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Canon XL1

alaTest has collected and analyzed 255 reviews from magazines and websites. People are impressed by the zoom and design. The usability and color are also appreciated. There are some mixed opinions about the portability, and some have doubts about the value for money and viewfinder.

image quality, color, usability, design, zoom

features, viewfinder, value for money

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Canon XL1 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 81/100 = Very good quality.

See all Canon Camcorders

Review analysis

(Based on 255 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (62% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (23% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (12% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (2% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (1% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

Image quality
  Show positive (46%)None yet(Show all)
Portability
  Show positive (26%)Show negative (23%)(Show all)
Color
  Show positive (29%)Show negative (10%)(Show all)
Usability
  Show positive (36%)None yet(Show all)
Design
  Show positive (33%)None yet(Show all)
Zoom
  Show positive (32%)Show negative (5%)(Show all)
Features
  None yetShow negative (78%)(Show all)
Build quality
  Show positive (54%)None yet(Show all)
Battery
  Show positive (27%)Show negative (9%)(Show all)
Viewfinder
  None yetShow negative (20%)(Show all)
More features

Showing 93 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 93 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (165)

Expert review by:

Canon XL1 Review

 

Is the Canon XL1 still the best camera for filmmakers on a budget? This review of the Canon XL1 will give you all the information you need to decide if this camera is right for you.

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Expert review by:

The New Canon XL-1S

 

Well...after much fiddling and testing with the new "XL1s" it looks like Canon has a winner.

The comments above by Larry Kausch - ProMax Instructor, Support, and Demo Artist.

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Expert review by:

New Canon XL1 Accessories

 

As any regular reader of The Digital Journalist is well aware, we have been enthusiastic about Canon's top-of-the-line video camcorder, the XL-1, since its introduction two years ago. It still is leading the way as far as innovative design and...

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Expert review by:

The XL1 and Panasonic's LT-75 Laptop Editor

 

A couple of months ago I was contacted by a friend of mine at KDNL TV News in St. Louis, Missouri. At the time he was News Director and he wanted to know if I'd be interested in doing a shoot in Hawaii aboard the USS Missouri. There was going to be a...

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Expert review by:

Canon XL-1 Review

 

Before I start what will be a very lengthy review of this camera, the first truly professional mini dv camcorder priced under $12,000, I think I should correct something I said to a member of the NPPA discussion list when he asked about it (I was in my...

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Consumer review by:

Canon XL1S (Body Only)

 

it feals cool to have a pro camcorder in my house

better than i imagined and you can zoom in to things really well

hard to set up perfectly like you want it

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Consumer review by:

Canon XL1S (Body Only)

 

Great camera It has all the controls on the body so you don't have to go looking through menu's for them. The open architecture design allows you to change the viewfinder, shoulder pad and lens, all very nice features. I have used it for live events...

Open architecture, Ergonomic design, long battery life, optical image stabilization

Akward at times, Low rez viewfinder, front heavy

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Consumer review by:

Canon XL1S (Body Only)

 

I work for a hospital filming their simulations with this camera. Considering the small quarters I have with them, this camera is bulky and heavy.

Excellent DV quality, relatively good in low light areas

Terrible ergonomics, no flip out viewfinder, back focusing problems, noise from lens zoom, no XLR input, worse on camera mic than any other at this price range

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Consumer review by:

Whatsnewsnx review

 
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Consumer review by:

Canon XL1S (Body Only)

 

Excellent quality video Many shooting modes to choose from Sound quality is impressive. Very adaptable with accessories. Great battery life

Soft focus with color viewfinder necessitating monitor. Must have MA-200 for good balance when handheld

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Product Specifications

Canon pursued imaging greatness resulting in the ultimate digital camcorder system, the XL1S. It starts with a highly intelligent "open architecture" design, which allows you to customize your XL1S with the widest variety of optional accessories available. Plus you have extensive control over picture and sound adjustments to tailor the "look and feel" of each recording to your preference or even your clients'. Whether you define yourself as an imaging enthusiast, professional videographer or digital filmmaker there is a Canon XL1S digital camcorder configuration that's just right. Which one is right for you? The Canon XL1S is not one, but many different cameras. Interchangeable lenses and viewfinders allow the XL1S to be tailored for optimal performance in any shooting condition. Incorporating high-precision optics and features found only previously on top-end professional gear, the XL1S raises the standard for others to follow.

Audio Input

Microphone Operation Mode:Stereo
Microphone Technology:Electret condenser
Type:Microphone

Battery

Battery Form Factor:Manufacturer specific
Run Time (Up To):105min/90min

Camcorder Features

Low Lux / Night Mode: Yes

Camera Flash

Type: None

Dimensions & Weight

Depth:16.3in/16.5in
Height:8.4in/8.7in
Weight:3.7lbs/6.4lbs
Width:8.3in/8.8in

Display (Projector)

Type:None.

Exposure Parameters

Shooting Programs:Aperture-priority / Auto mode lock / Photo mode / Shutter-priority / Slow shutter / Spotlight/Aperture-priority / Auto mode lock / Shutter-priority / Slow shutter / Spotlight/Slow shutter / Spotlight/Spotlight / Slow shutter

Header

Localization:English
Manufacturer:Canon
Model:S/XL1S
Packaged Quantity:1
Product Line:Canon DM/Canon XL1

Lens System

Lens Aperture:F/1.6-2.6
Max Focal Length:88mm
Min Focal Length:5.5mm
Optical Zoom:16
Type:Zoom lens

Miscellaneous

Color:Black / Silver/Black / Silver/Dark gray / White

Optical Sensor

Camcorder Effective Video Resolution:250Kpix/300Kpix
Camcorder Sensor Resolution:270Kpix/320Kpix
Optical Sensor Size:1/3 / 1/3"/1/3"
Optical Sensor Size (metric):8.5 mm ( 1/3 ) / 8.5 mm ( 1/3" )
Optical Sensor Type:3CCD
Sensor Qty:3CCD

Optical System

Built-in Optical Image Stabilizer: Yes
Image Stabilizer:Optical

Service & Support

Type:1 year warranty

Storage Floppy Drive

Type: None

Video Input

Analog Video Format:NTSC/PAL
Digital Scene Transition:Black fader / Fade trigger/Black fader / Fade trigger/Fade trigger
Digital Zoom:2/32
Media Type:Mini DV
Shooting Modes:Digital photo mode / Frame movie mode/Digital photo mode / Frame movie mode/Digital photo mode / Frame movie mode / Normal movie mode
Type:Camcorder

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Color Support:Color
Viewfinder Type:LCD
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