Canon XH-A1 / A1E / A1S

378 reviews

Nov, 2024

Positive
usability (121)
price (88)
image quality (74)
portability (63)
design (43)

Negative
reliability (11)
memory (4)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 378 reviews of Canon XH-A1 / A1E / A1S. The average rating for this product is 4.4/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People really like the size and design. The image quality and price are also mentioned favorably. Many are critical about the memory. There are some mixed comments about the reliability and portability.

usability, price, image quality, design, size

memory

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Canon XH-A1 / A1E / A1S is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 88/100 = Very good quality.

See all Canon Camcorders

Review analysis

(Based on 378 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(63% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (23% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews (8% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews (2% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews (4% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

usability
Show positive (70%)Show negative (30%)(Show all)

price
Show positive (62%)Show negative (38%)(Show all)

portability
Show positive (54%)Show negative (46%)(Show all)

image quality
Show positive (80%)Show negative (20%)(Show all)

design
Show positive (93%)Show negative (7%)(Show all)

More features

Showing 285 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Disclaimer:

Below is a list of reviews for this or similar products. If you think this grouping is wrong please click here to flag.
Read more on our FAQ’s page.

Showing 1 - 211 of 285 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (92)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Canon XH-A1 / A1E / A1S

alaTest has collected and analyzed 19 user reviews of Canon XH-A1 / A1E / A1S from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.6/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers are impressed by the price and color. The zoom and size also get good feedback, but the design and portability get negative reviews.

usability, size, zoom, color, price

portability, design

95% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Nov, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Canon XH-A1 / A1E / A1S

alaTest has collected and analyzed 182 user reviews of Canon XH-A1 / A1E / A1S from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.5/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Reviewers really like the size and design. The image quality and price are also appreciated. Many are negative about the reliability, and there are some mixed reviews about the portability.

usability, price, image quality, design, size

reliability

92% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Nov, 2024

Expert review by : Review Crew (reviewboard.com)

Canon XH A1 Digital Camcorder Review

Giving independent videographers something to choose from besides its popular but long-in-the-tooth GL2, Canon offers up two HDV models designed to appeal to the prosumer and entry-level pro markets. Derived ...

Jun, 2010

Partner Source

Read the full review

Expert review by : Jeremy Stamas (camcorderinfo.com)

Canon XH A1S Camcorder Review

In the burgeoning market of hand-held pro camcorders, the tape-based Canon XH A1S isn't anything close to ground-breaking. Still, with a $4000 price tag, it is a reasonably-priced model that's loaded with features and did quite well in our performance...

We like the Canon XH A1S, but its tape-based recording system is a bit outdated in our increasingly non-linear world. Many pro camcorders are beginning to include the ability to record video to memory cards-just like the bulk of the consumer camcorder...

Sep, 2009

Read the full review

Expert review by : David Kender (camcorderinfo.com)

Canon XH A1 Camcorder Review

The Canon XH A1 is poised to win over a host of videographers looking to make the switch to HD. Billed by Canon as the XL H1 in miniature, we can tell you that the statement is hardly exaggeration. The manual control suite is simply outstanding and the...

Nov, 2006

Read the full review

Expert review by : Sandy Samra (brighthub.com)

Canon XH A1 Review

The XH A1 by Canon is an extremely portable professional level camcorder powered with Super - Range Optical Image Stabilizer and Digic DV II processor. Read on to know more about the features and advantages of this high definition camcorder.

With so many features, Canon XH A1 is surprisingly easy to operate and an outstanding camcorder for independent filmmakers and entry level professionals. It is extremely customizable and produces excellent quality videos. $4999.95 is a hard to beat...

Jun, 2011

Read the full review

Expert review by : Mark Montgomery (videomaker.com)

Prosumer Camcorder Review: Canon XH-A1 HDV

First, the XH-A1 and XH-G1 are nearly identical prosumer camcorders, except the G1 has a professional jack pack, with an HD SDI, genlock and time code terminal each. This additional jack pack separates the price tags: $3,999 (A1) and $6,999 (G1)....

Manual iris ring Numerous image customization options 20x optical zoom XLR inputs

A tad front heavy LCD display is small Pricey

The XH-A1 is an extremely powerful camcorder wrapped around a very approachable HDV tape format that is bound to please prosumer and professional shooters.

Mar, 2007

Read the full review

Expert review by : David Hague (digitalproducer.digitalmedianet.com)

Canon XH A1 HDV Camcorder

The XH A1 shares its design structure with both the GL1 and the XL2. The body and chassis is most definitely GL1 with a single ?barrel shape topped with an attached top mounted swooping handle containing the stereo microphone at its tip. This handle...

Dec, 2006

Read the full review

Expert review by : daniel m. east (layersmagazine.com)

Canon XH A1

The XH A1 high-definition camcorder has so much going for it that all of the other manufacturers will have to sit up and take notice, again.

Stunning image and lens quality; lightweight; value

Distorted audio at higher SPLs from onboard mics

As impressive as its features are, the XH A1 is surprisingly easy to operate. This is a great choice for broadcasting applications for users ranging from professionals to film students. Overall, this is an incredible value for a video camcorder that...

Read the full review

Expert review by (goodgearguide.com.au)

Canon XH A1

Jun, 2008

Partner Source

Read the full review

Expert review by : Chris Jager (goodgearguide.com.au)

Canon XH-A1

Ever since the advent of digital video, Canon has been the uncontested king of prosumer level camcorders. From the all-conquering XL-1, to its elite H...

Exceptional high-definition image quality, huge level of customisability, professional components and design

Represents good value for money -- but only to those who can afford it, tiny low resolution LCD screen

Falling somewhere between the professional and high-end consumer markets, the XH-A1 is an outstanding high-definition camera that should suit anyone who is career minded about video.

Nov, 2007

Partner Source

Read the full review

Expert review by : Derek Fung (cnet.com.au)

Canon XH A1

Wedding videographers and indie film-makers should check out Canon's XH A1 if they require high-defintion output.

Outlook Though an impressive HD camera, its price (AU$6,499) and weight (2.33kg) means that this is not a camera for the average consumer, however its intended audience (independent film-makers, wedding videographers or serious and well-heeled...

Dec, 2006

Partner Source

Read the full review