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Key
Features
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3-CCD
Image Sensor
3-CCDs with 270,000 pixels each, create true-to-life quality images. A beam
splitting prism separates the light passing through the lens into individual
color components (RGB), and each is sent to its own CCD to achieve
outstanding detail and highly accurate color reproduction. Although, it uses
270,00 pixels CCDs, the XL1S employs advanced Pixel Shift CCD technology to
rival 410,000-pixel systems. Using Pixel Shift, the camcorder achieves 530
lines of resolution while applying significant improvements to the video
signal. This results in a wider dynamic range, low color noise, excellent
color reproduction, a high signal-to-noise ratio, reduced vertical smear and
remarkable performance in low-light.
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Interchangeable
XL Lens Mount System
Proprietary interchangeable XL Lens Mount system provides unsurpassed
flexibility, superior range and opens up a dynamic world of imaging
perspectives ranging from extra wide to super telephoto. Designed for the
performance requirements of a 3-CCD system and the maximum potential of the
DV format, the XL lenses incorporate the highest quality multi-coated optical
elements to achieve 600 lines of horizontal resolution. By exceeding the DV
format resolution, the lenses deliver greater visual "sharpness"
through its higher sensitivity in the all important 100 to 250 TV line
resolution area. The lenses also integrate high speed driving motors for
faster response of the internal auto-focusing system and variable zoom
speeds.
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16:1
Optical Zoom
The supplied 16:1 optical zoom lens has a focal length range of 5.5mm to 88mm
(35mm focal length equivalent of 39 to 633mm). It has high speed motors for
auto-focus and zooming, a six-blade Iris and a 1.5x ND filter. Externally,
the lens provides a variable speed zoom, manual zoom, manual focus control
options and a one-push auto-focus button.
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SuperRange
Optical Image Stabilizer
The 16:1 lens incorporates an improvement of Canon's vari-angle prism optical
image stabilization system. Until now, optical image stabilizers have used a
gyro sensor to detect camcorder vibration. SuperRange Optical Image
Stabilization takes it a step further, using a motion vector to examine the
image after it is received by the CCD, and it detects any low frequency
vibration missed by the gyro. This data is fed back to accelerate and refine
the movement of the stabilizer's vari-angle prism. The process significantly
improves performance for low frequency vibration effectively eliminating
image shake, resulting in the most advanced optical image stabilization
system.
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Three Recording Modes
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Three
Recording Options
For virtually any imaging need. High resolution Full Motion Video (Normal
Movie Mode); high resolution Stop Action Images of Moving Subjects (Frame
Movie Mode); and Picture Perfect Single Images (Digital Photo Mode).
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Frame
Movie Mode
Lets you continuously record an incredible 30 frame images a second, while
effectively eliminating motion flicker by capturing a full image with every
scan. The Frame Movie mode allows you to record high speed action for the
purpose of extracting high resolution frame Video images, which can then be
displayed, printed or digitized.
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Digital
Photo Mode
For SLR-style flash photography. Will accommodate the Canon speedlite E-TTL
flashes, using an optional FA-200 flash adapter.
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Step-Up Features From XL1
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Portability,
Comfort and Functionality
The same popular camera body of the Canon XL1 has been maintained - the
preferred style of professionals. The magnesium alloy body provides rigidity
and shock resistance, and it permits considerable accessories with lenses,
inputs and other filmmaking equipment. The key differences, therefore,
between the new Canon XL1S and the original Canon XL1 are not on the outside
but, rather, inside of the camcorder.
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Enhanced
Sensitivity
World-class horizontal resolution for the DV standard is realized through the
use of state of the art circuitry. Noise level is improved by 4dB for cleaner
shadow detail and brighter pictures in low light.
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Advanced
Image Control
The look of the video image can be changed by manually adjusting up to four
picture controls, including Color, Sharpness, Color Gain and Set-up level in
13 steps (+/- 6). Users can maintain a preferred look or achieve a specific
mood and tone for a video production.
1. Color can be adjusted closer to red or to green.
2. Sharpness, or resolution, can be adjusted from finer to softer.
3. Color Gain allows for the adjustment of color saturation from black/white
to normal to extreme.
4. Set-up level provides the adjustment of the black level for total control
of the shadow detail.
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Zebra
Pattern Level
A display of thin black diagonal lines similar to a zebra pattern appears
over the brightest areas of the picture in the viewfinder if exposure exceeds
a specified level, warning the user of overexposure. Five steps can be
selected by the user (100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%) to ensure against washed out
images.
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Gain
Control
Picture sensitivity can be adjusted. Shooting is possible with increased gain
to enhance picture brightness in dark conditions, or decrease gain to reduce
noise. Adjustment is made in seven steps -3dB, 0dB, automatic, +6dB, +12dB
and the newly added +18dB and +30dB.
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Clear
Scan
When shooting the display screen of a personal computer or a TV, a noticeable
rolling black bar, or flickering, may appear. This can be eliminated by
adjusting the scanning frequency setting on the XL1S. Adjustments range from
61.8Hz to 201.5Hz on the NTSC model.
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16:9
Guidelines
When composing shots in the 4:3 aspect ratio, which will be displayed on a
wide-screen TV or transferred to film, users may engage 16:9 Guides. These
guides appear as thin white lines over the video image to create a 16:9 safe
area. Now, it is easy to compose shots for wide-screen and eliminate the need
to mark the viewfinder or director's monitor. The Canon XL1S includes another
16:9 aspect ratio recording mode simply called 16:9. In this mode, which was
included on the original Canon XL1, an electronic anamorphic stretch effect
is applied to the video to deliver a 16:9 wide screen image.
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Interval
Recording
Continuous recording with intervals is possible for users who are seeking to
capture a compressed version of real time (such as sunsets, flowers
blooming), or create animation. Users may select a recording time of 0.5,
1.5, or 2 seconds, which will be recorded at an interval of 30 seconds, one,
five, or 10 minutes.
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Color
Bars
SMPTE color bars are included on the XL1S. Color bars can be displayed and
recorded to assist in setting up a color match for accurate monitoring on a
TV or in an edit suite.
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Character
Recording
Some video applications (such as law enforcement, including interrogations,
crime scene documentation, depositions and court rooms proceedings) require
identification of date, time and time code of each recording. To accommodate
this, the XL1S can be set to permanently record this information by
superimposing it over the video image.
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Program
AE
The XL1S camcorder includes six kinds of programmed auto exposure.
1. Easy Recording Green Zone (fully automatic) All features are
automatically engaged by the camera. Manual control by the user is prevented.
2. Auto All features are automatically engaged by the camera. However,
the user may choose to manually control one or more features, such as
focusing, while all other features remain in auto.
3. Shutter Priority The user can engage 12 shutter speeds from 1/8
second to 1/15,000 second. The Canon XL1S will employ an appropriate aperture
to the selected shutter speed for best exposure. Users must also engage the
shutter priority and advance beyond 1/15,000 second to activate the clear
scan feature for shooting computer monitors and TV screens.
4. Aperture Priority The user can engage up to nine apertures,
depending on the lens attached to the camera for controlling depth of field
or exposure. The camera will employ a shutter speed to match the selected
aperture to achieve the best exposure.
5. Manual For users who prefer to be in command, this mode provides
manual control over all features simultaneously, including Focus, Exposure,
White Balance, Shutter Speed, Aperture and Video Gain. Shutter speed control
increases from 12 to 27 speeds for finer control. Aperture values increase
from nine to 28 when using the 16x IS II lens.
6. Spotlight The Canon XL1S automatically adjusts the exposure
metering for the brightest areas of the image. This is useful when shooting
stage performances and bright lights at night, and it avoids washout of the
subject due to overexposure.
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Analog
Input
Analog signals from VHS and 8mm video can be digitally recorded to MiniDV. In
the VCR mode, the Composite Video and S-Video terminals are ready to receive
signals for line-in recording.
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Audio
Dubbing
Users may choose to add background music or voice over narration to an
original recording that was recorded in 12-bit stereo audio mode.
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A/V
Insert
Video and audio recorded on tape can be replaced by content from another
source by activating the A/V Insert feature. Users designate the unwanted
section of an original recording and replace it seamlessly with new video and
audio.
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Zoom
Speed
The speed of the zoom levers on the side grip and handle sections of the XL1S
can be adjusted to select the most suitable zoom speed when changing angles
between shots (fast) or zooming while recording (slow). The zoom lever on the
side grip includes variable (pressure controlled), low, medium and high
speeds. The zoom lever on the handle section includes low, medium and high
speeds.
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Power Save
When a camcorder remains in the Record/Pause position for about five minutes,
it usually automatically shuts off. This feature prevents the possibility of
damage to the recording head drum and the surface of the videotape. This can
be a problem for video makers while they are setting up shots or giving their
talent direction. The XL1S now includes a feature that lets users disengage
the automatic shut off, called Power Save. Opening the menu to select Power
Save and then VCR Stop activates this feature. The XL1S will separate the
tape from the recording head drum after about five minutes, but maintain
power to all camera settings and video out feeds. By pressing the
Record/Pause button, the tape is repositioned for recording in approximately
three seconds.
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Custom
Keys
To minimize time accessing favorite or frequently used features from the
menu, the XL1S includes two Custom Keys on the camera body. Each can be
programmed to instantly turn a feature on and off. Select from nine items:
Index Mark, Zebra Pattern, VCR Stop, On-screen, Data Code, Audio 1 Input,
Audio 2 Input, Zoom Speed (grip section) and Zoom Speed (handle section).
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Improved
Operation of Menu Button and Selection
The menu button and menu operation are redesigned for greater efficiency,
speed and convenience. After pressing the Menu button, users now scroll
through the options and select features using the iris dial on the camera
body.
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On-Screen
Data Display
Often, when a live video feed is displayed on a TV monitor, camera data (time
code, shutter speed, aperture, battery condition, record/pause) is
superimposed over the video. This can be distracting to the director who is
concentrating on picture composition. With the new On-Screen Data Display
function, the default for data display is off. Users can choose no data,
partial data or all data to be displayed on a TV monitor.
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EVF
Data Display
One of three data displays can be selected to show camera data in the
viewfinder. This allows the camera operator to choose how much data about the
camera settings he would like superimposed over the image in the viewfinder.
The choices include no data, partial data and all data.
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