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Canon’s new XL H1S and XL H1A prosumer videocameras are the new versions of a legendary product line that created a new segment and integrated in a compact package features previously expected only by heavy and cumbersome back-breakers.

The improvements are not revolutionary and concentrate on better controls and a better user experience. The sensors remain the same 3 1/3-inch CCDs with 16:9 aspect and 1440×1080 resolution. With the new cameras you also get the updated 20x HD Video Lens III with better feel and adjustments.

Overall however, there is a feeling that not much has changed. Admittedly, the XL series can hardly be criticised for being run-of-the-mill. However, at a time when storage media are modernised, what is the point of retaining tape as the storage medium? Virtually every day we hear about new solid state advances and of course Canon’s competitors are not exactly staying still. Panasonic for example is much more daring with its P2 storage solution. I would at least expect from Canon an option with hard-disc storage.

One more limitation arising from using HDV is the 1440×1080 sensor resolution. The Digic DVII processor is doing a great job, but would it not be better to go for for 1920×1080 from the start? It is already happening with consumer models, why not here?

The XL H1S has an HD-SDI uncompressed output and will cost in June $9,000, while the XL H1A will be cheaper by a whole $3,000! If you already own an older camcorder of the same series, there is hardly any need to upgrade. As usually described in software terminology, the new XL models are not exactly a full version upgrade but an intermediate one before more significant things arrive in the future.

Link 1: Crave

Link 2: Canon