Outstanding Imaging Performance
• 3-CCD professional HDV camcorders, 1.67-megapixels per CCD (1440 x 1080 effective pixels), with both HDV and DV recording capability
• XH A1 provide broadcasters, cinematographers and production houses with a full line of professional, high quality, cost effective HDV solutions
• Powered by DIGIC DV II Imaging Processor for ultra high speed processing, improved colour reproduction and wider tonal reproduction
- A hybrid noise reduction system for virtually noise free video output
- Enable the camcorders to perform high speed continuous shooting and higher writing speed to memory card for faster card operation
• Superior 3-CCD performance – 3 separate 1/3-inch 16:9 interlaced HD CCDs with 1.67 megapixels (1440 x 1080 pixels) for each primary colour

HDV Recording Format
• Record in both HDV and DV formats using MiniDV cassette tapes for convenience
• Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio recording capability for full cinematic experience
• HDV 1080i recording format features 1080 effective scanning lines
- Employs same MPEG2 compression method (MP@H-1440 for video) as used in digital broadcasts

Canon HD Video 20x Zoom Lens
• New wide-angle high magnification 20x optical zoom lens with full multi-coating on all surfaces to minimize flare and ghosting
• Use of a fluorite and UD (Ultra-low dispersion) lens to correct chromatic aberrations
• L-series professional lens with a 32.5mm(W) - 650 mm (T) (35mm equivalent) focal range delivers exceptional versatility for a wide range of shooting situations that demand a wide field of view
• Focus and zoom position presets for flexibility and convenience
• Manual iris, focus, zoom ring for smooth, fine adjustments preferred by professionals for want to be able to simultaneously adjust zoom, focus and iris setting
• Feature Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system (lens-shift type) to enable users to enjoy rock steady still/movie over a wide frequency range - from detecting strong vibrations right down to the slightest breathing motion
• 2 inbuilt Neutral Density (ND) filters – 1/6 and 1/32 ND settings for added image control
• Auto Focus /Manual Focus and Position Preset available

Comprehensive Shooting Functions
• Capture and output video in 50i/25F (for PAL model only) or 60i/30F/24F (for NTSC model only)
• For a fee, users can send their XH A1 to Canon Service Centre for optional 50i/60i upgrade conforming to PAL or NTSC standards
• Instant AF System (Hybrid AF system uses both External AF sensor and internal TV AF system) for super high-speed and precise focusing
• Auto Exposure (AE) Mode
- an extensive range of shooting modes easily accessed via the dial for video recording
- Auto/Tv Priority/Av Priority/Manual/Spotlight/Night/Full Auto/AE Shift/AE Lock

Total Image Control
• Skin Tone Detail enables for ‘natural’ skin tones reproduction and minimized imperfections
• Colour Correction Function enable users to add tone effects to their video footage, reduces time for any post production work later
- Swapping a selected hue area with a gain-changed colour after specifying the colour range is possible (only the R-Y gain and B-Y gain adjustment ranges can be adjusted)
• Gain +36 dB Assist Function for news-like or grainy image effect

Shooting Assist Functions
• Marker Display for easy video composition
- Types of markers available: centre marker/horizontal marker/safety zone/aspect ratio marker/grid display
• Zebra Pattern to avoid image white-out by confirming maximum brightness level.
• Colour Bars (2 types of industry standard SMPTE color bars each available for NTSC and PAL modes) for accurate monitor calibration
• Focus Assist Options- Peaking/Magnifying/Display
• Other Shooting Assist Functions
- Clear Scan/Index Stamp

Audio Functions & Customization
• Both XH A1 2-channel audio recording is supported for both DV and HDV recording
• A inbuilt stereo (electret condenser) microphone is available on both XH A1
• The camcorders allow users to store up to 9 different image quality adjustments in the camcorder’s body. Up to 20 custom presets can be saved and loaded from the memory card
• 21 different camera setting status can be stored in the camcorder’s memory and memory card which can then be transferred and loaded from the card

Connectivity Inputs & Outputs
• XH A1 feature the following terminals and connectors:
- XLR terminal
- HDV/DV terminal (IEEE1394)
- Headphone jack with volume output terminal
- BNC type video input/output terminal
- LANC terminal
- Component output terminal
- Microphone terminal
- Video/audio terminal
- Memory card connector (SD/MMC)

Still Image Shooting Functions
• Capture photos to memory card while simultaneously recording video to tape
• Capture 2-megapixel photos at 1920 x 1070 pixels resolution to an SD card
• A still image histogram and EXIF display available for more functionality
• A wide variety of metering modes, shooting modes available

Low Light Shooting Modes
• A wide range of low-light shooting modes and features available:
- Night mode: designed for situations in which light level falls, this mode automatically selects lower shutter speeds for proper exposure
- Spotlight Mode: delivers the proper exposure in situations where the subjects in the centre of the frame is brightly lit but background is dark
- Hot Shoe: Allows users to connect external accessories such as EOS flash units

Designed for Greater Operability
• 2.8-inch (approx.207K pixels) 16:9 LCD located on top for optimum usage
• 0.57-inch (approx. 269K pixels) 16:9 electronic viewfinder
• High capacity battery
• 3-easy grip lens rings controlling focus, zoom and iris for independent operation
• A anti-slip shaped handle ensures solid firm grip

Optional Console Image Control & Storage Software
• Provides users with control of camcorders’ functions and settings remotely from a Windows-based laptop or desktop computer
• Allows users to record footage directly to a computer’s hard drive and monitor their shoot with on-screen Vectrascope and Waveform monitors

Video Recording System:
Two rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording; HDV 1080i;
DV Consumer digital VCR SD specifications
(PAL: Compliant with PAL System: 1080/50i)
NTSC: Compliant with NTSC System: 1080/60i)
Audio Signal Recording:
HDV 2-channel recording - MPEG1 Audio Layer II
(Sampling frequency: 48 kHz / Bit rate: 384 kbps)
Image Sensor:
1/3-inch, 3 CCDs, Approx. 1.67 megapixels (per CCD)
Tape Format:
Videocassettes bearing the "MiniDV" mark
Tape Speed: (PAL Mode)
• Approx. 18.83 mm/sec (HDV/DV: SP mode)
• Approx. 12.57 mm/sec (DV: LP mode)
Recording/Playback Time:
Max. 80 minutes (HDV/DV: SP mode)
Max. 120 minutes (DV: LP mode)
Viewfinder (CVF):
0.57-inch colour wide-screen LCD display with approx. 269,000 pixels
LCD Panel:
2.8-inch colour wide-screen LCD display with approx. 207,000 pixels
Built-in Microphone:
Stereo (using electret condenser microphone)
Frame Rate:
1080/60i, 30F, 24F (NTSC/60i)
1080/50i, 25F (PAL/50i)
Lens Interchangeability: No
Image Stabilizer:
Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (lens-shift system)
AF System:
Instant AF System - Hybrid AF (TTL-video signal detection system and external phase difference metering system) and Stable AF (TTL-video signal detection system) selectable
White Balance:
TTL 128-segments, new white extraction system FAWB. Includes Auto, Set (2 positions), Preset (outdoor: 5,600K, indoor: 3,200K), colour temperature setting function. The colour temperature setting ranges from 2,800K to 12,000K (100K intervals). Initial setting is 5,500K. White balance fixed at "Auto" during Full Auto Mode.
Terminals:

• HDV/DV terminal - Special 4-pin (IEEE1394 compatible) (Both input/output)
• AV (A/V1) terminal - Ø3.5 mm 4-pin mini-jack (Both input/output)
• Video (V2) terminal - BNC connector (Both input/output)
• XLR terminal - XLR 3-pin jack (2 systems); Swichable between MIC/LINE
• Microphone input jack - Ø3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
• Headphone input jack - Ø3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
• Component terminal - PAL: 1080i/576i supported
• LANC terminal - Ø2.5 mm stereo mini-jack
• Battery terminal - Special 5-pin
• Memory card - Special multi-pin

Operating Temperature:
For performance: 0 to 40°C, 85% (relative humidity)
For operation: -5 to 45°C, 60% (relative humidity)
Power: DC7.4 V (battery pack)
Dimensions(W x H x D):
Approx. 163 x 189 x 350 mm (not including grip belt)
Approx. 140 x 189 x 314 mm (not including lens hood and grip belt)
Weight:
XH A1: Approx. 2030g (Main unit) Approx. 2260g (Including hood, BP-950G, Cassette and memory card)