Specifications for Canon XL1

• The Canon XL1, originally released in 2001, has been a strong camcorder in the amateur and student film arenas for nearly a decade. This model is much more affordable than most other digital cameras and boasts interchangeable lenses and broadcast quality SD video production capabilities.

Video

• The Canon XL1 has a 1/3-inch 3CCD image sensor. This means that there are three individual sensors for each color in the RGB spectrum. This is the standard for nearly all digital cameras since the turn of the century, from amateur to broadcast quality. The camera records NTSC SD video with a maximum pixel count of 720x480 and a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The camera is also capable of wide screen recording.

Media

• As is the standard with most camcorders produced in the last decade, the Canon XL1 uses DV video tapes. These small tapes are capable of recording 60 minutes of standard quality (SP) video, or 90 minutes of lower quality (LP) video. Data is removed from these tapes with a tape deck connected to a computer or by connecting the camera itself to a computer.

Lenses

• Canon produces multiple lens mounts, but its most popular standard is the EF, which is used on the XL1. This means that any camera lens with an EF mount can be attached to the camera, although there is a specific line of video lenses for the camera. The camera uses through-the-lens auto-focus, though manual focus is possible. Minimum focusing distance is 2cm with a wide angle lens and 1m with a telephoto lens.

Operating ranges

• The XL1 is capable of recording video at a minimum light level of 2 lux, although more than 100 lux is recommended by Canon. The camera can be operated between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius. Its minimum shutter speed is 1/8 sec, and its maximum shutter speed is 1/15,000 sec.

Audio

• Audio is recorded using the onboard short shotgun microphone. Sound is recorded in the high-quality PCM stereo audio format. Audio can also be transmitted via two separate RCA inputs, which can attach an after-market accessory to allow for standard XLR inputs.