The camcorder come with a non-removable Canon 20x HD L series lens specifically designed for the 1440×1080 image sensors. The lens incorporates 16 different lenses with both Fluorite and UD glass. The combinations of lenses minimize color fringing even at high magnifications. The “L” series lens has a focal range of 32.5mm – 650mm (35mm photography equivalent). An optional 0.8x HD Wide Angle Adapter is available. In addition to the manual focus and zoom rings, the lens includes a manual iris ring right behind the zoom ring allowing for smooth incremental adjustments like you find on traditional broadcast lens. There are two Neutral Density (ND) filters (1/6 and 1/32) that reduces exposure by either two or five stops. You can operate the zoom from the side grip, the carrying handle or the zoom ring on the lens. When you use the side grip, zoom speed can be either variable or constant with your choice of 16 different speeds (2 additional speeds can be activated in the custom function menu); the carrying handle offers your choice of 16 preset speed levels
High Definition resolution has made focus issues more critical than ever. Both camcorders have incorporated Instant AF, Canon’s next generation auto focus technology. Focus time and accuracy has been greatly reduced from previous generations, even in low light situations. An external sensor next to the front of the lens works in conjunction with the internal AF system. The sensor uses edge detection technology to instantly find the subject and narrow the focus range, the internal AF system finely adjust the focus.
Canon’s Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization uses two detection methods (gyro and vector) to sense the widest range of vibrations from un-steady hands to moving vehicles. By using optical image stabilization, the lens shift allows for superb image correction without any image degradation.
The camera has three 1/3 inch native 16:9 1440 x 1080 CCDs, one for each of the primary colors. The CCDs capture images at 1080i resolution with an effective pixel count of 1.67 million pixels in HD, 1.56 million pixels in HDV and 16:9 SD or 1.17 million pixels in 4:3 SD. Selectable frame rates of 60i, 30F or 24F, for PAL users an optional upgrade by Canon Service will allow for 50i and 25F.
Canon specifically designed the DIGIC DV II digital signal processing chip for HD acquisition and photos. This processor provides highly accurate color reproduction with 4:2:2 color sampling. A new noise reduction system uses dual processes to reduce noise in monotone and shadow areas. Also with this new processor the camcorders are capable of capturing photos on the SD card while simultaneously recording video to tape.
There are 23 image adjustments, 22 viewfinder display options, and 21 custom functions that are independently adjustable and programmable. You can finely adjust image settings like master pedestal, color gain, RGB gains independently, gamma curve, and six different color matrixes each independently adjustable. There are also advanced features for skin detail, sky detail, and eliminating the flicker that results from shooting a CRT screen. The viewfinder display can be personalized by hiding or displaying up to 22 different items ranging from time code, recording mode, and battery life to more unique functions like focus distance display and the zoom speed indicator. To further add to the customization, there are 21 functions that can be altered such as the sensitivity of the focus ring, button sensitivity, AE response and color bar preference. Users can store a total of nine image adjustments in the internal memory, or to a SD memory card for use in multiple camera shoots. Two custom keys can be programmed to provide instant access to shooting functions.
The XH G1 camcorder sets itself apart from the XH A1 by incorporating Canon’s Professional JackPack. The JackPack contains HD or SD-SDI output, genlock input and time code in/out connectors. The HD-SDI connection outputs an uncompressed 1.485 Gbps 60i signal at 1920 x 1080 resolution with 4:2:2 color sampling and with embedded audio and time code. The signal can also be set to SD-SDI. Standard on both camcorders is a four pin firewire (IEEE 1394) port and a component out terminal capable of an uncompressed HD video signal. Both camcorders also have a 3.5 mm mini-jack A/V terminal and a BNC jack capable of a SD signal.
The Camcorder comes with a built in stereo microphone, an external microphone holder and a 3.5 mm mini-jack stereo audio input. Two XLR inputs are located on the side of the camcorder with phantom power available. You have complete control over your audio with individual audio controls, 20 dB mic attenuation and 12 dB mic gain boost.