Canon XL2 Digital Camcorder Get Canon XL2 Price / Buy Online

Shop With Confidence! Video Direct® is an Authorized U.S. Retailer for Canon and Many Other Fine Brands!

$300 Rebate Purchase any new Canon XL2 now through December 31, 2007 and receive $300 cash back by mail from Canon! Click here for more details.

Canon XL2 Digital Camcorder

Features in Detail | Recommended Accessories | Enlarged Image

Canon's new XL2 camcorder offers an evolutionary design and new professional features -- including a choice of 60i, 24p or 30p frame rates, 4:3 or high resolution 16:9 aspect ratio, new 680,000 pixel progressive scan CCDs, and a full line of customizable controls for cine-looking results. Along with its new 20x interchangeable lens, this new Mini-DV camcorder empowers cinematographers and videographers with a completely customizable broadcast and feature film quality acquisition tool.

The professional series XL2 camcorder replaces one of the most successful and iconic products in Canon's history -- the XL1S -- as the company's new digital video camcorder flagship. Canon's new XL2 camcorder evolves the "open architecture" concept of its XL1 and XL1S predecessors beyond body design to include a wide range of customisable cine-like looks and enhanced image controls previously unavailable in the Mini-DV format.

Canon XL2 Key Features

Canon XL2 Included Accessories:

• 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

3CCD Progressive Scan System

The XL2 features a 3CCD system with a separate progressive scan CCD (charge-coupled device) for each primary color (red, green and blue). Each 1/3" CCD contains 680,000 pixels.

The 3CCD progressive scan system utilized by the XL2 camcorder provides 16:9 (962 x 480 pixels) and 4:3 (720 x 480 pixels) recording. The camcorder's third generation signal processing LSI (large scale integrated circuit) improves Signal/Noise ratio to realize higher resolution than XL1s camcorder.

16:9 and 4:3 Aspect Ratio Shooting Formats

With an increasing 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

The XL2 camcorder provides users with frame rate options needed to achieve a wide range of "film" looks. Whether shooting standard video for television or video for transfer to film with extremely high resolution, the XL2 camcorder features 60i, 30p, 24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2) frame rates, so that cinematographers and electronic news gatherers have the flexibility to create virtually any desired look and feel.

When shooting 30p, the camera operator has the ability to capture 30 full frames per second. When shooting sports, users can freeze an image, capturing the full frame, or slow motion down for that "instant replay" effect.

The 24p (2:3:3:2) frame rate is now widely adopted by those transferring video to film. But film and videographers 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 24p frame rate. Just as important as 24p frame rate, is the 1/48th per second shutter speed, which is the standard for movie cameras. The XL2 camcorder's combination of 24p frame rate and 1/48th per second shutter speed matches a motion film camera.

When producers use the 24p with 2:3 pulldown feature, it produces video with the look and motion of film. The 24p frame rate used in conjunction with a cine gamma curve on the XL2 camcorder, produces images that have similar tonal characteristics as film. This mode is used when the finished video will be shown on television, while 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 editing software to extract true 24 frames a second.

Cine-Like Color and Control

With "big name" and not so well known producers turning to digital video for their movie-making needs, these moviemakers place an increasing emphasis on delivering the "film" look to video. The Canon XL2 camcorder offers users the ability to customize their video recordings using a number of variables: Gamma, Knee, Black, Color Matrix, Vertical Detail, Sharpness, Coring, Noise Reduction, Color Gain, Color Phase And Film Grain. Each one of these can be adjusted independently, thereby giving the camera operator precise control over the film-like appearance of their video.

Professional videographers need control of the camcorder set-up. From complete automatic setting to fine adjustments of Master RGB Gain; Setup Level; Master Pedestal; Skin Detail; Program AE; Gain; AE Shift and Lock; White Balance; Shutter Speeds; Aperture Control; Zebra Pattern; Clear Scan and Interval Timer, the XL2 camcorder has the total image control that professionals need. Camera operators can create three custom presets of their desired camera settings, which can be recalled at a later date or shared with another XL2 camcorder via IEEE 1394 connection.

Gamma (Video/Cine) - Gamma controls the general brightness (luminance) of the picture and the contrast of the picture. Adjusting gamma allows you to control the way the camera reproduces various tones. Video shot on the XL2 can be gamma corrected to allow for the final usage of the video -- where it will be shown. The display medium can distort the brightness, therefore if the gamma is corrected for the display medium when the video is shot, the display will show the correct brightness level. By switching to the Cine curve, the tonal qualities of the images produced have shading and coloration similar to that of film.

Color Matrix (Video/Cine) - The XL2's Color Matrix function manages the hue and saturation of the video to reproduce the most accurate color. The color matrix defines the camera's color output; the matrix lets you define the amount of primary and secondary colors that are produced. The primary colors are red, green and blue, with the secondary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) made from the combinations of two primary colors. With the XL2's Color Matrix, you can change from a video to a cine 'look' for the end product.

Knee (H/M/L) - Among the XL2's picture-enhancing circuits is the knee circuit. Setting the control to high, medium or low manages the highlight compression of the video signal.

Black (Stretch/Normal/Press) - The XL2 gives the user control of the depth of black in dark areas of an image. To emphasize contrast in the video's dark areas, 'Stretch' is selected. To deepen or enhance the dark area, 'Press' (compress) is selected.

Vertical Detail (Normal/Low) - There are 2 settings: 'Normal' for vertical detail optimized for playback on an interlaced monitor, 'Low' for vertical detail optimized for a progressive scan monitor like a PC.

Coring (-6 to +6) - The Coring function on the XL2 is useful in helping to remove image 'noise.' Coring removes fine detail information that is not a major contributor to the picture detail but which adds noise to the image. You can adjust just how much detail information is removed -- just enough coring to reduce picture noise, but not enough to hurt the detail in the image.

Sharpness (-6 to +6) - The XL2 is capable of changing the degree of sharpness in the picture. By using this feature, pictures that do not require a lot of detail can be softened. This feature also can be used to hide imperfections during close-ups, for example. Increasing video sharpness can increase the video noise slightly.

Noise Reduction (OFF/H/N/L) - Noise Reduction removes video noise -- non-picture artifacts such as those commonly found in low-light images -- without hurting image detail or creating motion artifacts. This is important for two reasons. The first is that we have become used to viewing high quality video. The second is that video noise makes compression -- to DVD, for example -- less efficient.

Color Gain (-6 to +6) - The XL2 can deliver 13 steps of color gain, from off to oversaturated. This adjustment allows you to shoot in black and white.

Color Phase (-6 to +6) - Adjust the Color Phase towards red or green for exact control.

Film Grain (one setting) - The XL2 has one setting to add 'film grain' to the image. This simulates the effect of shooting on film.

Interchangeable Lens System, Included Canon 20x IS Optical Flourite Zoom Lens

With the XL2 camcorder's interchangeable lenses and adapters, users have focal length options that match their creative and technical needs. With the XL2 camcorder's XL mounting system, users can choose from an array of wide angle, manual and auto focus zoom lenses as well as fixed-focal length and telephoto lenses.

In addition to accepting the full line up of Canon's XL lenses -- including the 16x IS II Auto focus lens, 16x Mechanical Servo Zoom lens, 3x Wide Angle, the 1.6x Extender and the EF adaptor for use with Canon's full line of EF photographic lenses - Canon is launching a new Professional L-series 20X Optical zoom lens, included with the XL2.

The new lens incorporates Fluorite elements for superior contrast, resolution and color fidelity through the reduction of chromatic aberration. This 20x IS Optical zoom lens offers a fast f/1.6 to f/3.5 aperture for users that shoot under the most demanding lighting conditions. At an aspect ratio of 4:3, the 20x zoom range is an impressive 51.8mm to 1036mm (35mm equivalent). At the 16:9 aspect ratio, it is an equally impressive 42.2mm to 844mm (35mm equivalent). The lens comes equipped with versatile features, including: a 72mm filter thread; 6-blade iris diaphragm; 2 independent ND filters; Electronic focus ring; Electronic zoom ring; Zoom present position; Focus preset position; and optical image stabilization.

Super Range OIS

Super Range Optical Image Stabilization

Canon's optical image stabilization (OIS) system corrects camera shake instantly so even hand held shots, at full telephoto, and shots taken from a moving car, are smooth and steady. Because it is optical, it can compensate for a greater degree if camera shake and avoids any loss in image quality, unlike some electronics image stabilizers.

Other optical image stabilizers use a gyro sensor to detect camcorder vibration (the data from which controls a vari-angle prism that continuously corrects the path of the incoming light). Canon's SuperRange OIS system goes one step further by examining the image after the CCD receives it and detecting any low-frequency vibrations missed by the gyro. This data is fed back to accelerate and refine the movement of the vari-angle prism. This greatly improves performance for low frequency vibration, resulting in the most advanced optical image stabilization available today.

Open Architecture

The XL2 camcorder's open architecture and modular design allows users to build their ideal camcorder system with interchangeable lenses, viewfinders and shoulder mounts. The Canon XL2 camcorder remains the only Mini-DV camcorder that users can customize to fit the needs of specific shooting applications. The camcorder permits the use of most Canon and third party accessories. The shoulder pad and XLR Audio connectors are now built in to the camera body.

SMPTE Time Code

The Canon XL2 camcorder offers many on-camera enhancements to help capture high-quality footage, including features commonly found on broadcast camcorders. Among these is the inclusion of a SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) time code on the tape. The XL2 camcorder offers camera operators SMPTE color bars and a 1khz reference tone (-12dB and -20dB), for set up of monitors and edit suites.

Camera operators can choose Drop, Non-Drop, Rec Run and Free Run modes. User bit settings are also provided, allowing the inclusion of reel number or other user data. 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.

Multi Functional Color Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and 2" LCD Monitor

Canon is launching a new multi functional color electronic viewfinder (EVF) and 2" LCD monitor with left, right, fore, aft mechanical adjustments for greater balance; 16:9 letterbox display; LCD indicators (REC/SHUTTER/GAINUP); center marker; viewfinder brightness, color, sharpness and contrast adjustments. The new LCD screen flips up for distance recording, so users can work up to two feet away.

When selecting the high-resolution 16:9 aspect ratio, the camcorder uses the full width of the CCD. When camera operators look through the viewfinder, their footage will be displayed in letterbox style, so users can compose widescreen images precisely. This way, when the video is later edited in postproduction, or when viewed on a 16:9 monitor, users will see exactly what they intended.

Having a fully adjustable Viewfinder is critical for getting that perfect shot. The XL2's EVF 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.

Range of Professional Audio Options

The XL2 camcorder offers 4-channel audio with independent control of each audio channel built into the camera body. It also includes two built-in XLR connectors with 48v phantom power. These inputs are designed for use with professional microphones. These connections allow for the use of very long cables without the introduction of outside noise. Condenser microphones need phantom power, with the voltage going to the microphone along the same wires that carry the audio signals. The camcorder supplies this through the XLR connectors.

The XL2 camcorder includes a built-in BNC connector, which is used in professional and broadcast video applications. This terminal connects a two-wire coaxial cable using a bayonet mount.

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.

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.

6 Blade Iris Diaphragm

A six-blade circular iris is used in the XL2 for professional exposure control. This helps to deliver stunning video and still photos.

2 Independent ND Filters

The 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite optical zoom lens includes two neutral density filters to help control light -- for example under bright, sunlit conditions, or when less depth of field is desired. The two built-in filters, 1/6 ND and 1/32 ND, can be used independently.

Electronic Focus And Zoom Ring

The focus ring and the zoom ring are independent controls on the 20x lens. They are servo controlled and the speed can be changed by the speed of the rotation of the ring. There is also a zoom control on the handgrip and one on the top handle.

Zoom Preset Position

This function allows memorization of a zoom point, so that the lens can return to that framing by a push of the button. The speed of the zoom can easily be controlled.

Focus Preset Position

This function allows memorization of a focus point, so that the lens can return to that focus by a push of the button. A 'pull focus' can easily be accomplished. The speed of the focus can easily be controlled.

Total Image Control

Master RGB (R: -6 to +6, G: -6 to +6, B: -6 to +6) - The Master RGB control offers 13 steps of adjustment each to the red, green and blue components of the video signal.

Setup Level (-6 to +6) - Setup level adjusts the standard point of the black level of video signal. In USA (NTSC) the black level is set for 7.5 IRE, in Japan (NTSC) the black level is set at 0 IRE, for PAL and SECAM systems the black level is set for 0 IRE. Professional cameras use 3 IRE for the black level. The XL2 has a 13 step adjustment, with the default mid level being 3 IRE.

Master Pedestal (-6 to +6) - The Master Pedal controls the starting point of the gamma curve. This will change the dark areas of the picture.

Skin Tone Detail - Hue, gain, area, Y level (+/- 6 steps). During setup EVF shows a zebra pattern over masking area flashes between picture and white-mask. During setup EE and IEE1394 out flashes between picture and zebra pattern, enabling you to easily smooth out skin blemishes and wrinkles with total control.

Gain (-3 / A / 0 / +3 / +6 / +12 / +18 dB) - Control the amount of gain to balance between quality and getting the shot.

Canon Intelligent Program AE With AE Shift and AE Lock, Aperture and Shutter Control

Auto, TV, AV, Manual, Spotlight, Low Light, Green presets. With the XL2, you may want to make slight adjustments to the image brightness to compensate for backlighting or for scenes that are being rendered slightly overexposed. When in Auto, Tv or Av Modes, you can engage AE Shift in the camera menu, then turn the menu dial to add or subtract a bit of exposure. There are 13 steps available for creative control. You can hold the exposure at a particular setting by engaging AE Lock on the XL2. This prevents unplanned exposure changes with a moving subject, for instance.

In 60i and 30p modes there are 30 shutter speeds as well as clear scan shutter speeds. In 24p there are 29 shutter speeds including 1/48th second and clear scan shutter speeds. There are 23 aperture settings available with the 20x lens. This setting can be adjusted in 1/4 steps.

White Balance (Indoor, Outdoor Presets and 3 User Settings)

The XL2 uses an electronic white balance process to calibrate the picture for accurate color display in different lighting conditions (i.e. sunlight versus indoor incandescent). Automated white balance settings include a fully automated mode, an indoor mode and an outdoor mode. (When the XL2 is set to Green Mode, white balance is fully automated and cannot be adjusted.) In addition to these set standards, the XL2 lets you set the white balance manually by selecting manual select, then pointing the camera at a white object (such as a sheet of paper) that fills the field of view. The XL2 gives you the option of setting and saving as many as three white balance presets that can be reused for non-sequential shooting. Manual white balance works best for dominant color or monochromatic scenes and close-ups, in rapidly changing lighting conditions and in places lit by certain fluorescent or mercury vapor lights. White balancing should be performed prior to any recording.

Zebra Patterns (100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%)

Zebra stripes, displayed in the viewfinder but not recorded, can be made to appear over any area that is overexposed. This black and white zebra stripe feature is activated via the camera's menu. Use this feature to guide the adjustment of the aperture and shutter speed. The zebra pattern settings that are available in the XL2 are: 80 IRE, 85 IRE, 90 IRE, 95 IRE, and 100 IRE.

Clear Scan

The Clear Scan feature allows you to record a computer CRT screen or similar equipment without displaying a black band or flicker on the screen. The XL2 can adjust shutter speeds from 61.9 Hz to 201.5 Hz in 117 steps, allowing you to perfectly match the CRT's scan rate.

Interval Timer

By selecting the Interval Timer on the XL2, the camera can be programmed to record at various intervals for varying amounts of time. This provides time lapse motion videography. Set intervals include: 30 seconds; 1 minute; 5 minutes; 10 minutes. Set recording times include: 0.5 second; 1.0 second; 1.5 seconds; 2.0 seconds.

1kHz Tone With Color Bars

The XL2 internally generates a 1kHz tone along with the color bars. This provides a stable, unvarying audio signal that can be placed on the video, aiding setup of audio equipment. Two levels -- -12dB and -20dB -- are available for setting the master audio level on the camera.

LANC Terminal

The LANC (Local Application Control Bus System) is a remote terminal that allows you to connect the camera to LANC-compatible editing equipment.

DV Streaming

Not only can you capture high quality video with the XL2, you can stream it over the Internet. With streaming video, the content is compressed and encoded to make the file size smaller and more quickly transmitted. This lets the video be played as it is being received.

World Clock

Built-In Shoulder Pad

To make use of the XL2 easier, there's a built-in shoulder pad. This makes extended use of the camera less physically demanding.

Dust Gasket On Tape Door

To offer further protection to the tape, tape handling mechanism, and other internal components, the XL2 has a dust gasket on the tape door.

Wireless Remote Controller

The wireless controller supplied with the XL2 can operate the camera from a distance of up to 16 feet (5 m). Point it at either of the camera's remote sensors while you press the buttons. (Remote sensors are located at both the front and the back of the camera.) The tally lamps light up to indicate the camera is in range and responding to remote control commands. Other than the standard on-camera functions, there are four functions that only can be operated using the wireless controller: Special playback, Data Code on/off, Self-timer. The remote sensor on the XL2 can be turned off to prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby.

Canon XL2 Specifications

Power supply (rated):

7.2V DC (battery pack)

Power consumption (While recording AF=ON):

7.1W (recording with AF, 20x zoom XL 5.4-108 L IS mounted)

Television system:

EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal

Video recording system:

Two rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording, DV System (Consumer digital VCR SD system) digital component recording

Audio recording system:

PCM digital recording: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channels); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 channels) Synchronous 4-channel recording is possible

Image sensor:

Three 1/3-inch Progressive Scan CCDs, approx. 680,000 pixels each; with horizontal pixel shift

Tape format:

Videocassettes bearing the MiniDV mark

Tape speed:

SP: 0.74 ips (18.81 mm/s), LP: 0.49 ips (12.56 mm/s)

Maximum recording time (with an 80-min. cassette)

SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.

Fast forward/rewind time:

2 min. 20 sec. (with a 60-min. cassette)

Lens Mount:

XL interchangeable lens system

Focusing system:

TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed)

Minimum focusing distance:

20mm (Wide macro), 1m (entire zoom range): (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed)

Maximum shutter speed:

60i, 30p, 24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2)

Minimum illumination:

Approx. 5.5 lx (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed, auto mode, 60i frame rate, 4:3 aspect ratio, 1/60th second shutter)

Recommended illumination:

More than 100 lx

Filter diameter:

72mm (XL lens)

Viewfinder:

Color EVF / 2" LCD convertible

LCD screen:

2.0-inch TFT color LCD; Approx. 200,000 pixels, RGB delta configuration

Microphone:

Stereo electret condenser microphone

Number of Recording Pixels

approx. 460,000 pixels (962 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.289" diagonal
approx. 350,000 pixels (720 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.236" diagonal

DV terminal:

4-pin connector (complies with IEEE1394); input/output switching

Video terminal:

RCA pin jack; input/output switching/BNC jack; input/output switching 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced

Output Levels

Max. -10 dBv (for 47 kohm load)/3 kohm unbalanced

S-video terminal:

4-pin mini-DIN; input/output switching 1 Vp-p/75 ohms (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p/75 ohms (C signal)

Audio terminal:

RCA pin jack (L/R) 2 systems; input/output switching

Input Levels

During input; Min. -10 dBv/47 kohms unbalanced

Microphone Terminal

3.5mm stereo mini-jack unbalanced -55 dBv (Auto), -67 dBv (Manual/Vol Max)/600 ohms

Operating temperature range:

32 - 104º F (0 - 40º C)

Dimensions:

8.9 x 8.7 x 19.5 in. (225 x 220 x 496 mm)

Weight:

Without lens and battery pack: approx. 5.3 lbs.
Fully loaded: approx. 7.8 lbs. (3545g)

Canon Digital Camcorders Feature Comparison Chart