The Indie Dispatch - Canon's XH A1 and XH G1 - Heirs to the XL2 Dynasty

by John Neely

Published on Jul 26, 2006 3:00 AM
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Dispatches from the world of independent filmmaking.

The Indie Dispatch - Canon's XH A1 (Specs, Recent News, $3279.99) and XH G1 - Heirs to the XL2 Dynasty
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July 26, 2006 - Today in Japan, Canon unveiled two new camcorders, the XH G1 and the XH A1 which are sure to grab the attention of indie filmmakers.  Both appear to be direct descendants of the GL2 based on their size and body shape, but they are actually scaled-down versions of the XL H1 (Specs, Recent News, $7947.89) in terms of manual controls and their imaging system specifications. The feature set of these two new HDV camcorders clearly indicates a push towards the indie film, electronic news gatherer (ENG), and broadcast markets. The price of these camcorders represents a significant drop from the XL H1’s MSRP of $8999.  The XH A1 will hit store shelves at an expected MSRP of $3999 while the XH G1 adds Canon’s Professional Jack Pack with HD/HD-SDI out, Genlock in, and and TC in/out, and will retail for an expected MSRP of $6999.  For indie filmmakers who loved the ergonomics, handling, and performance of Canon’s SD DV (standard definition DV) GL2 and XL2, the XH A1, in particular ,offers an attractive entrée into HDV video.

The key distinction between the XL H1 and the two new XH models, is the XL Series lens mount – a significant concern for narrative indie filmmakers. The new camcorders will accommodate adaptors as does the GL2, but the XL H1 builds on the strength of the established XL Series lenses with new HD-specific lenses, including the wide angle HD 6X ZOOM XL 3.4-20.4mm L LENS, which was also announced today by Canon. But for many, the price decrease and identical core imaging specs in the new XH camcorders will be a powerful lure.

Documentary filmmakers and ENGs who often adopt more of a run-and-gun style of shooting had much to like about Canon’s SD DV camcorders, not to mention that the GL2 and XL2 both have their fans.  The GL2 might best be described as a stripped-down but rock-solid performer.  With 3 x 1/4 inch CCDs, a 20x optical zoom lens, a strong manual control feature set and a relatively compact size, it appealed to shooters looking for a minimum of fuss in a capable camcorder – albeit one without onboard XLR audio inputs.

The GL2 occupied a narrow but important entry-level prosumer niche between high-end consumer models like the Panasonic PV-GS400 (Review, Specs, $1099)/500 and full-featured prosumer models like the Sony PD-170, Panasonic AG-DVX100B and its own step-up cousin, the XL2.  For those with only $2000 to drop on a camcorder, the GL2 was a solid option, and today it can be had on the street for well under $2000 ( when Canon’s current $250 rebate is factored in).  Many shooters have also chosen the GL2 as a second camera, especially if they used the XL2 as their primary and wanted to maintain a Canon look across their shoot.


The Canon GL2 (left) and XH A1 (right) have more differences than you might think.

The XL2 differs from the GL2 in several respects, with a much larger profile, a signature angled-body design, and XL series lens compatibility.  It also boasts an improved imaging system, with 3 larger 1/3 inch CCD’s, and a better manual control suite.  I personally prefer shooting with the XL2 because its added size makes it easier to hold steady than the GL2, and gives a gravitas on set that smaller camcorders – including the DVX100B and PD-170 –  can’t match.  In the $3-$4000 range, among prosumer camcorders,  the XL2 is the only one that offered users the ability to access a wide range of lenses. As a result, it remains a popular camcorder.

Approximately four years after the release of the GL2 and over a year and a half since the announcement of the XL2, Canon fans have been watching and waiting as other manufacturers pushed into HDV territory.  Canon’s  HDV line now consists of three camcorders – the XH A1, the XH G1 and the XL H1, and while it is a potent line-up, it isn’t possible to draw direct comparisons with the company’s SD DV models.  Other than their compatibility with the extensive XL Series lenses and despite their resemblance to the GL2 , the XH camcorders are more like the XL2 . The XH camcorders do have XLR audio inputs, share core imaging specs with the XL H1, and have an identical manual control feature set.  Rather than simply update the entry-level prosumer GL2, Canon’s XH camcorders are essentially an XL H1 camcorder in a GL2-sized package.  

The HDV market is evolving quickly.  Only a few years ago, JVC brought the first HDV camcorder to market – the GR-HD1.  Sony was quick to follow suit with its FX1 and has since released  several  prosumer and consumer HDV models.  Panasonic released the AG-HVX200 in the spring of 2005 and Canon finally entered the HDV fray later in the year with its wallet-busting XL H1.  Now that the XH camcorders have arrived, indie filmmakers have a wider range of choices than ever before – and the $3999 XH A1, is a camcorder that should attract those Canon aficionados who found the XL H1 cost-prohibitive.  If the impact of Canon’s SD DV camcorders on independent film is any indication, it won’t be long before films shot on the XH series debut at an art house cinema near you.