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Canon DM-XM2 (MiniDV)
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Possessing a lot of the
XL1's functions, Canon's DM-XM2 (recognized as the DM-GL2 in the USA)
have numerous supporters amongst the professional and semi-professional
group.
From
the time when the release of its innovative DM-XL1 DV camcorder in the
early 1999, Canons DV camcorders hasnt altered very much regarding
shape, mode or characteristics. Actually, it might be said that
embellishments to the series have provided merely to give little
improvements more willingly than something major. Where Canon take
marks, however, is in the excellence of manufacturing to be seen in this
series; the XL1 got support with expert video makers yearning to print
up their DV video recording to 35milimeter, & this practice have been
sustained with the outstanding Canon XL1S, released in the year 2001 and
the XL2. At the time of compiling this assessment in August year 2005,
the XM2 is still presented by Canon, so here is our creative analysis |
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First impressions
The DM XM-2 has a shape
styling that is not different from the model it at present supersedes.
On the other hand, closer examination discloses a somewhat longer,
slenderer visibility that allows more approachability to very normally
practiced commands. The maker has smartly placed Focusing auto/manual
button, ND Filter on/off and Color Bars on/off on the left slope of the
XM2's physical structure where they can be controlled without
interrupting recording process. Audio degree command is potential in
both self and manual ways, with the primary switch and thumbwheel degree
setters placed correctly at the back where they can be checked. Manual
command over vulnerability and white balance are also supplied where
they can be well aligned throughout recording.
The enclosure of a
2.5inche color LCD display screen in plus to the 0.44inche 180K-color
viewfinder does, in some manners, build this an extra operational
camcorder to the XL1S. The primary power on button is placed on the
upper left face of the physical structure where it cannot be neglected.
The onscreen information offered by XM2 in record mode is inclusive, and
offers the entire info essential without backing up the screen.
Presentment of color line
and ND filter utilization granted, because it is a stereo sound
recording degree meter - somewhat that will be most wanted to every
serious operator.
Similar to its
predecessor, the XL1S, the XM-2 also provides Clear Scan.
A service established in
numerous pro camcorders that makes it more comfortable for camera users
to let in a computer display in their scenes without it flittering
badly.
Clear Scan can be adjusted
to cotemporize with the monitor's reading frequency and eradicate the
impression, if not totally then at the least to a satisfactory level.
This model, similar to the
others in the XL and XM array, also characteristics 16:9 wide screen
photographing style. Fascinatingly, the aboard mike can be predetermined
to be simpatico with wide screen shootings. In actual fact, we did not
see a difference to a large extent, even though there are revealing
signals of a broader pickup area being used.
A third voice mike
adjustment is also provided in the onscreen menu system.
Audio supervising is
attained by a digital analog meter at the right lower side of the
viewfinder and LCD display screen, additionally to a meter show on the
left side of the physical structure exactly in front of the LCD display
screen. The Liquid crystal display (LCD) screen itself can be turned
over entirely for head-on seeing also being capable to be slotted back
into its housing while exhibiting outwards.
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Setting up
In plus to the manual
switches, which allow approach to the mainly usually utilized commands
on the camcorder, the menu offers accession to a wealth of other
commands
Varying from camera setup
modes to replay modes and even Memory Card commands
Also. The menu system is
triggered by a push button, which comes with the thumbwheels at the back
of the camera, with menu navigation being attained by a committed
thumbwheel. As with the majority of thumbwheels, they are a little
tricky to practice throughout recording. (Particularly when the
viewfinder is being applied). |
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Optical qualities
As you
would look, the image potentialities of the XM2 are splendid. Together
with other creations of the XL and XM series, the pro L-Series Fluorite
lens presents photographs of sensational tone to the 3-CCD, 470,000
pixel imagery device. A big, rubber focus ring offers damped manual
focus operate, with a little thumbwheel similar to on/off switch
changing manual alterations of vulnerability to be made throughout
recording. Interpretation of pictures with the 20x (4.2-84milimeter)
F1.6 visual zoom lens is very good quality so regular in macro way, with
color equilibrium and contrast proportion being all you would look from
a camcorder carrying the Canon brand. A 100x digital zoom way is also
offered, whose picture character comes pretty good aboard some of the
unreasonable proportions of rivals' models. Sensibility is best, even in
cloudy, low-light circumstances and equates extremely favorably versus
other like models, which include the VX2000. In ordinary quality outside
light circumstances, the Canon delivers remarkable pictures; in
circumstances of shining atmospheric condition the images are arresting,
and more so when the ND filter is being used to enhance on the whole
depth and balance. No manual operation of zoom options are offered, but
the zoom on/off switch - placed above the tape cassette chamber on the
right side of the physical structure - is quick and reactive where
immediate re-framing is demanded yet tender to touch where smoothen
raging-up and down is needed. Where the camcorder is being kept by the
typical carry-handle (and where shootings are being supervised via the
Liquid crystal display screen) a smaller zoom on-off switch is offered
to the back of the supplement shoe, together with an extra record
start/stop button. The bearing handle holds all the main VCR replay
commands, which are positioned beneath a flap on the side.
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