Canon XL2

Qualità broadcast per la Canon XL2

Con questa videocamera, Canon fissa un nuovo standard nella ripresa professionale su nastroMiniDV. Oltre ad aver ulteriormente perfezionato la risoluzione e le prestazioni generali, è stataposta particolare enfasi alle possibilità d’intervento manuale e alla natura “cinematografica” delprodotto

La nuova videocamera siglata XL2, di qualità broadcast e con ottiche intercambiabili, sostituisceil precedente modello XL1s, uno dei prodotti di maggiore successo nella storia recente diCanon, e vanta 3 CCD progressive scan da 800 k pixel cadauno e il formato di registrazione16:9 reale. Questa nuova ammiraglia, al top della produzione mondiale, costituisce un rilevantepasso avanti rispetto a prodotti analoghi e vanta una risoluzione, una qualità d’immaginegenerale e una versatilità tali da renderla indispensabile per il professionista che esige qualità emaneggevolezza, prestazioni e possibilità d’intervento manuale. In altre parole, uno strumentosu cui poter contare in ogni situazione di ripresa, anche la più estrema, come ben testimoniatodagli entusiasti operatori che hanno utilizzato il modello precedente dall’Antartide al Sahara. Mapiù delle parole contano i fatti e i numeri, ecco quelli che la caratterizzano:

– 3 CCD da 1/3 di pollice e 800.000 pixel con progressive scan

– 50 o 25 immagini al secondo per applicazioni televisive o cine-fotografiche

– Registrazione 16:9 o 4:3

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Canon XL2

– Totale controllo manuale su un’ampia gamma di variabili relative alla ripresa

– Sistema di obiettivi intercambiabili XL

– Obiettivo di serie zoom 20x alla fluorite con stabilizzatore ottico d’immagine Super Range

– 2 filtri a densità neutra indipendenti

– 4 canali audio con 2 connettori XLR incorporati con alimentazione phantom a 48 V

– Time code SMPTE con opzioni timer Rec Run e Free Run

– Controllo videocamera IEEE1394 per registrazione diretta su HDD

– Telaio in lega di magnesio, robusto e leggero

“Con una risoluzione più che raddoppiata rispetto alla XL1s, la XL2 è il nuovo punto diriferimento qualitativo nello standard di registrazione broadcast MiniDV,” afferma MogensJensen, vicepresidente esecutivo dell’area Consumer Imaging di Canon Europa. “Canon siattende che questa nuova videocamera diventi immediatamente popolare presso i videomakere presso le stazioni televisive.”

Immagini migliorate non solo nella risoluzione

Il sistema a 3 CCD offre la possibilità di registrare in formato 16:9 (960x576 pixel) o 4:3(720x576 pixel). Il circuito integrato a larga scala (LSI) di terza generazione per l’elaborazione

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Canon XL2

del segnale migliora il rapporto segnale/rumore per ottenere maggiore risoluzione, maggioresensibilità e un più basso “smear” rispetto alla XL1s.

Cine-look…

Gli utenti possono selezionare la speciale modalità Cinema per texture e tonalità tipo film, ossiaun video che sembri girato su pellicola. La regolazione dell’intervallo dinamico, selezionabile traalta, media e bassa, può essere utilizzata per alterare la forma della curva gamma per evitaresaturazioni di luminosità nella sovraesposizione. Il controllo del nero o delle luci basse èdisponibile con tre modalità (Stretch, Middle e Press) che espandono o comprimono la partebassa della curva gamma per mostrare o nascondere i dettagli in ombra. Per personalizzareulteriormente il feeling cinematografico reso possibile dalla XL2, è anche previsto un controllomanuale per regolare Coring, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Colour Gain e Hue.

…e Cine-feel

Nella XL2 è stata inclusa un’intera gamma di caratteristiche per trasmettere ulteriormente lasensazione di usare una vera macchina da presa a pellicola per il cinema professionale. Lamatrice di colori è selezionabile tra Video e Cinema. V Detail regola la risoluzione verticale,mentre Skin Detail consente di controllare le variazioni della tinta e la saturazione delle areecon le nuance della carnagione per ammorbidire i dettagli, ridurre le imperfezioni cutanee escaldarne i toni, mentre la funzione Film Grain aggiunge l’effetto dei filmati cinematografici. XL2,inoltre, offre controlli manuali su Master RGB, Setup Level, Master Pedestal e Gain Settings.

Controlli creativi completi

Per la massima comodità d’uso, possono essere programmati pulsanti personalizzabili perrichiamare una fra le tante regolazioni manuali presenti all’interno degli 8 menu principali. Ipulsanti personalizzabili richiamano le funzioni indipendentemente dalle selezioni attive almomento, permettendo un’immediata correzione o l’impostazione di funzioni anche in modoautonomo rispetto alla voce di menu attiva. Sono inoltre disponibili tre configurazionipersonalizzabili che permettono all’utilizzatore di memorizzare le proprie impostazioni preferite,in base ai gusti personali o al tipo di ripresa previsto.

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Canon XL2

Controllo del bilanciamento del bianco

Per consentire il massimo controllo sul bilanciamento del bianco, la XL2 permette di intervenireseparatamente sul guadagno dei tre colori primari RGB, ideale per situazioni critiche. Ilbilanciamento del bianco in ogni caso può anche essere impostato inquadrando una superficiebianca, oppure selezionando manualmente esterni (5600 K) o interni (3200 K). La regolazionedella sensibilità dei CCD è stata estesa in 7 stadi, da –3 dB a +18 dB, per soddisfare ognisituazione di ripresa.

Obiettivo di precisione

Per offrire un obiettivo zoom con un’escursione focale pari a 20 ingrandimenti e con unanotevole qualità, gli ingegneri Canon hanno incorporato un elemento alla fluorite, come negliobiettivi professionali broadcast TV e i prestigiosi obiettivi professionali EF della serie L. Ciòelimina l’insorgere dell’aberrazione cromatica che può condizionare gli obiettivi zoom allelunghe focali. Inoltre, due elementi asferici contrastano l’aberrazione e assicurano immaginichiare e nitide da un angolo all’altro, passando per il centro. Il diaframma circolare di precisionedona allo sfondo sfocato una piacevole morbidezza e uniformità tonale, mentre i due filtri neutriND incorporati consentono di aprire completamente il diaframma anche in presenza di forteilluminazione per ottenere particolari effetti. Il diaframma può essere controllato in 8 passi daf/1,6 a tutto chiuso. Infine, sia le posizioni di zoom che di messa a fuoco possono esserepreselezionate e richiamate.

Riprese ultrastabili senza treppiede

Giroscopi rilevatori di movimento e sistema di lenti con prisma ad angolazione variabilecostituiscono lo stabilizzatore ottico d’immagine incorporato nell’obiettivo 20x, che neutralizza levibrazioni prima che raggiungano il sensore. Lo stabilizzatore è ulteriormente potenziato conSuper Range, che esamina l’immagine anche dopo che è stata ricevuta dal sensore percompensare così i movimenti a bassa frequenza non corretti dal sistema ottico.

Oltre 60 obiettivi

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Canon XL2

XL2 utilizza lo stesso rinomato sistema di innesto XL della XL1s ed è compatibile con tutti gliobiettivi video XL sul mercato. Un adattatore opzionale EF consente di utilizzare la XL2 anchecon gli oltre 60 obiettivi fotografici Canon EF, mantenendo molti automatismi.

Sincronizzazione e connettività

XL2 è dotata di sincronizzazione time code SMPTE per l’uso in abbinamento ad altri registratorio dispositivi video. Rec run aggiunge un codice temporale (time code) continuo al nastro,interrotto solo da Rec start/stop. Free run mantiene lo scorrere del contatore in real timeindipendentemente dall’accensione/spegnimento dell’apparecchio o da Registrazione/Pausa:ideale negli scatti multicamera per l’ultima sincronizzazione di ripresa. L’unità include 2 jackXLR con alimentazione phantom a 48 V per microfoni e offre una registrazione audio a 4 canalicon un adattatore microfonico opzionale. È supportata la registrazione digitale PCM, mentre unjack BNC consente di monitorare l’uscita. La connessione IEEE1394 permette di registraredirettamente su hard disk con il controllo dell’unità via PC.

Mirino

Il mirino della XL2, 2 pollici ad alta risoluzione con 200 k pixel, può essere utilizzato sia comeschermo LCD sia come mirino elettronico tradizionale a traguardo. Il formato 16:9 è visualizzatocome letterbox. Oltre alla regolazione destra/sinistra, la XL2 introduce il movimentoavanti/indietro per un eccellente comfort dell’operatore durante le lunghe riprese.

Modalità di scatto

Sono ben 7 le possibilità di scatto preselezionabili: Full Auto, Auto, Priorità dei tempi, Prioritàdei diaframmi, Manuale, Spotlight e un nuovo Low Light mode. L’otturatore può essere regolatoin 30 passi da 1/6 a 1/16.000 di secondo. Tempi di otturazione e diaframmi possono esserevariati anche durante il blocco dell’esposizione (AE lock) mentre l’esposizione automatica puòessere modificata in 13 passi da +2.0 a –2.0 stop.

Caratteristiche professionali

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Canon XL2

Oltre alle barre colori, può essere registrato su nastro un tono test di riferimento a 1 kHz (-12 dBo –20 dB) come ausilio per la sincronizzazione nei montaggi. Il look professionale e lasensazione di solidità che esprime la XL2, nonostante la sua particolare leggerezza, sonocomprovate dalla robusta e rigida struttura in lega di magnesio che ne costituisce il telaio.

XL2 rappresenta il modello professionale Canon in formato MiniDV, ma dato il prezzocompetitivo, interesserà anche molti appassionati videomaker che potranno così utilizzare unavideocamera che non ha niente da invidiare a modelli ben più costosi e pesanti.

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With an increasing consumer shift towards widescreen TVs that deliver the full width offilm-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.Representing the ratio of the screen width to its height, the 4:3 aspect ratio is that of thecommon TV screen, and is the most commonly used aspect ratio in broadcasting today.The 16:9 aspect ratio is the more common aspect ratio for film-based movies, and produces fullscreen playback on widescreen TVs. 16:9 also is the world standard aspect ratio for HDTV.

By offering a camcorder that is able to be switched between the two aspect ratios, Canon opensthe door for multiple production options with the same camera -- the XL2.Variable frame rates: 60i / 30p / 24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2 both with 1/48th second shutter speed)frame rates are available in the XL2.

The demands being made on the video production community to be able to provide solutionsunder a multitude of different scenarios have been met with the Canon XL2. It delivers 60i, 30p,24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2) frame rates. 60i (interlaced) is the standard video frame rate that has beenin use for decades; it's what you see on your home TV, and is captured by handheld consumercamcorders. Progressive (non-interlaced) scanning mimics a film camera's frame-by-frameimage capture. 30p, or 30-frame progressive, a non-interlaced format, produces video at therate of 30 frames per second, delivering spectacular clarity for high speed subjects. Shooting in30P mode offers video with no interlace artifacts.

The 24p frame rate, for example, is now widely adopted by those planning on transferring thevideo signal to film. But film/videomakers turn to 24p for the "cine" look even if their productionsare not going to be transferred to film, simply because of the "look" of the frame rate. Also justas important as 24p, is the shutter speed of 1/48th per second. This is the standard shutterspeed that movie cameras use. The combination of 24p frame rate and 1/48th perfectly mimic a

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Canon XL2

motion film camera.24p with 2:3 pulldown produces video with the look and motion of film. (24p, used in conjunctionwith a cine gamma curve on the XL2, produces images that have similar tonal characteristics asfilm. This mode is used when the finished video will be shown on television. 24p with 2:3:3:2pulldown, is used when the video is going to be transferred to film. The 2:3:3:2 pulldown allowsto editing software to extract true 24 frames a second.

Customizable Cine Look

With "big name" and not so well known producers turning to digital video for their "films,"increasing emphasis has been placed on delivering the cine look to video. The Canon XL2offers its users the ability to customize their video recordings using a number of variables: colormatrix, gamma, knee, black stretch, vertical detail, coring, sharpness, noise reduction, colorgain, hue, and film grain. Each one of these can be adjusted independently, thereby giving youprecise control over the "film-like" appearance of your video.

Total Image Control

Professional videographers need to have control over the set-up of their camcorder. Fromcomplete 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 the XL2 has the total imagecontrol that professionals need.

XL Mount Interchangeable Lens System

A key feature of the Canon XL-series camcorders (and the only MiniDV format camcorders withthis feature), is the XL mount interchangeable lens system. Unlike other systems, the XL2 offersusers the ability to change lenses, whether from within the XL series of video lenses, third-partycine lenses, or Canon's extensive range of photo lenses. This not only makes the XL2 a farmore versatile camera, it also opens up incredible opportunities for the XL2 user.Within the Canon XL system alone there are four lenses: the new 20x OIS, 16x OIS, 16xManual, and 3x Wide. Then, using an XL system adapter, the entire range of Canon photolenses is available -- a tremendous boon to those producing wildlife and nature documentaries,

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Canon XL2

for example. Other companies also offer a variety of specialty cine lenses that can be used onthe XL2.

Flourite Zoom Lens with Optical Image Stabilization

Canon is known worldwide for its optics -- its broadcast and photo lenses, for example. The new20x Professional L-Series Fluorite optical zoom lens for the XL2 is an outstanding lens, usingfluorite to deliver outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction. In addition, the lensfeatures Canon's superb optical stabilization system. This corrects camera shake instantly and,with its SuperRange feedback system, even catches low-frequency vibrations, refining themovement of the vari-angle prism, delivering the most advanced optical image stabilizationavailable today.

SMPTE time code

The Canon XL2 offers many on-camera enhancements to help capture high-quality footage,including features commonly found on broadcast camcorders. Among these is the placement ofa SMPTE time code on the tape. SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers)time code is a digital signal that assigns a number to every frame of video, representing hours,minutes, seconds, frames, plus some additional information. The SMPTE time code is used toidentify a precise location on a video tape, a mainstay of professional editing allowing all tapeand equipment to work together for precise editing.You can choose Drop, Non-Drop, Rec Run and Free Run modes. Also provided is User bitsettings, allowing the inclusion of reel number or other user data.

The XL2 also generates SMPTE color bars with 1 KHz tone (-12dB and -20dB). SMPTE colorbars with tone are the standard method of setting up video and audio monitors and edit suites.By using industry standard color bars and tone, the XL2 fits in with all production equipment.

Custom Presets

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Canon XL2

Three custom presets are provided on the XL2, and each can be assigned any one of a numberof functions, accessible at the touch of a button, for faster and easier camera operation. Amongthe functions are: color gain, color phase, sharpness, setup level, V detail, color matrix, gamma,knee, black stretch, skin detail (hue, gain, area, Y level).These custom presets can be transferred to another XL2, or to a computer (3rd party softwarerequired), using the IEEE1394 connection.

 

Professional Audio Connections

The Canon XL2 offers in-camera features commonly found on more expensive production andbroadcast camcorders. Among them are professional audio and video connections. The XL2offers 4-channel audio through two built-in XLR connectors with phantom power. These inputsare designed for use with professional microphones. This balanced connection allows for theuse of very long cables without the introduction of outside noise.Condenser microphones need "phantom power," with +48V power going to the microphonealong the same wires that carry the audio signals. The XL2 supplies this through the XLRconnectors.BNC connectors are used in professional and broadcast video applications. These connect atwo-wire coaxial cable using a bayonet mount.

 

Open Architecture Design

You can customize the XL2 to fit your specific application and preferences through a full rangeof accessories. They include optional lenses, viewfinders, mounts and microphone adapters.

Additional Features

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Canon XL2

3CCD Progressive ScanThe XL2 features a 3 CCD system with a separate progressive scan CCD (chargecoupleddevice) for each primary color (red, green and blue). Each CCD contains 680,000 pixels.

Multi-functional Color EVF with 2" LCD MonitorHaving a fully adjustable Viewfinder is critical for getting that perfect shot. The XL2 has an EVFthat is convertible between a standard eyepiece and a 2” high resolution LCD. The image isshown in shown in 4:3 or 16:9 letterbox, depending on the shooting aspect ratio. The overlayinformation that normally disrupts clear viewing of the subject can be completely turned off, anda center crosshair can be turned on to mark the center of the image to help with framing. Unlikeother EVF systems, viewfinder brightness, color, sharpness and contrast can be adjusted to suitindividual shooting taste.

For total shooting comfort, the EVF can be mechanically adjusted left to right and forwards andbackwards.

Two Custom KeysTwo custom keys are available on the XL2, in both camera mode and VCR mode. Thesecustom keys allow you to save your own custom settings so your common shooting modes canbe readily duplicated.

You select options from either the Camera Menu (Index Write, Zebra pattern, VCR stop, TVscreen, Audio 1 in, Audio 2 in, Zoom grip speed, Zoom handle speed) or the VCR Menu (TVscreen, Data code, Audio 1 in, Audio 2 in) and create up to two customized settings for each.

Advanced Accessory ShoeWhen specific accessories compatible with the Advanced Accessory Shoe are attached, theXL2 can exchange data with them and supply power directly to them. These accessoriesinclude the VL-3 video light and DM-50 directional microphone. Also working with the AdvancedAccessory Show is the MA-300 microphone adapter that lets you connect an additional twoprofessional XLR connector microphones to the XL2. Simply slide the optional device into theaccessory shoe; no external power or cables are required.

New Standard Lens

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Canon XL2

The XL2 introduces a new lens to the XL series, a 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite f/1.6 - 3.5optical zoom lens. Canon is known worldwide for its high quality optics, and the new 20x lens isno exception. The lens uses fluorite to deliver outstanding resolution, contrast and colorreproduction.

* Complete Feature List

Main Features20x Optical zoomCanon's 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite lens for the XL2 is the equivalent, in 35mm format,of a 42.3 - 846mm lens when the camera is recording in 16:9 widescreen format. When the 20xProfessional L-Series Fluorite lens for the XL2 is recording video in the TV-standard 4:3 aspectratio, it is the equivalent, in 35mm format, of a 51.8 - 1036mm lens.

Super Range OIS (VAP type)Canon's superb optical stabilization system corrects camera shake instantly so even hand heldshots, at full telephoto, and shots taken from a moving car, are smooth and steady. And since itis optical, there is no loss of image quality inevitable with electronic image stabilizers. It perfectlycomplements the high picture quality of the DV format.

Previously, optical image stabilizers have used a gyro sensor to detect camcorder vibration (thedata from which controls a vari-angle prism that continuously corrects the path of the incominglight). SuperRange goes one step further by examining the image after it is received by theCCD, and detecting any low-frequency vibrations missed by the gyro. This data is fed back toaccelerate and refine the movement of the vari-angle prism. This greatly improves performancefor low frequency vibration, resulting in the most advanced optical image stabilization availabletoday.

f/1.6 - f/3.5Canon's 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite lens features a fast aperture of f/1.6, variable to f/3.5at full telephoto. This maximum aperture of f/1.6 aids in capturing quality video in low lightconditions.

72mm filter threadWith a standard 72mm filter thread, the 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite lens offers the

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Canon XL2

availability of a wide variety of filters from Canon and other suppliers.

Fluorite 'L' series lensCanon has satisfied the demands of experienced image makers for years through the power,design and quality of 35mm and broadcast TV lenses. Canon's Professional L-Series lensesutilize fluorite, a material that provides outstanding resolution, contrast, and color reproduction -especially in lightweight, high-magnification lenses. Incorporated into the XL2's 20x lens, fluoritedelivers the ultimate in clarity and image quality. The fluorite element inside the lens defeatscolor aberration (an effect that causes a reduction in sharpness, contrast and color). The fluoritelens precisely controls components of light providing an excellent balance of these three criticalingredients of picture quality. This is unobtainable with conventional optical glass.

6 blade iris diaphragmA six-blade circular iris is used in the XL2 for professional exposure control. This helps to deliverstunning video and still photos.

2 independent ND filtersThe 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite optical zoom lens includes two neutral density filters tohelp control light -- for example under bright, sunlit conditions, or when less depth of field isdesired. The two built-in filters, 1/6 ND and 1/32 ND, can be used independently.

Electronic focus and zoom ringThe focus ring and the zoom ring are independent controls on the 20x lens. They are servocontrolled and the speed can be changed by the speed of the rotation of the ring. There is alsoa zoom control on the handgrip and one on the top handle.

Zoom preset positionThis function allows memorization of a zoom point, so that the lens can return to that framing bya push of the button. The speed of the zoom can easily be controlled.

Focus preset positionThis function allows memorization of a focus point, so that the lens can return to that focus by apush of the button. A 'pull focus' can easily be accomplished. The speed of the focus can easilybe controlled.

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Canon XL2

Focal Lengths using the XL2Lens

4:3 aspect ratio

16:9 aspect ratio

New 20x Lens51.8 ~ 103642.3 ~ 846

16x OIS52.8 ~ 844.843.1 ~ 689.6

16x Manual52.8 ~ 844.843.1 ~ 689.6

3x Wide32.6 ~ 97.826.6 ~ 79.8

CCD's Aspect Ratios and Shooting Modes3 CCDs, 1/3 inch, gross 680K (each) progressive scan, horizontal pixel shift

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)Building on the superior image quality associated with its industry-leading XL1 and XL1Scamcorders, Canon has made a major step forward with the XL2. The XL2 continues to featurea three CCD (charge-coupled device) system with a separate CCD for each primary color (red,green, blue). But the system now features even higher resolution, delivering outstanding picture

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Canon XL2

quality, highly accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range with virtually no colornoise. The three CCD image sensors are specifically designed to capture as much image detailas possible and for shooting under extremely low light conditions. In super low light, the XL2captures crisp and clear digital data. Under extremely bright conditions, the XL2 greatly reducesvertical white streaks and smears, making it a consummate field recording device for allconditions.With the XL2, a beam-splitting prism separates light passing through the lens into individualcolor components and each is sent to its own CCD. Compared to a single CCD, the three CCDsystem achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for thedemands of high-end video production: wide dynamic range, low color noise, high-contrastdetail, natural color resolution and low-aliasing.

16:9 and 4:3 shooting formatsIn the XL2, Canon offers both the standard 4:3 aspect ratio and the 16:9 widescreen TV aspectratio (the ratio of the screen width to its height). The 4:3 aspect ratio is that of the common TVscreen, and is the most frequently used aspect ratio in broadcasting today. The 16:9 aspectratio is the more common aspect ratio for film-based movies, and produces full screen playbackon widescreen TVs. This aspect ratio is menu selectable on the XL2.

60i, 30p and 24p (NTSC format)The XL2 delivers 60i, 30p and 24p frame rates. 60i is the standard video frame rate used intelevision today, as viewed on your home TV, whether from a broadcast signal, rented DVD orhome camcorder. 30p, or 30-frame progressive, is a non interlaced format, the same asCanon's Frame Movie Mode, producing video at 30 frames per second, delivering spectacularclarity and a cinematic-like appearance. 24p, also non-interlaced, produces video with the lookand motion of film; its capture rate is the same as that of movie film for theatrical viewing.

24p - both 2:3 and 2:3:3:2 with 1/48th second shutter speedBoth variations of the 24p frame rate -- 24p, 2:3 and 24p, 2:3:3:2 -- are supported by the XL2.The 2:3 pulldown is the conversion method to convert 24p to 60i so that video shot in either 24pframe rates can be viewed on a television. The 2:3:3:2 pull down is used when the footage is tobe transferred to movie film.

Customizable Cine LookGamma (Video/Cine)Gamma controls the general brightness (luminance) of the picture and the contrast of thepicture. Adjusting gamma allows you to control the way the camera reproduces various tones.

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Canon XL2

Video shot on the XL2 can be gamma corrected to allow for the final usage of the video -- whereit will be shown. The display medium can distort the brightness, therefore if the gamma iscorrected for the display medium when the video is shot, the display will show the correctbrightness level. By switching to the Cine curve, the tonal qualities of the images produced haveshading and coloration similar to that of film.

Color Matrix (Video/Cine)The XL2's Color Matrix function manages the hue and saturation of the video to reproduce themost accurate color. The color matrix defines the camera's color output; the matrix lets youdefine the amount of primary and secondary colors that are produced. The primary colors arered, green and blue, with the secondary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) made from thecombinations of two primary colors. With the XL2's Color Matrix, you can change from a videoto a cine "look" for the end product.

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 emphasizecontrast 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 removesfine detail information that is not a major contributor to the picture detail but which adds noise tothe image. You can adjust just how much detail information is removed - just enough coring toreduce picture noise, but not enough to hurt the detail in the image.

Sharpness (-6 to +6)

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Canon XL2

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 hideimperfections during close-ups, for example. Increasing video sharpness can increase the videonoise slightly.

Noise Reduction (OFF/H/N/L)Noise Reduction removes video noise -- non-picture artifacts such as those commonly found inlow-light images -- without hurting image detail or creating motion artifacts. This is important fortwo reasons. The first is that we have become used to viewing high quality video. The second isthat 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 allowsyou to shoot in black and white.

Color Phase (-6 to +6)Adjust the Color Phase towards red or green for exact control.

Film Grain (one setting)The XL2 has one setting to add 'film grain' to the image. This simulates the effect of shooting onfilm.

Total Image ControlMaster 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 bluecomponents 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) theblack level is set for 7.5 IRE, in Japan (NTSC) the black level is set at 0 IRE, for PAL andSECAM systems the black level is set for 0 IRE. Professional cameras use 3 IRE for the blacklevel. The XL2 has a 13 step adjustment, with the default mid level being 3 IRE.

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Canon XL2

Master Pedestal (-6 to +6)The Master Pedal controls the starting point of the gamma curve. This will change the darkareas of the picture.

Skin Tone DetailHue, gain, area, Y level (+/- 6 steps). During setup EVF shows a zebra pattern over maskingarea flashes between picture and white-mask. During setup EE and IEE1394 out flashesbetween picture and zebra pattern, enabling you to easily smooth out skin blemishes andwrinkles 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 ShiftWith the XL2, you may want to make slight adjustments to the image brightness to compensatefor backlighting or for scenes that are being rendered slightly overexposed. When in Auto, Tv orAv Modes, you can engage AE Shift in the camera menu, then turn the menu dial to add orsubtract a bit of exposure. There are 13 steps available for creative control.

AE LockYou can hold the exposure at a particular setting by engaging AE Lock on the XL2. Thisprevents unplanned exposure changes with a moving subject, for instance.White Balance (Indoor, Outdoor presets and 3 user settings) The XL2 uses an electronic whitebalance 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 fullyautomated 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, theXL2 lets you set the white balance manually by selecting manual select, then pointing thecamera at a white object (such as a sheet of paper) that fills the field of view. The XL2 gives youthe option of setting and saving as many as three white balance presets that can be reused fornon-sequential shooting. Manual white balance works best for dominant color or monochromatic

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Canon XL2

scenes and close-ups, in rapidly changing lighting conditions and in places lit by certainfluorescent or mercury vapor lights. White balancing should be performed prior to any recording.

Shutter SpeedsIn 60i and 30p modes there are 30 shutter speeds as well as clear scan shutter speeds. In 24pthere are 29 shutter speeds including 1/48th second and clear scan shutter speeds.

Aperture ControlThere are 23 aperture settings available with the 20x lens. This setting can be adjusted in 1/4steps.

Zebra Patterns (100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%)Zebra stripes, displayed in the viewfinder but not recorded, can be made to appear over anyarea that is overexposed. This black and white zebra stripe feature is activated via the camera'smenu. Use this feature to guide the adjustment of the aperture and shutter speed. The zebrapattern settings that are available in the XL2 are: 80 IRE, 85 IRE, 90 IRE, 95 IRE, and 100 IRE.

Clear ScanThe Clear Scan feature allows you to record a computer CRT screen or similar equipmentwithout displaying a black band or flicker on the screen. The XL2 can adjust shutter speedsfrom 61.9 Hz to 201.5 Hz in 117 steps, allowing you to perfectly match the CRT's scan rate.

Interval TimerBy selecting the Interval Timer on the XL2, the camera can be programmed to record at variousintervals 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.

Audio4 channel independent controlsCanon knows that audio is crucial to professional productions, and the XL2 provides the higheststandards in audio capture available on a digital video system with a 16-bit, 2-channel recordingoption. The XL2 also has two additional 12-bit recording channels allowing simultaneousrecording on four channels. Audio levels can be controlled manually to further extend sound

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Canon XL2

quality as it is recorded.Controlling audio levels is essential for real-time event capture and the XL2 permits bothautomatic and manual audio recording. Manual control allows for setting balance and level

2 XLRs on bodyThe XL2 has two built-in XLR connectors on the camera body. XLR connections are used inprofessional and high-end audio equipment. This balanced connection allows for the use of verylong cables without the introduction of outside noise.

Phantom power on body XLRsCondenser microphones need "phantom power," with the voltage going to the mic along thesame wires that carry the audio signals. The XLR connectors on the XL2 provide phantompower.

2 other channels through MA-300For more creative control, Canon offers the optional MA-300 microphone adapter, which easilyconnects to the XL2's Advanced Accessory Shoe and powers without wires. The MA-300 letsyou connect two professional XLR connector microphones in addition to the two connections onthe camera body.

MicrophoneThe XL2 uses a high quality stereo electric condenser microphone.

All audio setup by switches under audio doorInput selection and attenuation

XLR gain up adjustmentThis feature is available through the menu system

VU meters: side body and EVF

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Canon XL2

Headphone plugMetal construction with level control.

1kHz tone (with color bars) -12dB and -20dB levelsThe XL2 internally generates a 1kHz tone along with the color bars. This provides a stable,unvarying audio signal that can be placed on the video, aiding setup of audio equipment. Twolevels are available for setting the master audio level on the camera.

Zoom ControlZoom rocker (23 degrees/ one side, manual control - 16 speeds)

Zoom speed control behind rocker handle.

Custom Presets3 memories In addition to creating custom settings for camera and VCR mode using the customkeys, you also can establish three presets for several camera adjustments, including gamma,sharpness and skin detail. Once you have established a look to your video, you can save theinformation. On top of that, you can transfer this information to another XL2 or to your computervia the IEEE1394 connection. - Store: color gain, color phase, sharpness, setup level, V detail,color matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch, skin detail (hue, gain, area, Y level) Each of the threememory presets on the XL2 allows you to store several camera adjustments: color gain, colorphase, sharpness, setup level, V detail, color matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch, skin detail(hue, gain, area, Y level).

Internal and External Store / RecallThe three memory presets can be saved in-camera or externally -- in a PC or another XL2 --and recalled.

Copy Custom Preset from another XL2 through IEEE1394A custom preset saved on another XL2 can be transferred via the IEEE1394 connector.

Store / Copy from a PC through IEEE1394 (3rd party software needed)

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Canon XL2

A custom preset saved on the XL2 can be stored in a PC, sent there via IEEE1394 connection.The same connection allows a preset stored on the computer to be copied to the XL2.

SMPTE featuresSMPTE color bars with 1 kHz tone (-20dB and -12dB)Color Bars are an electronically generated video pattern consisting of eight equal-width colors,used to establish a proper color reference before recording and playback and for adjustmentpurposes. Using a lead-in of color bars for 10-60 seconds has become a de facto standard inprofessional film and video circles. The color bars also can be used during shooting to allow theadjustment of reference monitors. The XL2 can generate color bars on tape prior to shooting;this allows for fast hand-off to the professional broadcast and/or film post-productionenvironment.The XL2 internally generates a 1kHz tone along with the color bars. This provides a stable,unvarying audio signal that can be placed on the video, aiding in the set-up of audio equipment.

More Features

Zebra pattern(5 levels: 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%)Zebra stripes, displayed in the viewfinder but not recorded, can be made to appear over anyarea that is overexposed. The black and white zebra stripe feature is activated via the camera'smenu.Use this feature to guide the adjustment of the aperture and shutter speed. The zebra patternsettings that are available in the XL2 are: 80 IRE, 85 IRE, 90 IRE, 95 IRE, and 100 IRE.

BNC/RCA/s-video terminalsWith the XL2, Canon has added a BNC connector to the RCA connections and the S-videoconnection found on the XL1 and XL1S. The bayonet mount BNC connector is used inprofessional and broadcast video applications.

AAS (advanced accessory shoe)VL3, MA300, VFL-1 (light only), DM-50. When accessories such as the VL-3 video light, DM-50directional microphone, or the optional MA-300 microphone adapter -- devices that arecompatible with the Advanced Accessory Shoe -- are attached, the XL2 can exchange data withthem and supply power directly to them.

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Canon XL2

LANC terminalThe LANC (Local Application Control Bus System) is a remote terminal that allows you toconnect the camera to LANC-compatible editing equipment.

DV StreamingNot only can you capture high quality video with the XL2, you can stream it over the Internet.With streaming video, the content is compressed and encoded to make the file size smaller andmore quickly transmitted. This lets the video be played as it is being received.

World Clock

Built-in shoulder padTo make use of the XL2 easier, there's a built-in shoulder pad. This makes extended use of thecamera less physically demanding.

Dust gasket on tape doorTo offer further protection to the tape, tape handling mechanism, and other internalcomponents, the XL2 has a dust gasket on the tape door.

Wireless remote controllerThe wireless controller supplied with the XL2 can operate the camera from a distance of up to16 feet (5 m). Point it at either of the camera's remote sensors while you press the buttons.(Remote sensors are located at both the front and the back of the camera.) The tally lamps lightup to indicate the camera is in range and responding to remote control commands. Other thanthe standard on-camera functions, there are four functions that only can be operated using thewireless controller: Special playback, Data Code on/off, Self-timer. The remote sensor on theXL2 can be turned off to prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being usednearby.

EVF-Color EVF / 2 LCD convertible

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Canon XL2

-Right / left adjustment

-Before / aft adjustment

-Brightness, color, sharpness and contrast adjustments

-EVF LCD indicators: rec/shutter/gain

-Center cross hair (on/off)

-16:9 shown as letter box

-EVF display (all, some, OFF - same as XL1S)

-Body compatible with FU-100 B/W EVF (not with current color EVF)

Software - DVPC Recorder - only available to XL Owner's Club membersRecord directly to PC (XP only) -single file or individual scenes in different files

Compatible with any major editing programs -AVI-Type1 / AVI-Type2 file formatPower

Standby modes (VCR Power Same)The XL2 has been designed to consume as little power as possible and comes with powersaving features such as auto off features (activated after about 5 minutes of inactivity) to furtherextend battery power for field and remote work.

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Canon XL2

 

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