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XH A1S HDV Camcorder image
 
(based on 5 ratings)
Brand: CANON
Located in: Video, Camcorders
For the professionals who require a smaller, lighter weight HD camcorder but who won’t give up capability and performance, Canon offers the XH A1S. Our latest in a family of high quality HDV camcorders, the XH A1S delivers advanced features and a wide range of image parameter controls to make your vision a reality- and at a very attractive price. Starting with the superb Canon Genuine Canon 20x HD lens with Professional L Series Fluorite, the XH A1S adds 3CCDs, each of which is at 1440 x 1080 pixels. It also means you can be sure that your shooting in the field will be the best it can be with Canon’s SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. It corrects for a wide range of camera movement and vibration, and combined with Instant AF (Auto Focus) you’ll get ultra-quick, accurate focus. The DIGIC DV II HD image processor finishes the picture with improved color reproduction and noise reduction - for a final result that delivers excellent image quality. To further ensure that your vision is
Review Snapshot®
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
4.2 stars
(based on 5 reviews)
100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:
Comfortable to operate(4), Great features(4), Great picture quality(5), Great sound(3), Simple controls(3)
Best Uses:
Documentaries(4), HD shooting(3)
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro videographer(3)
 
Outstanding Choice
By B. JohnVerified Purchaser from Buena Vista, Colorado on 12/1/2009
Pros:
Accessible to the Novice, Advanced Features for Pro, Easy Connectivity to MBP, Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Great Sound
Best Uses:
Documentaries, Editing, HD Shooting, Interviewing
Describe Yourself:
Video Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about CANON XH A1S HDV Camcorder:

I researched this camera and its predecessor for about two years, carefully comparing its features with other devices. I am not a professional videographer, but wanted to present our information in a format that expresses the high quality of the artistic work we do.

The Xh A1s has provided us with just what we expected: a very fine high definition image using 4:2:2 color, clear audio via the wireless Audio-Technica Pro 88W, and the potential to expand the quality of our presentations as our knowledge of the camera grows.

One of my primary concerns was the compatibility of this camera with the Mac Book Pro, running Final Cut Studio (Final Cut Pro 7). I have read extensive reports from Mac users who experienced endless difficulties importing video and outputting with the Xh A1. I am quite pleased that I have not had any problems, even though I am capturing our footage to an external Lacie Rugged drive.

A secondary concern was presented by an online comparison of Xh A1 footage to the Panasonic's HVX200, in which the Xh A1 color seemed washed out. I have not experienced this phenomenon. The colors are natural looking even from the camera itself; I do not see the need to employ extensive color correction within FCP.

Most of my footage has been shot inside a relatively muted environment, with only natural lighting from outside. I have tried to avoid using any gain controls by opening the aperture fully or decreasing the frame rate to 24 fps (I am recording in 24 frame mode), since the gain does reduce the pristine quality of the unaltered image noticeably to the eye of a fine artist. Reducing the frame rate below 24 will bring the exposure up to the optimum, but you will notice a marked decrease in the smoothness of the motion.

My best wishes to all who choose this camera!

 
Does its job well
By being reasonably pricedVerified Purchaser from Adrian, Michigan on 10/15/2009
Pros:
Comfortable to Operate, Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Great Sound, Simple Controls, Versatile
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Videographer

Comments about CANON XH A1S HDV Camcorder:

Easy to transport to events with lighter weight. Nice picture.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
must have for the serious filmmaker
By Ric SteeleVerified Purchaser from Queens, NY on 7/25/2009
Pros:
Comfortable to Operate, Durable, Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Simple Controls, Versatile
Best Uses:
Documentaries, HD Shooting, Home Movies, Movies/Short Films, Travel
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Videographer
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about CANON XH A1S HDV Camcorder:

a very inexpensive in the pro-camcorder world with simple but complex features to keep you going for a long time without having to buy another camcorder.

not for the everyday person looking for a auto everything camcorder.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Completely Satisfied
By wildlife videographerVerified Purchaser from Richfield, Utah on 6/29/2009
Pros:
Comfortable to Operate, Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Great Sound, Simple Controls, Versatile
Best Uses:
Documentaries, Movies/Short Films, Travel
Describe Yourself:
Casual User
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about CANON XH A1S HDV Camcorder:

Diversity of shooting modes allowed me to begin shooting outstanding video the day i received the camera yet allows for professional settings as i become more aquainted with the camera.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Solid well built camera, but....
By CreedeMikeVerified Purchaser from Creede, Colorado on 6/16/2009
Pros:
Comfortable to Operate, Durable, Great Picture Quality
Cons:
Inadequate Features
Best Uses:
Documentaries, HD Shooting
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Videographer
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about CANON XH A1S HDV Camcorder:

This is a really solid sturdy feeling camera. It is a wonderful product. But I have one complaint, in a camera of this quality Canon decided to not include the most simple of scene transitions, not even a fade feature. I am sure that they felt that all that can be added in post, and normally that is correct but I sometimes use fades to assist in post editing. For most, this may not be a problem, but be for warned about this lack of a feature. The reviews tell everything the camera has but they never say, "Oh by the way, Canon decided to delete any scene transitions on this camera." Now you know. I would certainly recommend this camera to a friend as long as he was completely aware of my minor complaint.
My dealings with Abes of Maine were, simply put, wonderful. I dealt with three of their employees, John, Kyle, and Jason, they all exceeded all expectations.

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