Canon XL2 Digital Camcorder Kit (20x Lens)
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.
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.
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.
Flourite 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.
Additional Features
3CCD Progressive Scan
The XL2 features a 3 CCD system with a separate progressive scan CCD (chargecoupled 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.
What's Included:
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