Canon suggests that the XL2 provides "unprecedented flexibility" for the digital camcorder user. So, how good is the XL2?
Straight out of the box the camera seems impressive. The build quality is good and each camera component feels strong and well built.
The supplied user manual leads you through the step-by-step assembly of the camera although some of the stages are not explained very clearly. However, the connection of each of the camera's components to the main body is very logical and could be undertaken without using the manual.
Once assembled the camera does feel quite heavy with the centre of gravity leaning slightly towards the front of the
camera. Initially this is not a problem but with prolonged hand-held use the camera can start to feel a little too heavy.
The camera provides 3 1/3" progressive CCD sensors with each sensor providing approximately 800,000 pixels - one for each of the primary colours. This results in a good quality picture.
The 2" LCD viewfinder on the XL2 provides a 200,000 pixel display that is clear in all conditions we've tried. When using the camera's built in 16:9 mode the viewfinder adapts to reflect this with a letterbox display. The viewfinder has a wide degree of adjustability allowing it to be comfortable in use for all users.
It is good to see that the display of audio levels during filming can also be clearly seen allowing adjustments to be made if necessary.
The XL2 provides 16-bit 48Khz audio recording on 2 channels as default with the option to use 12-bit 32Khz audio on 4 channels as an alternative. Two XLR connectors are provided to allow connection of microphones directly to the camera. Left and right audio can be adjusted seperately manually.
Overall, sound quality in use has proved to be excellent (at times the microphone supplied picked up background noise missed by the operator but a directional microphone is availalble as an "extra").
Canon say that the XL2 offer "an incredible amount of manual control" and I must say that I agree.
Many cameras allow adjustment of white balance or brightness levels. The XL2 provides over 20 adjustable settings including sharpness, colour hue, gamma, knee, colour gain, skin detail and noise reduction.
In use we haven't even begun to scratch the surface of using all of these features but an initial "testing session" with a selection of possible adjustments found them easy to use. However, it may take a little while for a new user to learn how to access each of these features quickly and efficiently. (The XL2 does provide 2 custom keys which can be used to store two present shortcuts to settings which may be useful for the most commonly used settings).
Overexposed areas of a shot can be identified using the "zebra pattern" feature which highlights over exposed portions of the scene allong adjustments to be made if required.
Lenses for the XL2 are primarily from the Xl interchangeable lens system. However, it is possible to purchase an option EF adapter allowing the use of Canon's EF series lenses. The XL2 provides image stabilisation and this proves acceptable in use right up to the camera's maximum (x20) zoom.
The XL2 uses standard 1 1/4" miniDV cassettes and images can be captured to your computer using the camera's IEEE 1394 (FireWire) socket. It is possible to record directly onto a PC's hard drive using a software package called "DV PC Recorder" which although not supplied with the camera can be downloaded from Canon's web site. (I beleive that this software is not yet available for a Mac).
Overall our initial impressions of the XL2 have been excellent. Although the documentation supplied with the camera may not be clear enough for anyone new to digital video the camera's functions are accessible enough to allow a user to "play" with the camera to learn its capabilities. A XL2 web community is already building up to provide additional advice and tips for both new and experienced users.
The camera would ideally suit semi-professional applications and our impression of the camera has improved with use.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Had the camera just over a month and paid about £3000 (work paid not me I'm glad to say - not sure where they bought it from). We haven't run the battery flat yet and have done filming in 3 hour slots.
Connoisseur_Haggler 28.04.2005 01:46
stunning camcorder and specification for the semi-pro! Have you been using yours long? How long does the battery last on average.. Can I ask how much you paid for this, I heard they are pretty pricey! Excellent choice .-CH
DigitalMini DVNTSC3 x CCD 20.0 X optical zoom 5.3 lbProduct DescriptionCanon\'s new XL2 ... more
camcorder offers an evolutionary design and new professional features - including a choice of 60i- 24p or 30p frame rates- 4:3 or high resolution 16:9 aspect ratio-...
Advantages: Interchageable lens system, 2xXLR inputs built in, adjustable viewfinder position Disadvantages: Not good for low light performance, bulky when compared to consumer units, not HD
Advantages: Interchageable lens system, 2xXLR inputs built in, adjustable viewfinder position Disadvantages: Not good for low light performance, bulky when compared to consumer units, not HD
Advantages: Interchageable lens system, 2xXLR inputs built in, adjustable viewfinder position Disadvantages: Not good for low light performance, bulky when compared to consumer units, not HD
Advantages: Interchageable lens system, 2xXLR inputs built in, adjustable viewfinder position Disadvantages: Not good for low light performance, bulky when compared to consumer units, not HD
Apr 20th, 2005
very helpful by (67%):
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