The Canon XL2 replaces the XL1S, which is now out of production. Outwardly, the XL2 is fairly similar in appearance to the XL1S except for a few significant body styling changes. Inside, however, it’s an entirely new camcorder with all new circuits, components, image sensors and feature sets.
The Canon XL H1 does not replace the Canon XL2, which is still in production and will continue as Canon’s flagship 3CCD standard definition DV camcorder. What the XL H1 represents is an entirely new market for Canon as its first high definition video camera.
Here is a brief summary of the various XL mount lenses available for the Canon XL2. Remember that all XL-series lenses will mount to any Canon XL2, XL1S or XL1, regardless of whether the camera head is an NTSC or PAL model.
Here is a brief summary of the various XL mount lenses available for the Canon XL1 and XL1S. Remember that all XL lenses will mount to either camera. Personally I have not had the opportunity to check them all out for myself, but I have included links to user reviews where they exist (lens attachments such as wide-angle adapters, filters, matte boxes, etc. are not included..
This page offers a chart which compares some basic features and specifications of the JVC GY-HD100 and Canon XL H1 camcorders. It is certainly not intended to position one model as being better than the other; it is really intended for casual perusal only. It is my very strong opinion that a person who is actually considering a purchase of either camera should most definitely not use this chart as the basis for a final decision.
I’ve been a long time Mini35 fan, since I was involved with the Jerry Seinfeld/American Express webfilms a couple of years back. I was impressed enough with the latest model to buy one last year along with a Panasonic AG-DVX100A, and have shot a number of commercial and narrative projects with the combination.
I placed our lovely model Amy (who, in the spirit of proper disclosure, is also my girlfriend!) a few feet away from a hot section of sunlight on the granite floor of the courtyard, which gave her a nice upglow. No additional lighting was used.
The images on this page are larger versions of the small photos from the two articles about the GY-HD100 and Mini35 combo, Part One: The Camera and Part Two: The Shoot, plus a few more extra “behind the scenes” shots that weren’t used directly in the articles.
For those readers who would prefer to have a quick look at some sample frame grabs instead of downloading the video clips, a selection of frames has been provided below. All of them match in order the various sections discussed in Part Two: The Shoot.
Although the links to all of the video clips listed below are included in the article Part Two: The Shoot, they are indexed here as well for easy reference in the same order as they appear in the article. A little bit of text from the article is included below each frame for orientation.