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Canon XL2 (MiniDV)
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When Canon modified its
victorious XL1S in the year 2004, the XL2 induced a sensation amongst
professional and semi-professional operators.
With both Sony and
Panasonic appearing to gain fame regarding wide screen and progressive
scan on its lately-introduced professional standard camcorders, it was
apparent that if Canon was to join the fold it would must arise with a
firm competitor that would take advantage on the wonderful achievements
of its XL1, XL1s and XM2 DV camcorders. After much statement lasting
over a year, we were preferred to be loaned the 1st review sample in the
United Kingdom. Robin Davies-Rollinson accepted the task of offering our
1st thorough perceptivity into the XL2. Here's his reassessment. |
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First Impressions
Having practiced neither a
Canon XL1 nor its later on XL1S edition earlier, my information of the
model was confined to whatsoever I had drew from different forums.
I had viewed them on
exhibit in the more progressive camera dealer and on one chance I was
even blessed adequate to hold one! That was while I was in the
marketplace for a digital camcorder to buy out from my former Sony Hi-8.
I finished purchasing the Canon XM2 - fundamentally because it was less
valuable and also since I did study that the dissimilarity in image
quality between the 2 cameras was not that big.
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In my twenty-four hours
occupation doing work for BBC Television as a drama director /
cinematographer, my common camera is a Sony DVW-790 - the omnipresent
Digital Beta cam - which has determined a typical for broadcast video.
Very frequently, we will practice a DVCAM format camcorder, oftentimes
the Sony DSR-570. High Definition is, naturally, in the near future, but
we are however going to see very much of Standard Definition (SD) video
recording on our screens for pretty a while so far. |
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After more than a year of
gossip, throughout which time we have seen much argumentation about
whether or not the fresh camcorder would accept Progressive Scan, "true"
16:9 ratio wide screen, HD, and so forth, we were finally able to find
and grip for ourselves the latest Canon XL2. Instantly after the Europe
establish at London's recognized Pinewood Studios, SimplyDV was lucky
sufficient to be presented the first assessment sample on situation that
we would give back it within only a couple of short days. Therein all
too short familiarity, I did discovered that the camera accommodated
well to my photographing manner and necessitates - or had I personalized
to the XL2? Whatsoever - let's just say that it was a pleasing dependent
relationship. Maybe not love at first glance, but a distinct appeal and
an admiration that just developed and developed. Apparently, the
dissimilarities between this and its forerunner are not all that big;
the basic physical structure is the identical. The major bodily
dissimilarities include the recognized protective shoulder pad of the
XL1s, which has now been substituted by a better-adjustment one. More
particularly, the camera has, at present, presented 2 XLR sockets at the
back, and the viewfinder assembly (including inbuilt color Liquid
crystal display monitor which is got at by flipping up the viewfinder
ocular) has now been changed to make left-hand accession to the lens
zoom on-off switch more comfortable. Other most important increases and
modifications - and there are various stimulating new features - are
electronic instead of manual.
Features
The XL2's chief promotion
point is in the bundle of characteristics now presented by Canon as a
means of avoiding the rivalry. It has 3 CCDs. Every one of which create
a resolution of 800,000 pixels (effectual 410,000, PAL 4:3 mode &
550,000, in PAL 16:9 mode) and make possible what Canon reports as
"true" 16:9 widescreen footage gives thanks to the supplying of more
pixels at the left and right ends of both CCD in the creation of the
16:9 pictures which are not employed in its 4:3 mode. In going on with
market prospects, the XL2 now presents many advanced features. Such as
50i (60i in NTSC) and 25p (24p/30p in NTSC) frame rates, also a 20x
"L-series" visual zoom with complete Optical Image Stabilization and the
XL exchangeable lens technology system, with the Fluorite element lens
containing 2 main ND filters. The XL2 not only provides wide manual
command over all features, but it also offers a complete array of pro
audio and video connectivity in the shape of four audio channels with
two integral XLR connections, 48v Phantom Power and a especially
practical BNC complex video output. For set-up functions, it also
provides Color Bars and Audio Tone line-up signs.
Presently as main feature
is the supplying of SMPTE time code, supplemented with Record Run (where
the time code goes on just when the tape is functioning), Free Run
(where the time code goes on
constantly on a "time-of-day" base if n5eeded - this is
functional where synch with other cameras is needed) collectively a
array of consumer-determinable predetermined settings, such as notching
tape number employing the "hours" digits, etc.
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