets, allowing users to manually configure the lens zoom and focus controls. This is useful for accurately racking focus, or zooming during production.

The second element that is different on the Canon XL2 is the way 16:9 mode is accomplished. The DVX100A has letterbox, squeeze, and normal 16:9 modes. These are faux 16:9 modes, however, as the resolution is not up to snuff. Image resolution suffers significantly in these modes, as pixels are stretched or manipulated in some way in order to get the most out of the aspect ratio.

According to Canon, however, this is not the case on the XL2. The aspect ratio is not achieved via native 16:9 chips, as that would put the price of the camera way outside the prosumer price point of US$5,000. The XL2 utilizes its 4:3 chip in a way that is unique among 16:9 modes. The XL2 uses an oversized 4:3 CCD, then crops the left and right side to achieve the 4:3 image. The 16:9 image, however, does not crop out the edges of the acquired pixels, and effectively records to tape an image that is 720 x 480.

The last element which will greatly improve image quality is the effective pixel count per CCD. At 460K in 16:9 mode, the effective pixel count is almost double that of the competition.

Panasonic
AG-DVX100 		Canon
XL2
Power Supply 7.2/7.9 V 7.2V
Power Consumption 6.8-9.2 Watts 7.1W
Television System EIS standard EIS standard
Video recording system 525i (NTSC) 525i (NTSC)
Audio recording System 12 bit (4 channel)
16 bit (2 channel)		 12 (4 channel), 16 (2 channel)
Image Sensor 1/3 inch CCD x 3 1/3 inch CCD x 3
Gross pixels per CCD 410K 680K
Effective pixels 380K 350K(4:3), 460K(16:9)
Pixel Shifting pixel offset system pixel shifting
Tape format MiniDV MiniDV
Tape speed 18mm/sec: SP, 12.5mm/sec: LP 18mm/sec: SP, 12.5mm/sec: LP
Lens Mount no yes
Manual Focus Type ring ring
Minimum focusing distance 4.5-45mm 5.4-108
Maximum shutter speed 60i (1/60,100,120,250,500,1000,2000), 30P (1/30-1/1000), 24P (1/24-1/1000) 1/15,000
Minimum illumination 3 lux 3 lux
Recommended illumination 100lux 100lux
filter diameter 72 mm 72 mm
Viewfinder .44 inch (180K)
LCD 3.5 inch (200K pixels) 2.0 inch(200K)
Microphone stereo stereo electret condenser
DV Terminal 4 pin 4 pin
S-Video IN/OUT terminal yes yes
Video IN/OUT Terminal pin jack RCN/BNC jack
Audio OUT Terminal pin jacks for 2 channels RCA x 2(3&4, 1/3&2/4)
XLR in x 2 (2 channels), LINE/MIC input XLR in x 2 (2 channels), LINE/MIC input
Headphone yes yes
Audio IN Terminal 16 bit(2 channels), 12 bits (4 channels) 16 bit(2 channels), 12 bits (4 channels)
Microphone IN yes yes
Operating temperature range 32ø - 104ø 32 - 104
Dimensions 5.5 x 6.9375 x 14.375 8.9 x 8.7 x 19.5
Weight (no battery) 3.731lbs. 5.3 lbs.
Weight (battery) 7.8 lbs.
16:9 effect normal, letterbox, squeeze guides, non-squeeze 16:9
grip zoom yes yes
handle zoom yes yes
adjustable zoom speed yes yes
movie mode 24P (2:3), 24P(2:3:3:2) 24P (2:3), 24P(2:3:3:2)
white balance auto (3200K and 5600K) preset, hold, auto tracking white, black balance auto (3200K and 5600K) preset, hold, auto tracking white, black balance
zebra patterning 2 modes 5 levels
optical zoom 10x 20x
built in ND filter 1/8, 1/64 reduction settings yes
still to tape no no
2 photo buttons no photos no
two gripping positions yes yes
fade trigger yes yes
exposure steps F1.6 - F2.8 F1.6-F2.8
shutter speed steps 60i (1/60,100,120,250,500,1000,2000), 30P (1/30-1/1000), 24P (1/24-1/1000) 1/24-1/15,000
Shooting Modes 60i (525i), 30P,24P (3:2), 24P (2:3:3:2) 60i (525i), 30P,24P (3:2), 24P (2:3:3:2)
Customized keys yes yes
Clear Scan SynchroScan Clear Scan
Audio Dubbing yes yes
Zoom features ring, two toggles ring, two toggles