Canon XL H1 - HDV HD SD Professional Camcorder Video Recorder Review

[ASLLimited]

I have just bought a Canon XL H1. How do I download from the tapes to view/edit on my I-mac.

I am confused. Gerry

[oldschoolman33]

Can it handle snowy conditions?

[EbetFilms]

Can someone explain why you would spend so much money on this rather than getting a dslr? I honestly dont know

[sbeer6er]

are there pro's or cons to using cassette tapes?

[jerryfudala]

@sbeer6er most tv stations require them (tapes) if your using the camera for that

[hectordanielize]

8 personas que no saben lo que es la tecnologia ni la alta definicion

[oXweedyXo]

how much does 1 cost ?

[IanLEAU]

we have one of these at my course, we call it "GODZILLA" lol

[LeBronFilms]

I think this camera is amazing. Canon DSLR's are amazing for recording too! And much cheaper. So if you really want to get into filming, I suggest buying one of them instead of jumping right up to pro-level cams.

[ninjashidan]

I love this camera. I think the footage it produces is outstanding.

[slow758]

Is this camera able to record with SD Cards or must it be the HDV Tape. Does it have a HDMI Output? Thanks. I'm thinking if I should get this or XF300. Inbox me

[PIGMASKVSJIGSAW]

how come there isnt any other videos on this camera with tests?

[lank05]

Sony HDR-AX2000 HD <- what's that camera like?

[StupidVids2009]

@lank05 amazing..

[optimusmikey]

Im buying a XL1S should I buy it?

[01NissanSkyline]

can this camera record video to an SDHC memory card? or is it only tape's?

[optimusmikey]

@01NissanSkyline only tapes 

[lark1914]

Hi My Cannxl1 Zoom inm zoom out, and focus just recently stoped working out the blue while filming. So now my picture is set at one shot, what can i do to correct this or is my cannon broken or what???Please help me, because I am in the middle of filming a big event..

[GanEdenAustralia]

ANTON BAUER MAKE A PLATE FOR THIS AS WELL BUT YOU NEVER MENTIONED THAT??

[ArmoredSaint848]

price justifies what camera can do it is so worth it, im going to get it , don't know how but i will get the money for it even if it means water fasting for the rest of my life

[7milejog]

Why does these cameras shoot in 1080i an there lower line of cams such as the 5d,60d etc shoot in 1080p kind of backwards eh

[simon1234simon]

CCDs are awsome. they do use more energy but not only they don't have rolling shutter the overall quality is much better. i mean if the Panavison Genesis has a CCD than it has to be good.

[nsrsx]

"it's not only the camera, you have to know how to use it as well" and remember, after taking the shots you have to be able to edit it as well ( in a pro manner). it's surprising to know that lots of people are just ready to spend money on camera's even without having any knowledge of how to function it. sigh!! well, thanks to youtube i guess.

p:s i bought myself a handy canon vixia hf 200, why? simple, cause i once got a youtube fever too. (+_+)

[GalvanHD]

@amosmediayes Well I'll chime in and give the opposite opinion. I have this camera and it is a fantastic camera. Image quality is top notch and is perfect for all my film and tv broadcast work. I have a Nanoflash which records the uncompressed video from the HD-SDI port on this camera, and the footage is quite stunning.

The image quality is fantastic, but the usability/attention to operator functionality is top notch as well! Precision control over every camera parameter... It's great!!!

[PsykoProduction]

should I shoot my short comin up with the XL H1 or with the 7D? I heard 7D is better in low lighting situations... What do you guys think?

[rokinJellyBean]

canon XL A1 or Canon Xh A1s??

[alanbstard4]

yes but how much is it and can it match a 5d Canon in video quality?

[GeorgeMaier]

How can people not like how this camera looks. It is beautiful.

[ZelloBrosPro]

I own a Canon XL1 and love it... Canon is the best camera brand out there. Period.

[MortyOlsen]

Great video, i love this cam, but Dude? isn`t that the Canon XL H1S cam?

[TheMShow2010]

ide get the xl2 as a begginer

[javieralza]

is this better that xl2, or is this older

[destroyallhumans130]

does it work with mac ?????

[EggheadChannel]

@destroyallhumans130 .....Of course dude. All cameras are compatible with mac. What you mean is if it is compatible with imovie or final cut. and the answer is still yes. you might have to download the firmware but yes

[AllPr0Allen]

does this camera have like a usb conect from the camera to your computer ??? someone help me

[EggheadChannel]

@AllPr0Allen .....It doesn't use USB. USB is not used with digital camcorders. If you own an intel based mac. Then you just need a Firewire cable. They're like 6 bucks on ebay. If you own a PC, look at the back of your CPU for the IEEE 1394 interface serial bus. If it is there then you're straight. If you don't have it, you would need to buy the hardrive, though not expensive at all. Check out my channel. I use a canon camcorder for all of my videos. If you have any questions, just ask me.

[13tpd]

I dont like the xl's because their lcd screens are to small and i like a flip out lcd screen better that why i'm getting the PAnasonic AG-HMC70

[13tpd]

how much does this camera cost

[13tpd]

how much does it cost

[KickerLivinLoudL7]

i hate that they cost 4,000 dollars

[MasterofTheFreeWorld]

@KickerLivinLoudL7 sorry to burst your bubble, and be a bearer of bad news, but the Canon XL-H1s(the one in this review) is 9000 dollars. the Canon XL-H1a(the "s's" almost identical family member) is 7000, quite pricy, but if you look at the quality of their footage, it appears as if it is way worth it.

[shadowclaw46]

Hi, I'm an American and I noticed that alot of reviews for filmmaking equipment are done by people who live in the UK. I was wondering, is the UK known for selling camcorders and anything related to them?

[JesusReal2]

when canon will release a new model for xlh1s?

[JoDaddyy]

On average, does anyone know how much a Hollywood camera is?

[amosmediayes]

@JoDaddyy It really depends on what you want. You have to know what you end goal is and what you want to compare you image too. The camera i want is about 30,000. And thats with out the computer or editing software to go with it.

[JulianProductionz]

@JoDaddyy couple of hundred thousand dollars

[amosmediayes]

I personally hate the canon series. They don feel like pro camcorders, they are over priced, and they don't put out a good picture. And on top of that, they aren't even solid state. Ive used the XL-H! on several shoots, and i prefer the JVC GY HD-700 over this camera any day. Same price, solid state, has a REAL fujinon lens and real lens control, and a far better picture. I appreciate this video, but cannon is just a toy manufacturer. =)

[CVPTV]

@amosmediayes Well you have certainly expressed your personal dislike for Canon quite well there. Thanks for your comment. They all count in helping people come to a decision.

I would point out though that Canon make quite literally the best professional DSLR (photo)cameras.

Something you should know: The new series of 'House' is being filmed entirely on Canon 5D MK2 photo cameras in video mode, so to say that Canon are a toy manufacturer is not truely accurate.

[amosmediayes]

@CVPTV True. I guess my hatred goes out to the XL series. I do agree that the optics are amazing how ever. Canon lenses are fantastic.

[darthaardvark]

@CVPTV Very classy rebuttal. Well said.

[skinVISIBLE]

@CVPTV What is 440 native res?

[skinVISIBLE]

@CVPTV What is 422 native res?

[lank05]

@CVPTV I'm still using my Cannon 5D MK2 for HD videography, the image quality and attention to detail it produces is second to none. That and the 7D are both an absolute must in my opinion.. However now I'm looking to upgrade my non professional handycam to a entry-level professional HD camcorder (possibly HDD recording but miniDV is fine), any suggestions? I'm really stumped on what to go for.. Extreme sports (namely Drift) is the type of footage I'll be recording. Cheers.

[kdoubble]

@amosmediayes and they die if you open them to repair the loose firewire port issue like on the xl2 even if you take anti-stat precautions lol

[makilajj]

@amosmediayes Hello I have been using Canon models since 1999 (XL1 then XL H1A) and I completely disagree with you ! The H1A produces outstanding pictures, even in very low light ! The danger with the H1A is the overexposure because of the step by step aperture control. I use no zebra, but I open the lens a little bit less in case of doubt. And the pictures are always perfect ! The H1A also solid, the plastic components of the XL1 were replaced by metal ones. The H1A is a very good camcorder!

[GanEdenAustralia]

@amosmediayes DELUDED TIT

[headsplode]

@amosmediayes WYPIERDALAJ :D

[satch1011]

@amosmediayes you have no taste in cameras

[southlanfilmsusa]

@amosmediayes

You're kidding right? LOL some people freak me out. Canon makes an amazing camera. Obviously you had to settle for the JVC. Too bad . Of course you do have to be a real photgrapher to use the Canon. I guess the JVC is okay for the novice videographer.

[poolboyinla]

@southlanfilmsusa Funny

[jatemedia77]

awesome camera dude!!!!!!!!!

[CVPTV]

@jatemedia77 Thanks for saying so :-D

[TheRealSunshineAimee]

hi, im 17 and planing to put a nice amount of money in a camera but i got a few questions how do i get the video on the computer, is it tape? umm and what is the best camera do think a first time professional camera buyer cause i have 2 basic video cameras but they are basic anyone can have

[CVPTV]

@TheRealSunshineAimee One good move would be to send your requirements to us through the contact us page on our web site. Our web site can be found in the Info Panel below the video. You will be given options based on your budget :-D

[jodroboxes]

@TheRealSunshineAimee this cam is holy!!! i'm totaly getting one .. i suggest you do the same. ;-)

[momomatte]

where can I buy this camera? Any reliable websites out there that ship to Denmark?

[CVPTV]

@momomatte Our website will ship to Denmark - All products carry manufacturer warranty and insured shipping. :-)

[dvamateur]

Well, I woldn't buy RED for only one reason: it looks ugly, like a steam machine. the XL-1H, on the other hand, is beautifully made. And what makes me salivate the most is the proper mount for the Edirol F1 recorder on the back, as well as SMPTE synchronizaton with Edirol R4 Pro four channel 24bit audio recorder. Really cool stuff. I generally don't like Canon brand for its ubiquitous cheesy and cheap looking Rebel DSLR. But when it comes to XL-H1, or XL2, these are highly desirable!

[Pilot853]

@gustavo2319 the RED camera is designed for making movies, which require extremely high resolution to match the look of film. It also costs over 18k of us dollars. The xl-h1 is designed for documentaries, commercial videos, and event recording.

[nickdrummer2004]

yeah and that 18 grand is only for the body of the camera...still gotta shell out like another 3 grand for the lense and then 1250 for the mounting set up

[Pilot853]

It doesn't matter. Previous 35mm cameras could only be rented, and cost thousands of dollars per month to rent. The RED is relatively cheap, and it is easier to work with since it is digital.

Also, people who are saying the Xl-H1s is overpriced are being quite ignorant. The XL cameras may be expensive, but they have a whole lot to offer for their price. Don't forget, this is made in Japan. Its not any of that cheap crap that's made in China and sold at Walmart.

[nickdrummer2004]

yeah i was surprised with the canon xl2

i shot my first short film with my friends canon xl2 and that standard definition looked really good..haven't seen anything by this camera thought...but i'm in the market to buy one...

[Pilot853]

@GettinDemDollaz you need multiple cameras that use SMPTE time code. It allows multiple cameras to run on the same time, and switch between recording and idle, as well as much more. For the audio, just record it from a single device located at a central location.

[Pilot853]

Edit taped footage by transfering it to a computer via IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable.

I like the xl2/ xlh1 body designs. They're almost like a cross between shoulder mount and handheld styles.

[bobbyt2012]

I don't understand these HDV cassettes or whatever they record to. What is that all about? How am I suppose to edit a tape?

[CVPTV]

Hi, thanks for your message. Tape has been the standard for many years now.

How it works is that you transfer the information from the tape to the computer where you then have it ready for editing.

This is widely accepted in the industry. However, solid state recording is now becoming very popular; particularly due to the quick transfer of data. Copying data from an SD card (even HD footage) is a breeze using solid state.

That said, I cannot say anything bad about this camera :-)

[bobbyt2012]

@CVPTV I appreciate the feedback. I guess I'm just blown away that something that expensive still uses tape. I know the quality is above the one's with hard drives, but I'm surprised they don't have one with a an HDD. So can you just hook up the camera to your computer to read from the tape? I don't have any interface that can work with those tapes.

[troutbum86]

This camera is beautiful, precise, and highly overpriced. I own an XL2 and until the price of this bad-boy goes well down I won't be making the switch...

[AmbitionMedia]

@troutbum86 does ur canon xl2 seem grainy when you transfer it to the computer?

[troutbum86]

yes...but worse if gain is over 3db

[GettinDemDollaz]

How do u edit ya video? do u use sum certain software

[jagoja12345]

pinnacle 11 will work fine mate with editing HD footage... with a cannon cam like this... i shot a film called city of decay with a 5grand sony hd cam works fine...just need a fairly good pc

[GettinDemDollaz]

how many cameras do u use. cuz in movies ppl have them goin back and forth and idk how 2 make it jump 2 a diff cam wit da same audio

[Ccsincity]

HD-SDI is nice but I can't afford the newer verison. I'm getting the first generation. So is the FireStore FS harddrive worth buying?

[wolfangdigital]

I'm a video director and lecturer with our local college. I've been using the XL1s for years now and it's ergonomic design lets me shoot great footage.

I like your video, love the cutaways, love the review. Only problem is... you could speak a little louder please ;)

Keep up the good work!

[rainerfilm]

I have the canon xh a1, it is basically the same camera with a another body and a fixed lens. Very impressed.

[DidntKnowWhatToPut1]

"only a couple of thousand pounds" Pah! For a lens?!

[MortallicA91]

what other camera can you compare to this xl h1?

i'm thinking of buying xha1 in 2010, but if a xlh1 keep me satisfy for a lot of years, then it seems a better solution

[PeterPW]

This camera is recording to a tape and as such the technology here is out-dated. You want to go to solid-state now where Sony is leading the industry.

[CVPTV]

Quite true in a way. Sony are my personal favourite when it comes to camcorders. However, you will not see anything like the quality on a Solid State Sony that you get with the XL-H1 - pure HD.  Sony Solid State is more HDV (compressed quite a lot).

Thanks :)

[streetshooting]

Canon XL H1 is still my favorite. Sony is just plastic crap.

[CVPTV]

streetshooting - the BBC use Sony a lot so that makes sense to me now.

Stop paying your TV licence legally (UK only) visit tpucDOTorg - info is down the left side...

Peace

[gustavo2319]

WHAT ABOUT THE "RED" CAMERA

[jaffarnkill]

thanks a mill for this video man its a big help

[deathstar17]

I just got the xl h1 s this thing is well worth the price.

[oneeyedgeek]

I just got my XH-A1 and love it, but I'd sure like to get my hands on something like this.

[depart400]

best prosumer camera on the market

[CVPTV]

Please note that the XL-H1 is NOT a prosumer camera. Thank you.

[depart400]

Its a nice camera but NOT professional. Ever heard of Panavision? Thats a Pro Camera.

[CVPTV]

Thanks for your reply. You are incorrect. This is a professional camcorder and I would be interested in hearing why you think otherwise. Thanks.

[CVPTV]

Panavision? Are you seriously ignorant over what Panavision camcorders represent?

[GAPfilmsanddocos]

I run Canon camcorders in my fleet ranging from the XL2 to the XH-A1. I would love the XL-H1 but the price tag is way to high.

[CVPTV]

I used to use the XL2 and owned an XH-A1 but the XL-H1 is a higher grade camera - this justifies the higher price. To say the price is way too high in general is inaccurate. For the price you won't find much that matches it.

[JesperA86]

Is there a really portable solution for HD-SDI? And the new version of the XL H1, the XL H1 a or something, can it record sound with HD-SDI?

[CVPTV]

I personally had an XH-A1 due to the price but soon upgraded to the XL-H1; It's just a higher grade camera with a more acceptable / professional appearance.

[jigsaw43211234]

i don't know whether to get this or the canon xh a1