Canon XH-A1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Canon XH-A1 is part of Canon's line of handheld prosumer HDV camcorders. The form factor of the camera is a close successor to the Canon GL2, with the newer HDV models being slightly larger and heavier. It is smaller then the Canon XL H1, and lacks some of the other camera's features - including interchangeable lenses. The camera is marketed towards independent and documentary filmmakers, and for broadcasters and journalists for electronic news gathering.
Canon's XH-G1 is very similar in its design and feature set to the XH-A1, however the XH-G1 includes a jackpack that includes connections for HD-SDI/SD-SDI Out, genlock, and time code.
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[edit] Technical Details
The camera is capable of shooting in either NTSC or PAL video formats, and the default format depends on the region where the camera is sold. Users are able to have the firmware upgraded by Canon to support both formats at an additional charge. Video is recorded to MiniDV cassettes with a maximum record time of 80 minutes. CCDs are the image sensor technology used in the camera with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 in high definition Mode. When recording in standard definition in a 4:3 aspect ratio an area of 1080 x 1080 pixels are used on the sensor, and the entire 1440 x 1080 sensor is used for 16:9 standard definition recording.[1]
Customizations to the image on the camera include gamma, knee, black levels, color gain, and sharpness settings. These settings allow the operator to develop a look for the production within the camera.
Shooting modes of both HD and SD, include 60i, 30f, and 24f in NTSC. PAL offers recording modes of 50i and 25f. Canon's 30f, 25f, and 24f are similar to 24p, but utilizes Canon's DIGIC DV II HD image processor to make the interlaced signal progressive. However, Canon's "f" frame modes are not compatible with other manufacturer's implementations of the HDV standard, such as Sony and JVC. The frame mode is compatible with non-linear editing software such as Final Cut Studio, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0, and Avid Xpress Pro.
The built in lens has a focal length of 4.5mm - 90 mm (equivalent to 32.5mm - 650 mm for 35 mm), with a maximum f/stop of f/1.6. Canon also includes its image stabilization technology on the camera, used in many of their SLR lenses.
[edit] Use of the Canon XH-A1
The Canon XH-A1 has been used in a variety of applications in broadcast, on-line, and theatrical productions. Use of the camera in professional applications includes the Chicago Tribune's on-line videos [2], and the camera is being used for the production of the motion picture Crank 2: High Voltage[3].
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