Canon XL2

188 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
usability (52)
image quality (43)
design (27)
durability (19)
size (11)

Negative
price (36)
portability (17)
reliability (8)
viewfinder (3)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 188 reviews of Canon XL2. The average rating for this product is 4.3/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. Reviewers really like the size and durability. The design and image quality also get good feedback, whereas there are some mixed reviews about the reliability. There are some negative views about the viewfinder and portability.

usability, image quality, design, durability, size

price, portability, viewfinder

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Canon XL2 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 79/100 = Good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 188 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(49% of reviews)
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Features

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image quality
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design
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Showing 119 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 65 of 119 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (68)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Canon XL2

alaTest has collected and analyzed 55 user reviews of Canon XL2 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Comments about the color and image quality are on the whole positive. The size and design are also appreciated. The reliability and portability get critical opinions.

usability, design, size, image quality, color

price, portability, reliability

78% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : The Digital Journalist (digitaljournalist.org)

Expert Review

n early July, Canon video unveiled the long-awaited XL2 to the press in New York. This camera is the successor to the XL1 and the XL1S.

May, 2010

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Expert review by (studiodaily.com)

Canon XL2, Focus FS-4 and Final Cut Pro HD

Power ON the XL2 and choose your favorite exposure mode. Set the AspectRatio switch to 16:9. Set the Frame Rate switch to 24p. Press the XL2Menu button and enter "Camera Setup." Select either 2:3 or 2:3:3:2 Mode(the FS-4 will record either mode). Next,...

Jun, 2005

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Expert review by : D. Eric Franks (videomaker.com)

Mini DV Camcorder Review: Canon XL2

While the Canon camcorder XL1 was initially designed to be a high-end consumer product, professionals soon found that the camera had the quality to do serious work, even on the big screen. The new XL2 starts with the professional in mind. Reworked from...

Native 16:9 ; Amazingly flexible imaging ; Fine audio inputs, controls

Relatively large, heavy ; Most expensive cam in class

The Canon XL2 takes the Mini DV format to its artistic limits.

Dec, 2004

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Expert review by (best-digital-camcorder-reviews.com)

Canon XL2

Canon XL2 3-CCD High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

The XL2 brings a host of performance and convenience features to this class of video camcorder- benefits that can't be found in this combination on other high-end video cameras. They include: Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization in the...

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Expert review by : Good Gear Guide.au (goodgearguide.com.au)

Expert Review

A suitable model for professionals

20X F1.6 flourite video lens, excellent video quality, a shoulder mount

A little heavy

Aug, 2007

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Ben Wolf (cnet.com.au)

Canon XL2

A distinctively designed MiniDV camcorder for advanced amateurs and pros.

State-of-the-art DV imagery and controls ; 24P mode ; Interchangeable lenses ; Native 16:9 capture ; Compatible with most XL1 lenses and accessories

Strange ergonomics ; Stock lens is hard to focus manually and stock viewfinder doesn't help ; No flip-out LCD monitor ; Pricier than the competition

Apr, 2005

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Digital Arts (digitalartsonline.co.uk)

Canon XL2 review

The XL1 holds special significance for the DV-based filmmaker, corporate video producer, enthusiast or documentary maker. It was as revolutionary as Adobe Photoshop or the Mac Classic for delivering creative power without enshackling you with its...

Excellent lens. Better balanced than the XL1/XL1s. Great widescreen capture. Huge range of accessories. High level of manual control. Progressive capture with film-style gamma curve

Expensive. LCD screen poor. Viewfinder unbalanced. No markings on lens

Aug, 2004

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Expert review by : CB (simplydv.co.uk)

SimplyDV Review: Canon XL2 DV Camcorder

When Canon updated its mega-successful XL1S in 2004, the XL2 caused a sensation among pro and semi-pro users. SimplyDV's Robin Davies-Rollinson took it for a spin

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Consumer review (newegg.com)

Awesome

This is to Newegg, Great fast shipping and product was in org. packing with all acc. you can get this camera here and not worry about getting ripped off.

Great Look, Awesome controls, Awesome Picture, True 16.9, Plenty opps. & I could go on and on

5.5Lux, it should be around at least 3.0, a vew people don't like this camera because it does not have a pop out LCD screen. This is fine with me. because if you use a good glidecam, it's best to add the extra mon., on the harness. so you really don't...

Sep, 2008

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Consumer review (newegg.com)

Good camera, but not the best.

I'm a film student and have access to this camera as well as many others. I've used this camera on multiple shoots. Its a good camera, and the interchangeable lenses is a big draw. But the problem lies in the fact that many of the lenses are pretty...

Interchangeable lens system, sturdy camera, 4 audio channels, decent factory lens, native 16:9 ccd's (can bump footage STRAIGHT to film), 24p, ergonomics.

A bit heavy for holding them camera by the handle (just use is shoulder mounted most of the time), interchangeable lens system, expensive, stock lens (20x) is kind of poor for wide angle usage.

Nov, 2007

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