A compact and manoeuvrable camcorder that delivers professional-quality HDV1080i recording, the XH A1S provides total user control with a comprehensive array of custom settings and presets.

The XH A1S delivers 1080i HD recording with selectable frame rates of 50i and 25F. Choose 50i and shoot with ultra-crisp realism, or adopt 25F for the traditional look of film. 24F/30F/60i shooting modes are available via an optional upgrade, for truly global recording capability.

High-resolution shooting is enabled by a 1/3” 1.67 megapixel 3CCD sensor system that works in harmony with Canon’s DIGIC DV II – a processor built to handle the amount of data required for HD.

Canon has redesigned the 20x L-series HD Video Lens to make it more comfortable to use, and more efficient in operation. The lens now features a new control ring design, as well as simultaneous, independent control of Focus, Iris and Zoom. Lens ring operation can be modified to suit the individual user’s needs. Fluorite lens elements and Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) glass are used to combat chromatic aberrations, so users can expect exceptional clarity, while a shift-type Super Range Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS) helps ensure footage remains steady.

Canon has increased the audio options on the XH A1S to give cameramen greater flexibility and control. The camera incorporates twin XLR audio inputs but adds independent limiters in manual mode and simultaneous use of built-in and XLR microphones. Independent XLR sensitivity settings are also included.

The range of image adjustment functions has been expanded and includes options such as wider white balance adjustment (from 2000k to 15000k), selective RGB noise reduction options and Auto Gain Control (AGC) limit – with increased fine-tuning options. Up to nine Custom Presets can be stored in-camera or to SD memory card for easy transfer to a compatible Canon camcorder.

• 1080i HDV recording (50i, 25F, optional 24F/30F/60i modes)
• 1/3” 1.67MP 3CCD
• 20x L-series HD Video Lens with simultaneous three-ring control
• Enhanced audio functions
• Full image control
• Improved ease of use
• Canon CPS Video Support

• 1/3-inch CCD

• 1.67 megapixels per CCD

• HD: Approx. 1.56 megapixels
• SD/4:3: Approx. 1.17 megapixels
• SD/16:9: Approx. 1.56 megapixels

• 20x HD Video Lens supplied Independent Zoom, Iris and Focus rings

• 4.5 - 90mm (35mm eqv: 32.5-650mm)

• f/1.6 - 3.5

• 72mm

• 7 modes: Auto, Tv, Av, Manual, Spotlight, Night, Full Auto

• Full Auto mode, Auto mode, Night mode, Tv mode, Av mode and Manual mode

• EXP. LOCK button (Auto mode, TV mode, AV mode only)

• AE SHIFT dial (±2 levels; Auto mode, TV mode, AV mode only)

• Auto/Gain select (–3, 0, +3, +6, +12, +18, +36 dB). Set to Auto in Full Auto and Night mode, Spotlight mode is fixed at 0 dB.
• Gain fine tuning supported (0.5 dB increments).

• 13 levels (1/3, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25, 1/50, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000, 1/16000 sec)

• 50i: 1/50 to 1/500 sec 25F: 1/25 to 1/500 sec

• 50i: 1/3 to 1/500 sec 25F: 1/3 to 1/500 sec

• Auto
• Preset/set - Outdoor (5600 K), Indoor (3200 K), Set (2 available), colour temperature (2000 K to 15000 K, 100 K increments)

• TTL, 128 segments

• Front microphone jack (5V DC jack), 2x XLR inputs with 48V phantom power supplies

• 3.5mm mini jack

• Input/Output

• AV mini-terminal (input/output), BNC jack (output), component jack (output), viewfinder component jack

• 3.5mm 4-pin mini jack (V: input/output, A: input/output)

• Lithium coin battery (built-in)

• Approx 163 x 192 x 394 mm

• Approx 2135g