Canon DM-XL1s Professional Mini DV Camcorder – (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Product Information

Is a top-line pro-grade SD camera still acceptable, and how does it compare to the dodgy brothers HD cameras I'm using? I know event videographers who do well with the Canon GL-2, not because its considered the "best" camera but it does exactly what they need and no more. Outwardly it looks identical to the previous XL1 16x lens, but inside is a new design which reportedly is a significant improvement over the earlier 16x automatic lens. converter, EF adapter (I have some L glass that would go well for wildlife) and a wide-angle converter, all in a very nice but dusty Billingham bag.

The hand grip rocker can be set to variable, low, medium and high; while the top handle rocker can be set to slow, medium and fast, as on the GL1. The Custom Preset feature enables the activation of preferred preset picture control settings, while Custom Keys provide convenient access to frequently used or favourite menu features. I would much rather watch good quality 480-line or 576-line standard definition footage on You Tube. As a student you will definitely want to find a camera which is both economical and, moreover, versatile.

I have used it for live events with superb results, the batteries last so long that I have never used more than 1 for a 3-4 shoot leaving it on the whole time. With your readership and participation, I expect it will only continue to improve and grow as the XL1S is used and written about in the many months to come. Perhaps take a look into the DVX, but if you have the money to spend (unlike a tight-budget student like myself) then go for the XL-2. We are bringing the latest innovation to this year’s International Broadcasting Convention, one of the world’s biggest media and technology shows. However, it's my understanding that authorized dealers will be receiving inventory in late July, not August.

The new IS II lens is backward-compatible with the older XL1, and like its predecessor, it includes a neutral density filter, a maunal/auto focus switch, and Canon's superb Optical Image Stabilization technology. This lens achieves a remarkable resolution of over 600 vertical lines, capturing an exceptionally sharp image.The DMXL1S is an excellent camera easy to use extremely functional design and very powerful it is worth the money if you just used it for sound never mind the picture and lens quality.

Interval Recording -- The XL1S sports a new tape transport chassis which supports interval recording. I'm told that thanks to the improved S/N ratio of the new CCD block, the +18db setting is just as clean as the +12db setting on the XL1. But old video wasn't good enough, even then, and to be honest, today's 1080 HD probably isn't quite there yet, either. The XL1S may be considered as an "improvement" or an "upgrade" to the succesful XL1 design of late 1997. Of the three cameras the XL-2 is the newest model, with more features (24p mode, 16x9 mode, more image adjustent, built in XLR), so my general opinion would be to go for that.The great thing is that you can get the Roxio Easy VHS to DVD3 Plus to attach the leads and connect to your computer for digital uploads to your video format ie youtube etc.