CANON CAMCORDERS
Model: 9549A001MODEL- XL2 VENDOR- CANON
FEATURES- XL2 Professional 3CCD Digital Camcorder
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 can not 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.
Includes XL2 Camcorder Body, Zoom Lens 20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS,
Color Viewfinder, Lithium Battery (for Auto-Date), WL-D4000 Wireless
Controller, Two R03/AAA Batteries (for Wireless Controller), Lens
Cap, Lens Dust Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Soft Case, Camcorder Dust Cap,
CA-920 Compact Power Adapter and Adapter Holder, AC Cable, DC-920 DC
Coupler, BP-930 Battery Pack (with Terminal Cover), SS-1000 Shoulder
Strap, STV-150 Stereo Video Cable, S-150 S-Video Cable, Microphone,
XL2 and Lens Instruction manuals.
* 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, Canon's 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
60i/30p/24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2 both with 1/48th second shutter speed)
frame rates are available in the XL2.
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; it's what you see on your home TV, and is captured
by handheld consumer camcorders. Progressive (non-interlaced) scanning
mimics a film camera's 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 Canon's 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.
Within the Canon XL system alone there are four lenses: the new 20x OIS,
16x OIS, 16x Manual, and 3x Wide. Then, using an XL system adapter, the
entire range of Canon photo lenses is available -- a tremendous boon to
those producing wildlife and nature documentaries, for example. Other
companies also offer a variety of specialty cine lenses that can be used
on the XL2.
* 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 Canon's 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.
* SMPTE time code
The Canon XL2 offers many on-camera enhancements to help capture high-
quality footage, including features commonly found on broadcast
camcorders. Among these is the placement of a SMPTE time code on the
tape. SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) time
code is a digital signal that assigns a number to every frame of video,
representing hours, minutes, seconds, frames, plus some additional
information. The SMPTE time code is used to identify a precise location
on a video tape, a mainstay of professional editing allowing all tape
and equipment to work together for precise editing.
You can choose Drop, Non-Drop, Rec Run and Free Run modes. Also provided
is User bit settings, allowing the inclusion of reel number or other
user data.
The XL2 also generates SMPTE color bars with 1 KHz tone (-12dB and
-20dB). SMPTE color bars with tone are the standard method of setting up
video and audio monitors and edit suites. By using industry standard
color bars and tone, the XL2 fits in with all production equipment.
* 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.
* Open Architecture Design
You can customize the XL2 to fit your specific application and
preferences through a full range of accessories. They include optional
lenses, viewfinders, mounts and microphone adapters.
* 3CCD Progressive Scan
The XL2 features a 3 CCD system with a separate progressive scan CCD
(charge-coupled device) for each primary color (red, green and blue).
Each CCD contains 680,000 pixels.
* Multi-functional Color EVF with 2" LCD Monitor
Having a fully adjustable Viewfinder is critical for getting that
perfect shot. The XL2 has an EVF that is convertible between a standard
eyepiece and a 2" high resolution LCD. The image is shown in shown in
4:3 or 16:9 letterbox, depending on the shooting aspect ratio. The
overlay information that normally disrupts clear viewing of the subject
can be completely turned off, and a center crosshair can be turned on to
mark the center of the image to help with framing. Unlike other EVF
systems, viewfinder brightness, color, sharpness and contrast can be
adjusted to suit individual shooting taste.
For total shooting comfort, the EVF can be mechanically adjusted left to
right and forwards and backwards.
* Two Custom Keys
Two custom keys are available on the XL2, in both camera mode and VCR
mode. These custom keys allow you to save your own custom settings so
your common shooting modes can be readily duplicated.
You select options from either the Camera Menu (Index Write, Zebra
pattern, VCR stop, TV screen, Audio 1 in, Audio 2 in, Zoom grip speed,
Zoom handle speed) or the VCR Menu (TV screen, Data code, Audio 1 in,
Audio 2 in) and create up to two customized settings for each.
* Advanced Accessory Shoe
When specific accessories compatible with the Advanced Accessory Shoe
are attached, the XL2 can exchange data with them and supply power
directly to them. These accessories include the VL-3 video light and
DM-50 directional microphone. Also working with the Advanced Accessory
Show is the MA-300 microphone adapter that lets you connect an
additional two professional XLR connector microphones to the XL2. Simply
slide the optional device into the accessory shoe; no external power or
cables are required.
* New Standard Lens
The XL2 introduces a new lens to the XL series, a 20x Professional
L-Series Fluorite f/1.6 - 3.5 optical zoom lens. Canon is known
worldwide for its high quality optics, and the new 20x lens is no
exception. The lens uses fluorite to deliver outstanding resolution,
contrast and color reproduction.
-- SPECIFICATIONs -----------------------------------
TELEVISION SYSTEM- EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal.
RECORDING SYSTEM - Video: 2 rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording,
DV System (Consumer digital VCR SD system)
digital component recording.
Digital component recording
Audio: PCM digital recording: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channels)
12 bit (32 kHz/4 channels)
Synchronous 4-channel recording is possible
IMAGE SENSOR - Size 1/3", approx. 680,000 pixels (total), Progressive
Scan CCD x3 (charge-coupled device) with horizontal
pixel shift.
TAPE FORMAT - Videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark
TAPE SPEED - SP: 0.74 ips (18.81 mm/second)
LP: 0.49 ips (12.56 mm/second)
RECORD TIME - SP: 80 min. (with an 80-min. cassette)
LP: 120 min. (with an 80-min. cassette)
FAST FORWARD/REWIND TIME-
Approx. 2 minutes and 20 seconds (using 60-minute tape)
LENS - Mount: XL interchangeable lens system
Focus: TTL autofocus; Manual focusing possible (20x zoom
XL 5.4~108mm L IS installed).
20mm (Wide macro), 1m (entire zoom range): (20x
zoom XL 5.4~108mm L IS installed).
FRAME RATE - 60i, 30p, 24p (2:3 & 2:3:3:2)
ILLUMINATION - Min.: Approx. 5.5 lux (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS
installed, auto mode, 60i frame rate, 4:3 aspect
ratio, 1/60th second shutter).
Rec.: more than 100 lux
AF SYSTEM - 72mm (XL lens)
VIEWFINDER - 2.0-inch TFT color LCD; Approx. 200,000 pixels, RGB
delta configuration.
MICROPHONE - Stereo electric condenser microphone
RECORDING PIXELS - 16:9 target area: approx. 460,000 pixels (962 x 480) x3
CCD, 0.289" diagonal.
4:3 target area: approx. 350,000 pixels (720 x 480) x3
CCD, 0.236" diagonal.
CONNECTORS - DV : 4-pin connector (complies with IEEE1394);
input/output switching.
Video : RCA pin jack; input/output switching/BNC jack;
input/output switching 1 Vp-p/75 ohms
unbalanced.
S-Video: 4-pin mini-DIN; input/output switching
1 Vp-p/75 ohms (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p/75 ohms
(C signal).
Audio : RCA pin jack (L/R) 2 systems; input/output
switching.
Microphone: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack unbalanced -55 dBv
(Auto), -67 dBv (Manual/Vol Max)/600 ohms.
OUTPUT LEVELS - Max. -10 dBv (for 47 kohm load)/3 kohm unbalanced
INPUT LEVELS - During input; Min. -10 dBv/47 kohms unbalanced
POWER- 7.2 V DC (batter pack and power adapter included)
Consumption: 7.1W (recording with AF, 20x zoom XL 5.4-108 L IS
mounted).
SIZE - 8.9" x 8.7" x 19.5" WT.- 5.3 lbs. w/lens & batt.
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