With the three 1/3" (1440 x 1080 pixels) CCDs, the image quality is very pleasing. Color balance is natural and accurate. Properly lit scenes look brilliant in playback. The XH-A1's ability to resolve the high resolution, 1080i is stunning. For image quality, this is one of the top 1080i camcorders we've seen. The on-board mic delivers decent sound, but most users will take advantage of extra features fitting for pro shooters: accessory shoe, shotgun mic mount, two independent and manual audio channels and two XLR inputs. The one small audio complaint is that the manual gain dials for right and left channels are a little strange in their graphics, making potting up and down a bit disorienting. But we feel you'll get used to it with a little practice. Anyone looking to point and shoot without reading a manual should steer clear, or at least consider chalking out a good weekend to learn all the features. Even the pro shooter will need some get-acquainted time, as the XH-A1 raises the bar for prosumer camcorder functionality and performance.

Image Sensor: 3 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs
Pixels on CCD: 1.67 Megapixels
Video Effective Pixels: 1.56 Megapixels (HD), 1.17 Megapixels (SD, 4:3)
Format: Mini DV and HDV 1080i
Lens: 20x optical, 32.5-650mm, f/1.6-3.5
Viewfinder: color .57" (269K pixels, 16:9)
LCD Viewscreen: 2.8-inch color (207K pixels, 16:9)
Focus: auto, Instant AF, manual
Anamorphic 16:9: yes
Image Stabilization: optical
Exposure: auto, manual
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/4
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/15000
Iris: auto, manual (servo ring)
Electronic Gain: -3dB to 36dB
Neutral Density Filter: 1/6, 1/32
Zebra Stripes: yes, 70-100 IRE (increments of 5 IRE)
White Balance: auto, manual, presets
Audio: 12-bit, 16-bit (DV), stereo MP2 (HDV)
Audio Gain: auto, manual
Microphone Input: 2 ch. XLR and 1/8" stereo mic
Headphone Output: 1/8-inch stereo mini
Inputs: FireWire
Outputs: FireWire, Component, BNC, Video Composite, Stereo Composite
Edit Interface: FireWire
Dimensions: (w x h x d): 6.4 x 7.4 x 13.8 in (not including grip belt)
Weight (sans tape and battery): 4.6 lb
External Battery Charger Included: yes
Battery Type: Li-Ion
On-Camera Light: no
Accessory Shoe: Yes, hot

• Manual iris ring
• Numerous image customization options
• 20x optical zoom
• XLR inputs

• A tad front heavy
• LCD display is small
• Pricey

The XH-A1 is an extremely powerful camcorder wrapped around a very approachable HDV tape format that is bound to please prosumer and professional shooters.

Mark Montgomery is Videomaker's Technical Editor.

$3,999
Canon USA
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042
www.canondv.com