Canon's new XL2 Mini-DV camcorder

For years Canon's XL1 was pretty much THE Mini-DV camcorder, and now they've just unveiled their followup, the long-awaited XL2, which has features like 24P (which records at the same 24 frames per second rate as a regular 35mm film cameras, giving more of a cinematic look to the video), the ability to shoot in 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, three 680K pixel CCD sensors (which means it's good), and interchangeable lenses (with a mount it'll work with all the old XL1S lenses, too).

Should be out next month with a retail price of just under five grand.

[Thanks, John]

[bensyverson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Guess I'll be buying Sony in the coming months...

[Brendan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

god that is a sweet looking camera. Pretty decent features. For 5 grand it would be nice to shoot in HD, but still if I had the money I would jump on it.

[Kris Krug @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

How do you guys think this camera matches up to Panasonic's DVX-100A? I was just about to buy one. There is like 1500$ difference between the two. And the interchangable lens factor. What else?

kk+

[jacbo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I don't expect this to be any better.
Nearly every pro camera person I'v ever talked to has complained about the XL1's poor auto focus and really poor low light performance.
For the same money you can get the same functions + compressed HD from a few other cameras.
On miniDV, interchangeable lenses aren't all that. Esp if the come from Cannon (I don't hold a high regard for canon lenses). If it were full DVCAM I'd agree about lenses.

I like the PD150 from Sony so far, but that Panafonic is looking better. For now my trusty TRV900 is good enough.

[scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

one reason to get the XL2 over the panasonic is high(er) resolution 16:9 widescreen recording -- if that matters to you.

[Nathan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

So is there anything out there that points to what the Sony HDV product will have? If it has HD, at 24p, I'm there.

[scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

assuming, that is, that time=money. Sony has only shown a "prototype" behind glass and is soliciting feature requests. that, to me, *implies* that it will be some time before it ships. what if it is a year before it ships?(not that i know how long it will be) is it still worth the wait?

[Tim Naylor @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Recently did a side by side A/B test with the XL2 vs the DVX 100a. XL 2 was significantly better in image quality. Sharper, better contrast and less noise. Noise is an issue for the DVX in night scenes. The Canon did not have any of the DVX telltale black level noise but instead real dark, clean inkly blacks.

This test was done with the stock Canon servo lens. Its drawback was the inablility to properly mark and rack focus. However its sharper manual lens should take care of that.

In short, if I had to purhase standard def prosumer camcorder it would be thumbs down the XL 2 over the DVX. It's sharper, its image control is just as comprehensive if not more, and taking its main controls (gain, white balance and frame mode ) out of the menu makes it far more practical in the field.

Can't wait to see how the Sony Z 1 stacks up.


Tim Naylor DP, NYC.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

A lot of people are having a hard time finding test footage for the XL2 online. I've had one for a few months now and If you want to check out a short I did with the XL@ visit www.couriertwelve.com and check out "Going Home"... that was shot witha stock XL2, just to give anyone wondering an idea.

[neil @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Do all my shooting with XL 1 & XL2 canons for TV footage. Also shot music videos. XL2 is massive improvement over XL 1. Especially when all the levels i.e stretch noise reduction etc are utilised. Fantastic results can be figured into the machine. As for other DV cams like Pan 100 and equivalents. We have shot side by side with the pan but unfortunately have problems with black areas during low light and sound is an issue. The advantage being lightness and auto focus. But i usually only shoot on manual focus so its not a problem. The Canon lens seems to have better depth and feel than the pan. Thought these comments might be useful. Am not saying this because i use Canon. I buy my gear based on trial and usage for television applications. The extra weight helps as its steadier and the sounds pretty good.