Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
- Professional 3CCD DV camcorder with open architecture design for cinema attachments
- 20x optical zoom lens, XL interchangeable lens system
- Color viewfinder, interchangeable with optional professional monochrome viewfinder
- 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 ratio, 3 selectable frame rates: 60i, 30p, and cinema 24p
- Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack
Rating: 5 of 5
Having a blast learning
Rating: 5 of 5
I really like this camera
I have used this 4 a year at my college. I do not know why some people dislike it. I love it! & on my opinion, It is the closest 2 HD your gonna get while not getting HD. You guys gotta realize that this camera has shot some big movies like Cold Mountian. I must say though the panasonic dvx100b is quite comparable, because I have used that too. But I like this camera I do not care what people say about it. It is so customizable that you will be surprised when you mess around with it's advance functions. nice camera, a little pricey, but all in all it's more professional than some other people say.
Rating: 5 of 5
Best Purchase
Now, some individuals will try 2 convince you the XL2 is a poor Prosumer camcorder & will give seemingly good arguments. Don't buy into it.
For instance, a reviewer lower down this page complains the camera arrived broken & thus reviews it as a horrible machine. Unfortunately, this said reviewer doesn't talk about the actual functionality of an actual undamaged product, rather his own broken camera. Needless 2 say, his opinion is vastly slanted.
Another compares the XL2 2 the DVX100 series from Panasonic & prefers the latter. He states the XL2 is too heavy & doesn't achieve the same calibre results as the cheaper Panasonic camcorder.
First of all, Canon has continued 2 revolutionize the photography industry 4 decades. They have proven themselves in both film & digital formats, 4 both still camera & camcorder. True, the XL2 lacks some features other more expensive cameras have (compare the JVC GU1000) but that's okay. And, yes, the camera has a very large body & is definately heavier than the Panasonic DVX100, but this is 4 specific reasons.
You have 2 first consider why you want a prosumer camcorder. If you just want 2 shoot hobby short films & want a professional look, I suggest you stick with either the higher-end Canon or JVC or Panasonic or even Sony (god forbid) consumer camcorders which run around $900. On the other hand, if you're considering becoming a serious hobbyist & don't intend 2 turn it into some sort of profession then Panasonic's DVX series is a good buy. The DVX 100's are cheaper, smaller, & somewhat easier 2 use. They are far more "point-and-shoot" than the other prosumer camcorders on the market. And they do a fairly good job.
Yet, the XL2 manages 2 not only hold its own, but also triumph over all other camcorders in the industry. First & foremost, the XL2 has the option 2 change lenses. This is a great boon 4 any serious shooter because attaching an actual lens 2 a camera gives far better results than slapping on some sort of adapter, which distort the image. Canon offers two lens types 4 the XL2: the included 20X zoom lens & a 3X wide angle lens; both are very expensive by themselves. But, with an optional Canon ring adapter running 4 $300, you could take your normal Canon SLR still camera lenses & attach them 2 the body & have them function perfectly. This allows the user a plethora of imaging options when shooting. Now, the normal user won't ever use anything other than the 20X zoom lens (a remarkable piece of machinery in itself), but that's just fine. You're buying the camera 4 its options & potentials as well as the physical benefits. Think of it like buying a BMW: you buy the car 4 its physical features you're likely 2 use (the radio, heated seats, leather, sunroof, etc.) but you also buy it 4 its safety & cumstomer service, things you'll hardly ever need. It just makes you feel good you have those options available.
Furthermore, the XL2 is a wonderful camera. It shoots beautifully without problems of any sort. Yes, it takes some getting used to, but that's because it has a lot of fuctions & options. The physical body design is simple enough that all the necessary shooting options (i.e., 24P, 30i, 60i, mic adjustments, white balance controls, presents, etc.) are easily accessible. The end product of a regular shoot is stunning. The Canon lens captures colors almost perfectly & the image stabilization built into the camera is a great help. The large body design (though awkward 4 some) is actually a benefit. The camera can be placed on the shoulder, giving greater stability 2 the shoot. You can't do that with a Panasonic or Sony.
No, the camera doesn't have a LCD screen on the side, but do you really need one? An LCD screen is not only distracting but also a battery hog, & takes precious room 4 control options or accessories that could other wise be placed where the LCD is built in. An LCD is great 4 consumer cameras because they're small & nobody wants 2 look through those one-inch viewfinders. But the XL2 has a very nice, large color viewfinder, & can be comfortably used with the camera on your shoulder. For those running hand-held shots you can flip part of the viewfinder open & can see a 1.5" LCD display. It's not dazzling or great, but it gets the job done. You're out in the field 2 get footage, not admire the LCD screen.
Finally, the XL2 offers XLR microphone inputs, a big bonus 4 people who want good sound in their video. You won't find this feature in either Panasonic or Sony prosumer camcorders.
In the end, Canon's XL2 is a beautiful camcorder. It offers you a lot more than you know at first glance, & delivers near-perfect results. The closest competitor would be the far more expensive (by at least $1000) Panasonic GU1000, which is very similar 2 the XL2. If you're still not sure about the camera, I suggest you take a ride down over 2 your nearest Fry's 2 experiment. Or, you can visit the local TV station & ask them 2 tell you a little bit about why they're all using XL2's over the other camcorders on the market. No...seriously...they are.
Go figure.
For instance, a reviewer lower down this page complains the camera arrived broken & thus reviews it as a horrible machine. Unfortunately, this said reviewer doesn't talk about the actual functionality of an actual undamaged product, rather his own broken camera. Needless 2 say, his opinion is vastly slanted.
Another compares the XL2 2 the DVX100 series from Panasonic & prefers the latter. He states the XL2 is too heavy & doesn't achieve the same calibre results as the cheaper Panasonic camcorder.
First of all, Canon has continued 2 revolutionize the photography industry 4 decades. They have proven themselves in both film & digital formats, 4 both still camera & camcorder. True, the XL2 lacks some features other more expensive cameras have (compare the JVC GU1000) but that's okay. And, yes, the camera has a very large body & is definately heavier than the Panasonic DVX100, but this is 4 specific reasons.
You have 2 first consider why you want a prosumer camcorder. If you just want 2 shoot hobby short films & want a professional look, I suggest you stick with either the higher-end Canon or JVC or Panasonic or even Sony (god forbid) consumer camcorders which run around $900. On the other hand, if you're considering becoming a serious hobbyist & don't intend 2 turn it into some sort of profession then Panasonic's DVX series is a good buy. The DVX 100's are cheaper, smaller, & somewhat easier 2 use. They are far more "point-and-shoot" than the other prosumer camcorders on the market. And they do a fairly good job.
Yet, the XL2 manages 2 not only hold its own, but also triumph over all other camcorders in the industry. First & foremost, the XL2 has the option 2 change lenses. This is a great boon 4 any serious shooter because attaching an actual lens 2 a camera gives far better results than slapping on some sort of adapter, which distort the image. Canon offers two lens types 4 the XL2: the included 20X zoom lens & a 3X wide angle lens; both are very expensive by themselves. But, with an optional Canon ring adapter running 4 $300, you could take your normal Canon SLR still camera lenses & attach them 2 the body & have them function perfectly. This allows the user a plethora of imaging options when shooting. Now, the normal user won't ever use anything other than the 20X zoom lens (a remarkable piece of machinery in itself), but that's just fine. You're buying the camera 4 its options & potentials as well as the physical benefits. Think of it like buying a BMW: you buy the car 4 its physical features you're likely 2 use (the radio, heated seats, leather, sunroof, etc.) but you also buy it 4 its safety & cumstomer service, things you'll hardly ever need. It just makes you feel good you have those options available.
Furthermore, the XL2 is a wonderful camera. It shoots beautifully without problems of any sort. Yes, it takes some getting used to, but that's because it has a lot of fuctions & options. The physical body design is simple enough that all the necessary shooting options (i.e., 24P, 30i, 60i, mic adjustments, white balance controls, presents, etc.) are easily accessible. The end product of a regular shoot is stunning. The Canon lens captures colors almost perfectly & the image stabilization built into the camera is a great help. The large body design (though awkward 4 some) is actually a benefit. The camera can be placed on the shoulder, giving greater stability 2 the shoot. You can't do that with a Panasonic or Sony.
No, the camera doesn't have a LCD screen on the side, but do you really need one? An LCD screen is not only distracting but also a battery hog, & takes precious room 4 control options or accessories that could other wise be placed where the LCD is built in. An LCD is great 4 consumer cameras because they're small & nobody wants 2 look through those one-inch viewfinders. But the XL2 has a very nice, large color viewfinder, & can be comfortably used with the camera on your shoulder. For those running hand-held shots you can flip part of the viewfinder open & can see a 1.5" LCD display. It's not dazzling or great, but it gets the job done. You're out in the field 2 get footage, not admire the LCD screen.
Finally, the XL2 offers XLR microphone inputs, a big bonus 4 people who want good sound in their video. You won't find this feature in either Panasonic or Sony prosumer camcorders.
In the end, Canon's XL2 is a beautiful camcorder. It offers you a lot more than you know at first glance, & delivers near-perfect results. The closest competitor would be the far more expensive (by at least $1000) Panasonic GU1000, which is very similar 2 the XL2. If you're still not sure about the camera, I suggest you take a ride down over 2 your nearest Fry's 2 experiment. Or, you can visit the local TV station & ask them 2 tell you a little bit about why they're all using XL2's over the other camcorders on the market. No...seriously...they are.
Go figure.
Rating: 5 of 5
Standard Definition doesn't get much better
The Canon XL2 is as good as the Panasonic equivalent. Both of these cameras are better than eachother depending on who you ask. If you ask me, the Canon's picture is more pleasing, less noisy, & more capable in difficult shooting situations. I love Canon's controls, everything you need is available without searching through menus. The Panasonic is lighter, less awkward 2 use, & more compact; but Canon's lens & features more than make up 4 it in my opinion. Best camera you can get 4 the money.
Rating: 2 of 5
Okay 4 the 60i
I'm a non-byist consumer; & ex-owner of the XL1 & XL1S.
We recently "upgraded" 2 the XL2 4 an upcoming film shoot.
BAD NEWS. The camera's we ordered both came "defective", according 2 Canon tech support (they were drop shipped from their facility brand new - & NOT black market). Now, I find this hard 2 believe, & I think the issues are with the computer which controls output 4 the camera.
In 30P mode, any vertical lines flicker/pixelate, & images blur as they move past the camera - It's much choppier than the old "frame mode" on the XL1 & XL1s.
In 24P mode, the entire image flickers, vertical lines go insane, & using the standard 1/24 shutter speed, the images are CHOPPY as they walk by the camera. Any vertical lines jump about. There is not image clarity the minute anything moves.
In 60i - the camera looks fine, but that defeats the purpose of owning the camera entirely!!!! Unless you want 2 drop frames/filmlook upon completion, this is not an option.
In previous XL models, the frame mode had it's issues...soft focus, lowered resolution, choppy images if moving right in front of the camera...However, the 24P is a joke. No person in their right mind could use this, unless 2 produce nausea! And, believe me, the resolution output on this camera, if anything, is lower - & I'm using the optional 20X super-wide XL2 lens ($1500).
I've shot with the XL1, XL1s, DVX1000 - they ALL blow this thing away.
Now, I'm stuck with a Canon, as I purchased unreturnable accessories 4 this thing. So, as I read user comments, I'm praying that just certain cameras have these issues. It seems others on message boards have this issue, but folks tell them they're crazy (they're not - believe me). I'm forced 2 drive 100 miles 2 the closest store with the XL2 in stock, hoping that the 24P or 30P or their floor model is somewhat clear. If not, I'll have 2 buy back my old XL1!!!!!
BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU DECIDE TO BUY THIS CAMERA. It's not PRO at all!!!!!!!!!!
We recently "upgraded" 2 the XL2 4 an upcoming film shoot.
BAD NEWS. The camera's we ordered both came "defective", according 2 Canon tech support (they were drop shipped from their facility brand new - & NOT black market). Now, I find this hard 2 believe, & I think the issues are with the computer which controls output 4 the camera.
In 30P mode, any vertical lines flicker/pixelate, & images blur as they move past the camera - It's much choppier than the old "frame mode" on the XL1 & XL1s.
In 24P mode, the entire image flickers, vertical lines go insane, & using the standard 1/24 shutter speed, the images are CHOPPY as they walk by the camera. Any vertical lines jump about. There is not image clarity the minute anything moves.
In 60i - the camera looks fine, but that defeats the purpose of owning the camera entirely!!!! Unless you want 2 drop frames/filmlook upon completion, this is not an option.
In previous XL models, the frame mode had it's issues...soft focus, lowered resolution, choppy images if moving right in front of the camera...However, the 24P is a joke. No person in their right mind could use this, unless 2 produce nausea! And, believe me, the resolution output on this camera, if anything, is lower - & I'm using the optional 20X super-wide XL2 lens ($1500).
I've shot with the XL1, XL1s, DVX1000 - they ALL blow this thing away.
Now, I'm stuck with a Canon, as I purchased unreturnable accessories 4 this thing. So, as I read user comments, I'm praying that just certain cameras have these issues. It seems others on message boards have this issue, but folks tell them they're crazy (they're not - believe me). I'm forced 2 drive 100 miles 2 the closest store with the XL2 in stock, hoping that the 24P or 30P or their floor model is somewhat clear. If not, I'll have 2 buy back my old XL1!!!!!
BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU DECIDE TO BUY THIS CAMERA. It's not PRO at all!!!!!!!!!!
Includes: XL2 Camcorder Body / Zoom Lens 20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS / Color Viewfinder / Lithium Battery (for Auto-Date) / WL-D4000 Wireless Controller with 2 AAA Batteries (for Wireless Controller) / Lens Cap / Lens Dust Cap / Lens Hood / Lens Soft Case / Camcorder Dust Cap / CA-920 Compact Power Adapter & Adapter Holder / AC Cable / DC-920 DC Coupler / BP-930 Battery Pack (with Terminal Cover) / SS-1000 Shoulder Strap / STV-150 Stereo Video Cable / S-150 S-Video Cable / Microphone / XL2 & Lens Instruction manuals. Canon XL2 allows you 2 capture images closer 2 the finished product than ever before. Work that previously was limited 2 post-production can be simply & effectively accomplished in the field, in the camcorder. An Open Architecture philosophy, performance found only in much more expensive video cameras, Total Image Control & the solid foundation of Genuine Canon Optics, interchangeable lens capability & superb Canon image processing quality are united in the XL2. The XL2 brings a host of performance & convenience features 2 this class of video camcorder- benefits that can't be found in this combination on other high-end video cameras. They include: Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization in the standard lens; dual aspect ratios; various frame rate capabilities; image gamma & detail controls; skin detail control & convertible LCD display among others. Flourite Zoom Lens with Optical Image Stabilization SMPTE time code Custom Presets EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal Dimensions - 8.9 x 8.7 x 19.5 in. / Weight (not including lens & battery pack) 5.3 lbs.
($2,385.00)
Buy Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Now!
People ask 4 my business card often because they assume I'm a pro just by using it. Or they ask, what TV station I work for. There are lots of add-ons 2 consider owning. Its not High Definition but who needs it? I take it everywhere. Just remember you will eventually need a good travel case,a wind screen, extra batteries, a heavy-duty professional tripod & additional lenses 2 complete your experience. The camera is a bit heavy(as I expected) & takes some getting used to.......but wow, its worth it ! The sound you get is great. I just bought some wireless microphones 4 my XL2. I'm glad I own it.