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The Canon XL2 brings a host of performance and convenience features to this class of video camcorder- benefits that cant be found in this combination on other high-end video cameras. They include: Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization in the standard lens; dual aspect ratios; various frame rate capabilities; image gamma and detail controls; skin detail control and convertible LCD display among others.
Description:
The Canon XL2 allows you to capture images closer to the finished product than ever before. Work that previously was limited to post-production can be simply and effectively accomplished in the field, in the camcorder.
An Open Architecture philosophy, performance found only in much more expensive video cameras, Total Image Control and the solid foundation of Genuine Canon Optics, interchangeable lens capability and superb Canon image processing quality are united in the XL2.
The XL2 brings a host of performance and convenience features to this class of video camcorder- benefits that cant be found in this combination on other high-end video cameras. They include: Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization in the standard lens; dual aspect ratios; various frame rate capabilities; image gamma and detail controls; skin detail control and convertible LCD display among others.
Unprecedented image control coordination between two XL2 cameras, remote computer camera control and direct video recording to computer are just a part of the capabilities of the XL2. Never before has so much creative power been put in the hands of the film maker, video artist, and corporate and event videographer.
Details:
16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio shooting formats:
With an increasing consumer shift towards widescreen TVs that deliver the full width of film-based theatrical movies, plus the resulting need for productions in the 16:9 aspect ratio, Canons XL2 offers both the standard 4:3 aspect ratio and the 16:9 widescreen TV aspect ratio. Representing the ratio of the screen width to its height, the 4:3 aspect ratio is that of the common TV screen, and is the most commonly used aspect ratio in broadcasting today.
The 16:9 aspect ratio is the more common aspect ratio for film-based movies, and produces full screen playback on widescreen TVs. 16:9 also is the world standard aspect ratio for HDTV.
By offering a camcorder that is able to be switched between the two aspect ratios, Canon opens the door for multiple production options with the same camera -- the XL2.
Variable frame rates:
The demands being made on the video production community to be able to provide solutions under a multitude of different scenarios have been met with the Canon XL2. It delivers 60i, 30p, 24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2) frame rates. 60i (interlaced) is the standard video frame rate that has been in use for decades; its what you see on your home TV, and is captured by handheld consumer camcorders. Progressive (non-interlaced) scanning mimics a film cameras frame-by-frame image capture. 30p, or 30-frame progressive, a non-interlaced format, produces video at the rate of 30 frames per second, delivering spectacular clarity for high speed subjects. Shooting in 30P mode offers video with no interlace artifacts.
The 24p frame rate, for example, is now widely adopted by those planning on transferring the video signal to film. But film/videomakers turn to 24p for the "cine" look even if their productions are not going to be transferred to film, simply because of the "look" of the frame rate. Also just as important as 24p, is the shutter speed of 1/48th per second. This is the standard shutter speed that movie cameras use. The combination of 24p frame rate and 1/48th perfectly mimic a motion film camera.
24p with 2:3 pulldown produces video with the look and motion of film. (24p, used in conjunction with a cine gamma curve on the XL2, produces images that have similar tonal characteristics as film. This mode is used when the finished video will be shown on television. 24p with 2:3:3:2 pulldown, is used when the video is going to be transferred to film. The 2:3:3:2 pulldown allows to editing software to extract true 24 frames a second.
Customizable Cine Look:
With "big name" and not so well known producers turning to digital video for their "films," increasing emphasis has been placed on delivering the cine look to video. The Canon XL2 offers its users the ability to customize their video recordings using a number of variables: color matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch, vertical detail, coring, sharpness, noise reduction, color gain, hue, and film grain. Each one of these can be adjusted independently, thereby giving you precise control over the "film-like" appearance of your video. Because Canon utilizes a 12 bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) maximum image quality is preserved.
Total Image Control:
Professional videographers need to have control over the set-up of their camcorder. From complete automatic setting to fine adjustments of Master RGB, Setup Level, Master Pedestal, Skin Tone Detail, Program AE, Gain, AE Shift and Lock, White Balance, Shutter Speeds, Aperture Control, Zebra Patterns Clear Scan and Interval Timer the XL2 has the total image control that professionals need.Because Canon utilizes a 12 bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) maximum image quality is preserved.
XL Mount Interchangeable Lens System:
A key feature of the Canon XL-series camcorders (and the only MiniDV format camcorders with this feature), is the XL mount interchangeable lens system. Unlike other systems, the XL2 offers users the ability to change lenses, whether from within the XL series of video lenses, third-party cine lenses, or Canons extensive range of photo lenses. This not only makes the XL2 a far more versatile camera, it also opens up incredible opportunities for the XL2 user.
Fluorite Zoom Lens with Optical Image Stabilization:
Canon is known worldwide for its optics -- its broadcast and photo lenses, for example. The new 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite optical zoom lens for the XL2 is an outstanding lens, using fluorite to deliver outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction. In addition, the lens features Canons superb optical stabilization system. This corrects camera shake instantly and, with its SuperRange feedback system, even catches low-frequency vibrations, refining the movement of the vari-angle prism, delivering the most advanced optical image stabilization available today.
Custom Presets:
Three custom presets are provided on the XL2, and each can be assigned any one of a number of functions, accessible at the touch of a button, for faster and easier camera operation. Among the functions are: color gain, color phase, sharpness, setup level, V detail, color matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch, skin detail (hue, gain, area, Y level).
These custom presets can be transferred to another XL2, or to a computer (3rd party software required), using the IEEE1394 connection.
Professional Audio Connections:
The Canon XL2 offers in-camera features commonly found on more expensive production and broadcast camcorders. Among them are professional audio and video connections. The XL2 offers 4-channel audio through two built-in XLR connectors with phantom power. These inputs are designed for use with professional microphones. This balanced connection allows for the use of very long cables without the introduction of outside noise.
Condenser microphones need "phantom power," with +48V power going to the microphone along the same wires that carry the audio signals. The XL2 supplies this through the XLR connectors.
BNC connectors are used in professional and broadcast video applications. These connect a two-wire coaxial cable using a bayonet mount.
Canon XL2 Specifications:
Signal System: NTSC, 30 Frames, 60 Interlaced Fields per Second, 30p and 24p Record Modes Available
| IMAGE DEVICE |
1/3-Inch 3-CCD, 16:9 and 4:3 Switchable |
| LENS |
Standard 20x Zoom Lens with Canon XL Mount |
| FOCAL LENGTH |
5.4 to 108 mm in |
| ZOOM |
20x Optical Zoom, No Digital Zoom |
| WIDE APERTURE RANGE |
f/1.6-3.5 |
| MINIMUM OBJECT DISTANCE |
20 mm Macro Mode |
| 1 Meter Standard Mode |
| FILTER DIAMETER |
72mm |
| |
| HORIZONTAL RESOLUTION |
530 Lines |
| MINIMUM ILLUMINATION |
5.5 Lux with f/1.6 in 60i Mode, 4:3 Aspect, 1/60 Second Shutter |
| BUILT-IN FILTERS |
ND 6 = 2 Stops |
| ND 32 = 5 Stops |
| LCD MONITOR |
2.5-Inch LCD with VF Magnifier Removed |
| VIEWFINDER |
Color LCD with Magnifier and Adjustable Ocular |
| SCAN MATCHING |
Yes |
| MEMORY CARD SLOT |
No |
| SHUTTER SPEED RANGE |
1/24 to 1/15,000 Seconds |
| GAIN SELECTION |
-3 dB, Auto, 0 db, 3 dB, 6 dB, 12 dB, 18 db |
| TAPE FORMAT |
MiniDV |
| TAPE SPEED |
SP Speed = 18.81 mm/second |
| EP Speed = 12.56 mm/second |
| MAXIMUM RECORDING TIME |
80 Minutes in SP Mode |
| 120 Minutes in LP Mode |
| AUDIO SIGNAL FORMAT |
20Hz to 20kHz |
| INPUT & OUTPUT CONNECTORS |
Composite Video |
RCA (x 1 input and output both) |
| Composite Audio |
BNC (x 1 input and output both) |
| S-Video |
4-Pin (x 1 input and output both) |
| Firewires |
4-Pin (x 1 input and output both) |
| Mic Audio |
XLR (x 2 input only) |
| Mic Audio |
Mini Stereo (x 1 input only) |
| Line Audio |
RCA (x 2 input and output both) |
| Headphone |
Mini Stereo (x 1) |
| LANC Control |
Mini Stereo (x 1) |
| POWER REQUIREMENTS |
7.2 Volts DC |
| POWER CONSUMPTION |
7.1 Watts |
| OPERATING TEMPERATURE |
32 to 104 degrees F |
| 0 to 40 degrees C |
| DIMENSIONS |
8.9 x 8.7 x 19.5 inches |
| 225 x 220 x 496 mm |
| WEIGHT |
5.3 Lbs. |
| 3.54 kg |
