Let Open Architecture open up a world of possibilities The Canon XL2 allows you to capture images closer to the finished product than ever before. Work that previously was limited to post-production can be simply and effectively accomplished in the field, in the camcorder.
An Open Architecture philosophy, performance found only in much more expensive video cameras, Total Image Control and the solid foundation of Genuine Canon Optics, interchangeable lens capability and superb Canon image processing quality are united in the XL2.
The XL2 brings a host of performance and convenience features to 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 and detail controls; skin detail control and convertible LCD display among others.
Unprecedented image control coordination between two XL2 cameras, remote computer camera control and direct video recording to computer are just a part of the capabilities of the XL2. Never before has so much creative power been put in the hands of the film maker, video artist, and corporate and event videographer.
16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio shooting formats With an increasing consumer shift toward widescreen TVs that deliver the full width of film-based theatrical movies, plus the resulting need for productions in the 16:9 aspect ratio, Canon's XL2 offers both the standard 4:3 aspect ratio and the 16:9 widescreen TV aspect ratio. Whether your production is standard video, cinema, wide-screen TV, and HDTV, the XL2 -- with menu-selectable aspect ration -- is your camera. The 4:3 aspect ratio of the traditional TV screen is the most commonly used aspect ratio in broadcasting today. The 16:9 aspect ratio is the most common aspect ratio for film-based movies, and produces full screen playback on widescreen TVs. 16:9 is also the world standard aspect ratio for HDTV.
Variable frame rates The demands being made on the video production community to be able to provide solutions under a multitude of different scenarios have been met with the Canon XL2. It delivers 60i, 30p, and 24p frame rates (24p with 2:3 and 2:3:3:2, both with 1/48th second shutter speed).
60i (interlaced) is the standard video frame rate that has been in use for decades; it's what you see on your home TV, whether from a broadcast signal, rented DVD, or home camcorder.
30p, or 30-frame progressive, is a non-interlaced format -- the same as Canon's Frame Movie Mode -- and produces video at 30 frames per second. Progressive (non-interlaced) scanning mimics a film camera's frame-by-frame image capture and delivers spectacular clarity for high speed subjects and a cinematic-like appearance. Shooting in 30p mode offers video with no interlace artifacts.
The 24p frame rate is also a non-interlaced format, and is now widely adopted by those planning on transferring the video signal to film. But film- and video-makers turn to 24p for the "cine" look even if their productions are not going to be transferred to film, simply because of the "look" of the frame rate. As well, the shutter speed of 1/48th per second is the standard shutter speed that movie cameras use. The combination of 24p frame rate and 1/48th perfectly mimic a motion film camera.
24p with 2:3 pulldown produces video with the look and motion of film. (24p, used in conjunction with a cine gamma curve on the XL2, produces images that have similar tonal characteristics as film.) This mode is used when the finished video is to be converted to 60i so that video can be viewed on a television. 24p with 2:3:3:2 pulldown is used when the video is to be transferred to film. The 2:3:3:2 pulldown allows editing software to extract true 24 frames a second.
Customizable Cine Look The Canon XL2 lets users fine-tune the cine look of their video recordings using a number of variables: color matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch, vertical detail, coring, sharpness, noise reduction, color gain, and hue. Each variable can be adjusted independently, thereby giving you precise control over the "film-like" appearance of your video. Because Canon utilizes a 12 bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) customized for the XL2, maximum image quality is preserved.
Color Matrix (Video/Cine) The XL2's Color Matrix function manages the hue and saturation of the video to reproduce the most accurate color. The color matrix defines the camera's color output; the matrix lets you define the amount of primary and secondary colors that are produced. The primary colors are red, green and blue, with the secondary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) made from the combinations of two primary colors. With the XL2's Color Matrix, you can change from a video to a cine "look" for the end product.
Gamma (Video/Cine) Gamma controls the general brightness (luminance) of the picture and the contrast of the picture. Adjusting gamma allows you to control the way the camera reproduces various tones. Video shot on the XL2 can be gamma corrected to allow for the final usage of the video -- where it will be shown. The display medium can distort the brightness, therefore if the gamma is corrected for the display medium when the video is shot, the display will show the correct brightness level. By switching to the Cine curve, the tonal qualities of the images produced have shading and coloration similar to that of film.
Knee (H/M/L) Among the XL2's picture-enhancing circuits is the knee circuit. Setting the control to high, medium or low manages the highlight compression of the video signal.
Black (Stretch/Normal/Press) The XL2 gives the user control of the depth of black in dark areas of an image. To emphasize contrast in the video's dark areas, "Stretch" is selected. To deepen or enhance the dark area, "Press" (compress) is selected.
Vertical Detail (Normal/Low) There are 2 settings: "Normal" for vertical detail optimized for playback on an interlaced monitor, "Low" for vertical detail optimized for a progressive scan monitor like a PC.
Coring (-6 to +6) The Coring function on the XL2 is useful in helping to remove image "noise." Coring removes fine detail information that is not a major contributor to the picture detail but which adds noise to the image. You can adjust just how much detail information is removed -- just enough coring to reduce picture noise, but not enough to hurt the detail in the image.
Sharpness (-6 to +6) The XL2 is capable of changing the degree of sharpness in the picture. By using this feature, pictures that do not require a lot of detail can be softened. This feature also can be used to hide imperfections during close-ups, for example. Increasing video sharpness can increase the video noise slightly.
Noise Reduction (OFF/H/N/L) Noise Reduction removes video noise -- non-picture artifacts such as those commonly found in low-light images -- without hurting image detail or creating motion artifacts. This is important for two reasons. The first is that we have become used to viewing high quality video. The second is that video noise makes compression -- to DVD, for example -- less efficient.
Color Gain (-6 to +6) The XL2 can deliver 13 steps of color gain, from off to oversaturated. This adjustment allows you to shoot in black and white.
Color Phase (-6 to +6) Adjust the Color Phase towards red or green for exact control.
Even Greater 3 CCD Performance Building on the superior image quality associated with its industry-leading XL1 and XL1S camcorders, Canon has made a major step forward with the XL2. The XL2 continues to feature a 3 CCD system with a separate progressive scan CCD (charge coupled device) for each primary color (red, green and blue), with each CCD containing 680K pixels.
With the XL2, a beam-splitting prism separates light passing through the lens into individual color components and each is sent to its own CCD. Compared to a single CCD, the three CCD system achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for the demands of high-end video production: wide dynamic range, low color noise, high-contrast detail, natural color resolution and low-aliasing.
But the system now features even higher resolution, delivering outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise. The three CCD image sensors are specifically designed to capture as much image detail as possible and for shooting under extremely low light conditions. In super low light, the XL2 captures crisp and clear digital data. Under extremely bright conditions, the XL2 greatly reduces vertical white streaks and smears, making it a consummate field recording device for all conditions.
16:9: 960x480 effective pixels (460,800 pixels per CCD, total 1,382,400)
4:3: 720x480 effective pixels (345,600 pixels per CCD, total 1,036,800)
Total Image Control Professional videographers need to have control over the set-up of their camcorder, including complete automatic setting to fine adjustments of: Master RGB, Setup Level, Master Pedestal, Skin Tone Detail, Program AE, Gain, AE Shift and Lock, White Balance, Shutter Speeds, Aperture Control, Zebra Patterns Clear Scan and Interval Timer. Because Canon utilizes a 12 bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) customized for the XL2, maximum image quality is preserved. Master RGB (R: -6 to +6, G: -6 to +6, B: -6 to +6)
The Master RGB control offers 13 steps of adjustment each to the red, green and blue components of the video signal. Setup Level (-6 to +6)
Setup level adjusts the standard point of the black level of video signal. In USA (NTSC) the black level is set for 7.5 IRE, in Japan (NTSC) the black level is set at 0 IRE, for PAL and SECAM systems the black level is set for 0 IRE. Professional cameras use 3 IRE for the black level. The XL2 has a 13 step adjustment, with the default mid level being 3 IRE. Master Pedestal (-6 to +6) The Master Pedal controls the starting point of the gamma curve. This will change the dark areas of the picture.
Skin Tone Detail Hue, gain, area, Y level (+/- 6 steps). During setup EVF shows a zebra pattern over masking area flashes between picture and white-mask. During setup EE and IEE1394 out flashes between picture and zebra pattern, enabling you to easily smooth out skin blemishes and wrinkles with total control.
Program AE (Auto, TV, AV, Manual, Spotlight, Low Light, Green) Gain (-3 / A / 0 / +3 / +6 / +12 / +18 dB) Control the amount of gain to balance between quality and getting the shot.
AE Shift With the XL2, you may want to make slight adjustments to the image brightness to compensate for backlighting or for scenes that are being rendered slightly overexposed. When in Auto, TV or Av Modes, you can engage AE Shift in the camera menu, then turn the menu dial to add or subtract a bit of exposure. There are 13 steps available for creative control.
AE Lock You can hold the exposure at a particular setting by engaging AE Lock on the XL2. This prevents unplanned exposure changes with a moving subject, for instance.
White Balance (Indoor, Outdoor presets and 3 user settings) The XL2 uses an electronic white balance process to calibrate the picture for accurate color display in different lighting conditions (i.e. sunlight versus indoor incandescent). Automated white balance settings include a fully automated mode, an indoor mode and an outdoor mode. (When the XL2 is set to Green Mode, white balance is fully automated and cannot be adjusted.) In addition to these set standards, the XL2 lets you set the white balance manually by selecting manual select, then pointing the camera at a white object (such as a sheet of paper) that fills the field of view. The XL2 gives you the option of setting and saving as many as three white balance presets that can be reused for non-sequential shooting. Manual white balance works best for dominant color or monochromatic scenes and close-ups, in rapidly changing lighting conditions and in places lit by certain fluorescent or mercury vapor lights. White balancing should be performed prior to any recording.
Shutter Speeds In 60i and 30p modes there are 30 shutter speeds as well as clear scan shutter speeds. In 24p there are 29 shutter speeds including 1/48th second and clear scan shutter speeds.
Aperture Control There are 23 aperture settings available with the 20x lens. This setting can be adjusted in 1/4 steps.
Zebra Patterns (100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%) Zebra stripes, displayed in the viewfinder but not recorded, can be made to appear over any area that is overexposed. This black and white zebra stripe feature is activated via the camera's menu. Use this feature to guide the adjustment of the aperture and shutter speed. The zebra pattern settings that are available in the XL2 are: 80 IRE, 85 IRE, 90 IRE, 95 IRE, and 100 IRE.
Clear Scan The Clear Scan feature allows you to record a computer CRT screen or similar equipment without displaying a black band or flicker on the screen. The XL2 can adjust shutter speeds from 60 Hz to 202.5 Hz, allowing you to perfectly match the CRT's scan rate.
Interval Timer By selecting the Interval Timer on the XL2, the camera can be programmed to record at various intervals for varying amounts of time. This provides time lapse motion videography. Set intervals include: 30 seconds; 1 minute; 5 minutes; 10 minutes. Set recording times include: 0.5 second; 1.0 second; 1.5 seconds; 2.0 seconds.
Specifications
Digital Video Power Supply (rated) 7.2V DC (battery pack)
Power Consumption (While recording AF="ON") 7.1W (recording with AF, 20x zoom XL 5.4-108 L IS mounted)
Television System EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal
Video Recording system Two rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording, DV System (Consumer digital VCR SD system) digital component recording
Audio Recording system PCM digital recording: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channels); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 channels) Synchronous 4-channel recording is possible
Dimensions 8.9 x 8.7 x 19.5 in. (225 x 220 x 496mm)
Weight (not including lens and battery pack) 5.3 lbs. (2410g)
Weight (fully loaded) 7.8 lbs. (3545g)
STANDARD ACCESSORIES XL2 Camcorder Body Zoom Lens 20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS Color Viewfinder Lithium Battery (for Auto-Date) WL-D4000 Wireless Controller Two R03/AAA Batteries (for Wireless Controller) Lens Cap Lens Dust Cap Lens Hood Lens Soft Case Camcorder Dust Cap CA-920 Compact Power Adapter and 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 and Lens Instruction manuals
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES EF Adapter: The optional EF Adapter fits onto the XL1S allowing use of Canon EOS EF lenses for quality still imaging BP-930 Lithium Ion Battery Pack: Record for up to 90 minutes with the compact BP-930.The BP-930, an optional power pack, will deliver up to 135 minutes of power when using the viewfinder only or up to 130 minutes when using the LCD screen BP-945 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack: An optional accessory for the XL1S, the BP-945 can deliver over two hours of recording time using the color viewfinder.An optional accessory for the GL2, the BP-945 can deliver up to three-and-a-half hours of recording time using the viewfinder only or up to 200 minutes when the LCD screen is used. CB-910 Car Battery Adapter: The CB-910 powers the camera or charges the battery by plugging into a car's cigarette lighter socket. CH-910 Dual Battery Charger/Holder: The CH-910 holds two battery packs and can charge them one after the other. Once the batteries are charged, the CH-910, with batteries in place, can be clipped to your belt and then connected directly to a Canon Digital Camcorder. This will give you twice the recording time of just one battery. It can be used with any combination of Canon BP-900 series Lithium-Ion batteries. FS-72U Filter Set: Includes Neutral Density (ND8), polarizing and ultra-violet filters. 72mm thread size. For use on all XL lenses except the 3D lens. 72mm Pro Mist Tiffen Filter: This filter is exceptional for creating a mood. Outdoors or indoors, in broad scenes or portraits. It is excellent for toning down excessive sharpness and reducing contrast by moderately lightening shadow areas without detracting from the overall image. 72mm BLK Pro Mist Filter: Tiffen Filter Similar characteristics to Pro Mist, this filter also is great for toning down sharpness but provides a more subtle effect. Less lightening of shadows and reduction of contrast. 72mm Soft FX 2 Filter:Tiffen Filter This filter is used for softening unwanted details while retaining overall image clarity. It is the ideal filter for shooting portraits. 72mm ND6 Filter: This filter eliminates overly bright, washed out images. It is excellent for providing balanced exposures and depth-of-field control. Absorbs 2 stops. 72mm ND3 Filter: This filter eliminates overly bright, washed out images. It is excellent for providing balanced exposures and depth-of-field control. Absorbs 1 stop. MA-300 Microphone Adapter (2 XLR inputs): Connects (2) XLR style microphones. It attaches to the camcorder's advanced accessory shoe, providing power and connections without any wires. VL-3 Video Light: The VL-3 Video Light connects to the Advanced Accessory Shoe and is powered directly by the camcorder. Video Flash Light VFL-1: To be used with advanced accessory shoe combination video light & flash unit Zoom Remote Control ZR-1000: Controls Start/Stop, Focus, On-Screen, Record Search (+/-) CB-920 Car Battery Adapter: The CB-920 powers the camera or charges the battery by plugging into a car's cigarette lighter socket. Tripod Adapter TA-100: TA-100 Tripod Adapter allows you to quickly mount/dismount the XL2 on or from a tripod. System Case HC-3200: A new system case, the HC-3200, is designed specifically to fit the XL2, complete with lens, standard microphone and viewfinder fitted. With a depth of almost 300mm, the case will also hold a range of other accessories in its base, making the package completely versatile. Monochrome Viewfinder FU-1000 Kata Rain Cover: This KATA Rain Cover is tailored to fit the Canon GL2, effectively protecting it against rain and dust. It is made from a waterproof material with crystal clear vinyl panels on the camera's control side, enabling the use of the LCD monitor. Easy to use in a hurry, the cover slips quickly over the camera and is secured by drawstrings around the lens sleeve, microphone sleeve, and viewfinder sleeve. It is designed for efficiency down to the smallest detail and has been successfully tested under severe weather conditions. EQ-XL1: Equalizer will provide wind noise protection to 40+mph with no db loss (dialogue) in the mid range with a fully balanced frequency response curve. MM-XL1: This Mini-mount will provide a true foundation presence for high quality audio recording, effectively eliminating zoom motor drone and gear tap noise.The Mini-mount is a universal and modular type that enables you to instantly switch to any other mic -- up to 30mm in diameter. CA-920 Compact Power Adapter: This is the standard charger and power source for the GL2. It will charge one battery at a time. DC-Coupler DC-920: Combines with the CA-920 or CB-920 FS-4 Replacement AC Adapter Mixing Microphone MM-100: Mixes live sound and mono music Kata Case: Compact and lightweight, this carrying case provides excellent protection for the Canon GL2. The main compartment can be custom fitted with two padded partitions; an internal padded compartment on one side is perfect to store a charger, batteries, cassettes, etc. Two additional flat pockets are available: one internal and one external. Carrying options include a Padded Mesh Grip handle and a SPAD shoulder strap FA-200 Flash Adapter: Enables you to use a Speedlite flash with the XL1 Tiffen Steady Stick: This small, lightweight steady stick supplies support for the XL1S when shooting to give you that rock solid shot! Is can be broken down in size to allow easy transportation. HC-3100 Carrying Case: A solid, lockable case that allows you to protect the XL1S and XL1 kit during transportation and storage. This is not a shipping case. Film Adapter FP-100: Transfers 35mm film and slides to video, relays images to an AV-compatible PC, or displays images on TV. CA-910 Compact Power Adapter: This is the standard charger and power source for the GL1. It will charge one battery at a time. Roller Case: This roller case allows for easy transportation and protection for your digital video camcorder. Battery Pack (BP-950G) Battery Pack (BP-970G) SA-1 Adapter Bracket: Attach an external microphone or VL-10Li with this optional adapter. Video Light VL-10Li II: A small, light and powerful video light for indoor and outdoor use. Rated at 10 watts, it accepts a Lithium-Ion battery pack for power and attaches to the XH G1 / XH A1's accessory shoe. VL-10Li Video Light: The VL-10Li is a 10-watt video light for both indoor and outdoor use. It accepts a Lithium-Ion battery pack for power and is attached to the camera's accessory shoe. DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone: Get near-professional quality sound for your movies with this shotgun stereo mic. Select from pure shotgun or shotgun + surrounding sound modes. Since the mic is powered by the camcorder's power source, you remain cable free. Wind shields are included. 20x ZOOM XL: 5.4 108mm L1S for XL2 20x professional L series Fluorite zoom lens. Zoom and focus presets. Super Range Optical Image Stabilization, (2) built-in ND filters, manual focus and zoom rings, and a Push AF button. VL-20 Video Light
The VL-20 is a 20-watt video light for both indoor and outdoor use. It accepts a Lithium-Ion battery pack for power and is attached to the camera's accessory shoe.
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