2
DV format
Whether your need is broadcast
production or simply the very best picture
quality, the mini DV format delivers more
than 500 lines of horizontal resolution –
nearly a 25% improvement in picture
quality over the best analog formats. The
tape formulation is advanced to last
longer and even withstand repeated use
without failure, virtually eliminating drop
out and delivering higher output and less
noise.
IEEE 1394 (DV Terminal)
The XL1 is equipped with a DV terminal
that conforms to IEEE 1394 for digital
transfer of video and sound, in addition to
regular video and audio outputs. It takes
just a single digital cable to edit, copy and
record your video virtually free from
generation loss in image and sound
quality.
Achieve Super High
Resolution Alongside Super
Low Light Capability
3CCD
The XL1 maximizes
the capability of the
DV format by using a
3CCD system with a separate CCD for
each primary color (red, green, blue). A
beam-splitting prism precisely separates
the light
passing
through the
lens into
individual
color
components,
and each is
sent to its
own CCD. This process achieves
outstanding detail with highly accurate
color reproduction suitable for the
demands of the high-end production field
– wide dynamic range, low color noise,
natural color resolution and low aliasing.
Pixel Shift
Canon solves
common shooting dilemmas with a larger
pixel size and the process of Pixel Shift,
which gives wider dynamic range, better
low light, reduced vertical smears, and
high quality still images without sacrificing
the highest resolution.
Super low Light
The XL1 incorporates three CCD image
sensors, each with 270,000 pixels,
specifically designed for freedom when
shooting under extremely low light
conditions. The size of each pixel is 72
square microns. That's 150% larger than
the pixel-size on comparable models. The
result is an overall 4dB improvement
(approx.) in sensitivity .
The Process of Pixel Shift
Human eyes respond best to green. The
green component of a video signal
contains 60% of the picture detail whereas
the red and blue components comprise
only 40%. We have physically shifted the
green CCD the equivalent distance of 1/2
pixel horizontally from the red and blue
CCD, then electronically shifted the
green signal 1/2 pixel vertically.
Why has Canon done this? Shifting
the green CCD increases the
sampling points, resulting in a rival
for 410,000 pixel CCD systems in
terms of resolution, while providing
numerous advantages. It responds
to the demands for the highest DV
picture quality, combined with exceptional
low light, wider dynamic range, minimal
vertical smear and superior digital still
images.
Vertical Smear Reduction
Shooting subjects in extremely bright
conditions is handled up to professional
standards with the XL1. Vertical white
streaks from bright light sources are
greatly reduced.
Just as Canon's Hi8 camcorders have
set the standard time and again, the
XL1 is Canon's new flagship camcorder
and the product that defines the leading
edge of Digital Video.
The Full Potential of
Digital Video
In One Extraordinary
Camcorder
