Canon Digital Camcorders Shop Canon Digital Camcorders Online Canon Mini DV Digital Camcorders Feature Comparison Chart We also carry Canon HDV Camcorders, Canon Flash Memory Camcorders and Canon DVD Camcorders. Click on model number in the chart below to see photo and detailed features. Click on any underlined feature on this chart for a more detailed explanation.

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Canon Camcorder Feature Explanations:

1 - DV Video Format

Enter the world of DV and realize truly amazing picture and sound quality. Images reaching up to 500 line horizontal resolution reveal stunning detail and clarity. DV can give more than 500-line horizontal resolution, at least a 20% improvement in picture quality over the best analog camcorders, and delivers an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio. More life-like images result from high color rendition (resolution), and there is no color smear or noise.

2 - Megapixel CCD

True color and the finest detail are found in every shot processed by Canon's Megapixel CCD. The CCD works like film -- when light hits it, it registers an image; advanced processing then converts the pixels into digital data creating your video or stills. So whether you are right next to your subject or 500 feet away, you get crisp images with life-like detail that you can view on your computer or TV, or even make a print for your whole family.

3CCD Imaging System

3 - 3CCD Image Sensors

The Canon XL2 and GL2 maximize the capability of the DV format by using 3 CCD image sensors. Each CCD is assigned to handle one of three primary colors - Red, Green and Blue. A beam-splitting prism precisely separates the light passing through the lens into individual color components, and each is sent to its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding picture detail, highly accurate color reproduction, wide dynamic range and virtually no color noise, making these cameras suitable for many professional applications.

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.

4 - Pixel Shift

Canon employs Pixel Shift, a signal processing method used in broadcast TV cameras, to exceed the overall picture quality achieved by camcorders using nearly twice as many pixels. In addition to outstanding clarity and natural color, Pixel Shift provides wider dynamic range, reduced vertical smear and sharper still images. The advantage of Pixel Shift is clearly visible.

The Process of Pixel Shift: Each CCD image sensor in the Canon XL2 includes 270,000 pixels. The process of Pixel Shift however, rivals the resolution of camcorders using CCDs with 410,000 pixels. With the combination of three 410,000-pixel CCDs and Pixel Shift, the Canon GL2's image resolution rivals do the resolution of camcorders using CCDs with 680,000 pixels.

The green component of a video signal contains 60% of the picture detail, and the red and blue components comprise only 40%. The green CCD in the GL2 and XL2 is shifted the equivalent distance of 1/2 pixel from the red and blue CCD. The green signal is then sampled more frequently to extract the maximum picture detail from the video signal.

This allows these cameras to achieve resolution equal to camcorders with nearly twice as many pixels. Also, because there are fewer pixels on the CCD, they are larger in size and thereby gather more light. The result is improved dynamic range where detail is clearly visible in highlights and shadows without annoying color noise. Furthermore Pixel Shift greatly reduces the vertical smear from bright light sources and enhances the quality of digital still images.

5 - DIGIC DV

DIGIC DV is a system for achieving superior video and photographic images. Canon's expertise in imaging and electronics is flawlessly blended together, resulting in outstanding performance. It offers substantial benefits in color reproduction. DIGIC DV makes it possible to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display.

6 - Night Mode

Night Mode allows these camcorders to perform exceptionally in even the most challenging lighting conditions. In situations normally too dark for recording, the Night Mode can be activated with the press of a button. The camcorder selects the ideal shutter speed and sensitivity combination to brighten up the scene, without sacrificing color. The camcorder's exposure system makes all the decisions, allowing you to keep shooting without skipping a beat.

7 - Variable Speed Optical Zoom

A Genuine Canon optical zoom lens perfectly transforms distant subjects into dramatic close-ups with absolutely no loss in image quality. The 2007 ZR series camcorders offer genuine Canon 35x optical zoom lens, which is Canon's longest optical zoom on a camcorder to date.

8 - Digital Zoom

The digital zoom kicks in at the end of the optical zoom range, and is capable of extending to a maximum of 1000x (ZR models). The Canon digital zoom provides sharper detail than others thanks to Canon's superior lens quality. You'll reveal details too distant to be seen with the eye alone.

Optical Image Stabilizer

9 - Image Stabilizer

A high quality image stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly, giving you smooth stable pictures. It enables you to record shake-free images, even when shooting hand-held at full telephoto.

Optical Image Stabilizer (GL2) -- Canon's superb optical stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly so even hand-held shots, at full telephoto, and shots taken from a moving car, are smooth and steady. And since it is optical, there is no loss of image quality inevitable with electronic image stabilizers. It perfectly complements the high picture quality of the DV format.

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer (XL2) -- Until now, optical image stabilizers have used solely 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). SuperRange goes one step further by examining the image after it is received by the CCD, 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.

10 - Multi-Angle Remote Control

A remote control sensor is built into the LCD screen, allowing you to activate camcorder functions with the remote control from any angle.

Flexible LCD View Screen

11 - Flexible LCD View Screen and Color Viewfinder

The big view screen makes it easier to compose sensational shots from any angle. It swivels and flips for maximum handling comfort and flexibility. It also tucks neatly away when shooting conditions make the eyecup viewfinder the preferred way to shoot.

12 - Quick Start

With Quick Start, you'll never miss a shot again. Simply push the Quick Start button, in between shots, to put your camcorder in stand-by mode. Push the Quick Start button again, and your camcorder powers up and begins to record in less than a second. When using Quick Start, you are considerably extending the life of your battery compared to that of regular recording mode.

13 - Program Auto Exposure

Ensures great video results even in challenging shooting conditions. Select the program that matches your scene and the camera adjusts internal controls for perfect video every time.

14 - IEEE 1394 DV Terminal

These models are equipped with a DV terminal that conforms to IEEE1394, for digital transfer of video and sound in addition to regular video and audio outputs. It takes just a single digital cable to edit, copy and record your video virtually free from generation loss in image and sound quality.

15 - PCM Digital Stereo Audio

Canon digital camcorders offer two PCM digital audio stereo modes to enhance the playback experience. The 16 bit mode produces the higher, CD equivalent, two channel sound quality while the 12 bit mode records on two of four channels leaving two other channels free to dub extra sound at a later date.

The XL2 listens harder than any other camcorder, by offering three digital audio modes (16 bit for the highest sound quality, and two 12 bit modes) and by being the first camcorder to offer simultaneous recording on four channels. What is more, you can output each signal completely independently too!

16 - Analog Line-In

Now it's possible to send an analog video signal from your TV, VCR or camcorder into your Canon digital camcorder and record it onto DV. It's great for making copies or preserving precious originals.

17 - LP Mode

LP extends tape usage by 1.5 times, giving you up to 90 minutes use from a single 60 minute MiniDV cassette.

18 - 9 Point AiAF (Auto Intelligent Autofocus)

Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, Canon Mini DV camcorders' AiAF will bring it into sharp focus

19 - Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium ion battery packs can be recharged at any time, so they will always be prepared for peak shooting performance, and never caught without power unexpectedly.

20 - XGA Photo / Megapixel Photo Shooting Modes

You can turn your GL2 into a still camera by switching to 1.7 Mega Pixel Photo Mode and capturing high resolution still images onto the camcorder's MultiMediaCard. The full frame images are free from time lag blur. A six-blade circular iris, as found on the top-of-the-line XL1 and XL2 models, is used for professional exposure control, helping to deliver stunning video and still photos. The 8MB card will hold up to 105 images. Those pictures are then transferred to computer via the GL2's USB connection using software that comes with the camcorder.

The ZR950 and ZR930 capture beautiful high definition photos. Just press the photo button to capture stunning XGA (1024 x 768 pixel) images onto the SD Memory Card. For added flexibility, you can also select the compression size (Superfine/Fine/Normal). You can also select how long you wish to view an image after recording.

21 - Frame Movie Shooting Mode

Unlike Normal Movie Mode, where video is captured using interlaced frames, in Frame Movie Mode video is captured by the GL2 in a non-interlaced form at the rate of 30 frames per second. This delivers spectacular clarity -- perfect for those who need to grab high-quality images from videos for making prints, adding website content, or sending images over the Internet. This non-interlaced method has been acknowledged by users for its cinematic-like appearance.

22 - Eight Special Scene Modes

Special Scene Modes ensure accurate exposures under a wide variety of difficult lighting conditions. Modes include: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, or Fireworks. For example, choose Spotlight and your camcorder exposes for the subject in the center of your frame. This is perfect for recording your child's moment in the spotlight on stage. Or, pick Night to capture the magic of a cityscape after the sun goes down.

23 - Advanced Accessory Shoe

Simply slide on an Advanced Accessory Shoe accessory, and the shoe transmits power directly from the camera. Choose to attach Canon's DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone*, the world's first stereo shotgun mic with high sensitivity and super-directional pick up. Use when recording or dubbing audio. Or, attach the VL-3 Video Light*, which can either stay on continuously or turn on/off automatically in response to changes in the brightness of the shooting situation.

*Optional equipment

24 - MultiMediaCard

Most of these Canon camcorders expand video possibilities by offering a MultiMediaCard in addition to a Mini DV cassette. This ultra-small and ultra-light media records, stores and manages still images, as well as allowing easy transfer to a PC. Copy still images from a videocassette to a MultiMediaCard and from a MultiMediaCard to a videocassette. Produce effects not possible with just a cassette using one of the MultiMediaCard's three types of Card Mix Effects. Choose one of the sample images provided on the supplied MultiMediaCard such as a picture frame or crashing waves and combine it with the currently recording image.

25 - PictBridge Compatible

When you're ready to print your digital images, a single cable is all that's required to connect your camcorder to any PictBridge-compliant printer. You can then control a variety of printing options from the camcorder's menu. Choose from a range of different paper sizes with options for borderless or bordered prints.

26 - Professional L-Series Fluorite Lens

Canon has satisfied the demands of experienced image makers for years through the power, design and quality of 35mm and broadcast TV lenses. Their Professional L-Series lenses utilize Fluorite, a material which provides outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction, especially in lightweight, high-magnification lenses.

Now incorporated into the lens on the Canon GL2, Fluorite delivers the ultimate clarity and image quality. The Fluorite element inside of the lens defeats color aberration the effect when components of light stray from one another within a lens, causing a reduction in sharpness, contrast and color. The Fluorite lens precisely controls components of light providing an excellent balance of these three critical ingredients of picture quality. This is unobtainable with conventional optical glass.

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.

XL2 Interchangeable Lens System

27 - Interchangeable Lens System

A super-flexible system with an unbeatable range. XL2 maximizes your options via the new XL mount system, for a potential focal range of between 24 and 2160 mm, made possible through the use of XL and EF (camera) lenses.

28 - Picture Adjustment

1. Camera Sharpness: Adjust the range of picture sharpness to your preference before recording. Softer may compliment the subject while sharper will make details more visible.
2. Color Phase: Adjust the color tone towards red or green to your liking.
3. AE Shift: Gives you control over how dark or light the camera sets the auto exposure level.

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.

White balance can be adjusted to true white or manually set to either outdoor (5600K) or indoor (3200K). Camera operators can save up to three custom white balance settings. Video gain is now available in seven steps from -3dB to +18dB, including a new +3dB gain setting

29 - Magnesium Alloy Body

The XL2 camcorder is designed to support extensive field use. Its chassis is mounted in a single, durable magnesium frame to provide overall strength and protection from external shock - blending twenty times the durability of ordinary camcorder bodies with countless times the style.

Top Grip with Recording Controls

30 - Zebra Pattern

Reveal areas of overexposure, using these diagonal stripes to guide you when setting the aperture and shutter speed.

31 - Top Grip with Recording Controls

In addition to the normal side grip, the GL2 and XL2 feature a carrying handle complete with a duplicate set of recording and zoom controls to better meet your individual recording style, as well as being ideal for low-angle recording.

32 - 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.