Canon XF100/XF105

The XF100 and XF105 are tapeless camcorders released in January 2011.

The two camcorders are the same, except the XF105 has a Genlock, Timecode, and HD/SD-SDI terminals. The units record to Compact flash cards(2 slots), which can be changed while recording. The XF100 and XF105 feature two XLR inputs and one 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack for recording audio. The video is recorded to the MXF file format.

Canon XL-1/XL-1s

XL-1s resting on hard carrying case.

The Canon XL-1 is a three-CCD standard-definition camcorder made from 1997 to 2001. The camera was designed for the prosumer market, and was very popular with independent filmmakers. The XL-1 was the follow-up camera to the GL-1, and it adds new features such as a more powerful 3CCD system. The successor to the XL-1s is the Canon XL-2. The XL-1 and XL-1s have many features of a high-end camera such as interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, and XLR inputs. Many features of the XL-1s were carried over into the Canon GL-2 and XL-2.

The Canon XL-1 and the XL-1s were designed to be very customizable. The camera's features include:

• 4:3, and electronic 16:9 (non-native) anamorphic aspect ratios.
• 60i, as well as "Frame" 30p picture modes.
• Optical Image Stabilization with the included 16X L ISII lens.
• ND Filter

The feature-length film 28 Days Later was partly shot using an XL-1.^[1]

The camera was also used by the character Freddy Benson on the TV show iCarly, to shoot the in-universe webshow.

Canon XL-2

Canon XL2 with some peripheral attachments, including wireless microphones and external monitor

The Canon XL-2, released in 2004, is Canon's prosumer 3CCD standard-definition camcorder. The XL-2 is the big brother to the GL family and the successor of the similar looking Canon XL-1s. It is succeeded by the Canon XL-H1 with a similar 20x lens and similar design, but in black.

The Canon XL-2 was designed to be very customizable, along with an array of pro-grade features. Some of these include:

• 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios
• 60i, 24p, and 30p frame rates
  • with selectable 2:3 or 2:3:3:2 pulldown in 24p mode
• 4-channel audio
• Optical Image Stabilization with the included 20X L IS lens
• Control of gamma, knee, and much more to get the desired picture
• Open architecture Design
• Interchangeable lenses, one of the most popular lenses is the 3x zoom wide angle lens often used for short films as it has a low price.

The camera also has 2 XLR inputs in the back, as well as the capability to add 2 more with an adapter that plugs into the accessory shoe. This makes it useful for use with wireless microphones or other audio sources. The XL2 records to a miniDV tape and can export to a computer via a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port. The XL2 is one of only a few cameras that can record to all 4 miniDV audio tracks simultaneously.

Canon XL H1

The Canon XL-H1 HDV camera, with a few accessories.

The Canon XL H1 is Canon's first HDV camcorder with interchangeable lenses. It is the successor to the Canon XL-2. It can shoot in the HDV standard resolution of 1440×1080 pixels and has 3 native interlaced 1440×1080 CCDs (The photosites are 1.33:1 aspect ratio, allowing for a full 16:9 frame) where Sony's HVR-V1U has 960×1080 diagonal photosites, and Panasonic's AG-HVX200 pixel shifted 960×540 (goes to 1280×1080 but theoretically with pixel shift, has a resolution of 1440×810).

The camera can also shoot in standard definition in either 16:9 or 4:3. It has an HD-SDI uncompressed output. There's also component uncompressed HD output.

Canon XH-A1(s)/XH-G1(s)

Canon XH A1

The XH A1 and the XH G1 are professional handheld HDV camcorders manufactured by Canon. The form factor of the cameras is a close successor to the Canon GL2, with the newer HDV models being slightly larger and heavier. The cameras are marketed towards independent and documentary filmmakers, and for broadcasters and journalists for electronic news gathering.

Both cameras share the same basic design and body, though the XH G1 is geared towards professional multi-camera production and includes connections for HD-SDI/SD-SDI Out, genlock, and time code. The cameras were originally released in 2006, the updated versions XH-A1s and XH G1s came out in December 2008.

The Canon XH A1 has been used in a variety of applications in broadcast, on-line, and theatrical productions. Use of the camera in professional applications includes the Chicago Tribune's on-line videos,^[2] and the camera was used for the production of the motion picture Crank: High Voltage.^[3]

Technical details

The XH A1 with a typical ENG setup

The camera is capable of shooting and recording with either 60 Hz or 50 Hz scanning rates. The default rate depends on the region where the camera is sold, but the camcorder can be made 50 Hz / 60 Hz switchable for additional fee.^[4] Video is recorded to MiniDV cassettes with a maximum record time of 80 minutes. CCDs are the image sensor technology used in the camera with a resolution of 1440 × 1080 in high definition Mode. When recording in standard definition in a 4:3 aspect ratio an area of 1080 × 1080 pixels is used on the sensor, and the entire 1440 × 1080 sensor is used for 16:9 standard definition recording.^[5]

The XH-A1 showing a professional shotgun microphone and XLR audio

Customizations to the image on the camera include gamma, knee, black levels, color gain, and sharpness settings. These settings allow the operator to develop a look for the production within the camera.

Shooting modes of both HDV and DV include 60i, 30F, and 24F for a 60 Hz version. 50 Hz version offers recording modes of 50i and 25F. Vertical resolution of the progressive video shot in "F" mode is about 25% lower than theoretically possible, because it is generated from interlaced CCD sensors by using row-pair summation but is still higher than the resolution of a single field.^[6]

Tapes, recorded in HDV "F" mode are compatible with Native Progressive Recording mode offered on some Sony camcorders. A progressive video output is available via a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port. 1080i or 480i component video is via a D3 connector more commonly seen on Japanese consumer electronics. To preserve compatibility with existing interlaced equipment, 480i composite video is always available via either a BNC connector, or a 3.5mm TRS connector. Video shot in DV "F" mode is recorded to tape in interlaced format.

Optics

The XH A1 lens with its three control rings visible

The built-in lens has a focal length of 4.5 mm - 90 mm (equivalent to 32.5 mm - 650 mm for 35 mm), with a maximum f/stop of f/1.6. Canon also includes its image stabilization technology on the camera, the same technology used in many of their Single-lens reflex camera lenses. The lens body has three rings affecting focus, zoom and aperture; however, these rings do not manually drive the lens. Instead, sensors measure the movement of the rings and electronically drive the lens through built-in motors allowing for smoother operation and more feedback telling the user exactly what focal range, aperture f-number and zoom number the lens is set to. The lens thread supports 72 mm filters and adapters such as fisheye and wide-angle lenses. Modern devices such as the Letus35 also allow for 35 mm lenses to be attached providing a very shallow depth of field and create a more "film" like feel which is often desired by many amateur film makers and allows for even greater operational flexibility of the XH A1.

Audio

Canon XH A1 showing two channels of XLR audio with a number of features operated with switches.

The XH A1 provides two channels of audio through the built-in microphone or via external XLR audio. In HDV mode the camera can record two 16-bit channels at a rate of 192 kbit/s and 1.5 Mbit/s in DV mode.

The official web site states that (HDV standard):
HDV: 2-channel recording MPEG1 Audio Layer II: (bit rate 384 kbit/s)
In SD mode:
DV: 2-channel recording PCM digital recording: 16 bits (48 kHz), 12 bits (32 kHz, 12 bits selectable).
XH-A1s improves audio connections and addressing flaws from the original XH-A1.

Canon XM2/GL2

The GL2 has fewer features than the GL1 but is much more portable.

Canon XM2/GL2 is a PAL or NTSC Mini DV camcorder, the successor to the Canon XM1/GL1.

Canon DV 012/Optura 100 MC

Optura 100 MC

Canon DV 012 is a single CCD Mini DV camcorder. It was sold in North America under the name Optura 100 MC.

Still images may be recorded onto an SD flash memory card with an image resolution of either 1280×960 or 640×480 and an image quality of either fine or standard.

When held in the hands, the Canon DV 012 is a sturdy camcorder that imparts a heavy feeling of ruggedness. It was replaced by the Optura 200 MC, which has a nearly identical exterior appearance.

• Canon MVX250i (known in North America as the Canon Elura 70)

Canon MV500

The Canon MV500 is a MiniDV camcorder. It features a 18× optical zoom and a 360× digital zoom.^[8]

Canon MV600

The Canon MV600 is a MiniDV camcorder. It features a 18× optical zoom and a 360× digital zoom.^[9]

Canon MV630i

The Canon MV630i is a MiniDV camcorder. It features a 20× optical zoom and a 400× digital zoom.^[10]

Canon MV900

The Canon MV900 is a MiniDV camcorder. It features a 25× optical zoom and an 800/100× digital zoom. Like the MV500 series, it has an analog S-video socket but lacks digital FireWire/DV connectivity.^[11]

Canon MVX100i

Canon MVX100i

The Canon MVX100i is a MiniDV camcorder. It features a 16× optical zoom and a 320× digital zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and a manual focus feature. It also features manual adjustment for brightness, audio volume, exposure, white balance and has several built-in digital effects, including nine fades and nine video effects. The MVX100i also has the ability to take still pictures that can be saved to an SD memory card and can record video in long and short play. The audio system is a PCM digital stereo and can capture in 16 or 12 bits. The terminal features sockets for headphones, external microphones, analogue-in, direct print, AV and S-video, and the video is captured to a computer via either FireWire or USB. It has an accessory shoe on the top and takes a Li-ion battery. It weighs 620 grams.^[12]

Canon MVX250i

The MVX250i (as it is known in Europe), or the Elura 70 (as it is known in North America), is a digital video camera manufactured under the Canon brand. One of its features is an optional aspect ratio of 16:9.^[13]

Canon L1/L2

The Canon L1, LX-1 (in Japan), or EX1Hi (in Europe), is a consumer Hi-8 video camcorder released in March 1991. The L1 was the first camcorder in the world with interchangable lenses, it uses the Canon VL mount system.^[14]

The Canon L2, LX-1T (in Japan), or EX2Hi (in Europe), is the successor to the L1, but is nearly identical in all but a few features such as the addition of time codes and shuttle-ring-equipped remote control.^[15]

Canon HV10

The Canon HV10 is a consumer high definition video (HDV) camcorder released in September 2006.

The HV10 features both HDV and DV recording. DV can be recorded in both 4:3 and 16:9 formats. In Europe, the camcorder is called the HV10E and features PAL DV recording in addition to HDV 1080i50 mode. The HV10 does 1080i60 and NTSC. It can capture video at the full 1920 × 1080 interlaced resolution, however the horizontal resolution is reduced when it is stored to tape in the HDV standard of 1440 × 1080 resolution.

Canon HV20

Canon HV20 camcoder

The Canon HV20 is an HDV camcorder. Announced January 30, 2007, it is the first consumer-grade camcorder to shoot 1080p24.^[16] Consequently, it has become popular with low-budget film/video makers. It is the successor to the HV10, which was Canon's first consumer HDV camcorder.

The NTSC-region camera shoots at 24p which gives a film-like look in PF24 mode, using 2:3 pulldown in a 60i stream. In PAL regions, it can record in native 25p mode and as such does not require the same pull-down removal techniques that the NTSC edition does. The camera is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats, on MiniDV, though it's unable to record 24p in the DV format.

The camera uses a 1/2.7" CMOS sensor, which is shared with other consumer high definition cameras manufactured by Canon, such as the HV10, HR10 and HG10. The replacement for the HV20, the HV30, was released in March 2008, soon followed by the HV40.

Canon HV30

Canon HV30 camcorder

The Canon HV30 is an HDV camcorder. It was announced in January 2008 and went on sale in March 2008. In the NTSC version, it is the first consumer-grade camcorder to shoot 1080p30 video in addition to PF24 24fps mode that was pioneered by its predecessor, the HV20. The HV30 has since been replaced by the 2009 model, the HV40.

The NTSC-region camera shoots in three modes: the standard 60i interlaced video, 24p film-like video with 2:3 pulldown, and 30p PsF-style video. In PAL regions, it can record in 25p mode, which is also recorded to tape in PsF fashion. The PAL version does not record 30p or 24p. The camera is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats, onto MiniDV tape, though it's unable to record 24p in the DV format.

The camera uses a 1/2.7" CMOS sensor, which is shared with other consumer high definition cameras manufactured by Canon, such as the HV10, HV20, HV40, HR10, HG10, and DC50.

Canon HV40

The Canon HV40 is an HDV camcorder. It was announced in January 2009.^[17]

The NTSC version supports native 24p in addition to 24p-over-60i. The latter was the only 24 FPS format available on the HV20 and HV30.

Canon HG10

Canon HG10

The Canon HG10 is Canon's first AVCHD codec high definition, hard disk drive camcorder and also the first hard disk drive camera from the company. Its hardware is similar to the popular HV20. The 1/2.7" bayer pattern CMOS sensor in the camera is manufactured by Canon and is used in other Canon cameras such as the Canon HV10, Canon HV20, Canon HV30 and Canon HR10. The size of the hard disk drive is 40 GB. One of the key features of the 60 Hz-market models is its ability to capture 24frame/s progressive video in the PF24 mode which is recorded as 60frame/s interlaced video to the hard disk drive by use of a 2:3 pulldown.

HR Series

• Canon HR10

HG Series

• Canon HG10
• Canon HG11
• Canon HG20
• Canon HG21

HF Series

• Canon HF11
• Canon HF20
• Canon HF100

Canon VIXIA HF100 camcorder

The VIXIA HF100 and VIXIA HF10^[18] are tapeless camcorders unveiled in January 2008 and put on sale in April 2008. Fifteen VIXIA HF10 units were used as crash-cams during the filming of Crank: High Voltage. The camcorders record high definition AVCHD video onto an SD card. It has no viewfinder and no focus ring. Video can be recorded in four quality settings: FXP (1920 × 1080, 17 Mbit/s), XP+ (1440 × 1080, 12 Mbit/s), SP (1440 × 1080, 7 Mbit/s), and LP (1440 × 1080, 5 Mbit/s). A SDHC card with the capacity of 16GB can hold up to 2 hours of video recorded at highest quality setting.

When recording to a memory card, the recording time depends only on capacity of the card. The HF100 uses full-size SDHC memory cards. One 4GB card can fit roughly 30 minutes of video at highest quality setting (FXP). A Class 4 or higher card is required to be able to record in FXP mode. In earlier versions of the firmware, Class 10 cards could not be used to record in FXP mode. Firmware version 1.0.3.0 released in July 2011 enabled support for Class 10 cards.

The VIXIA HF10 has 16GB of internal memory, complementing the same full-size SD memory card slot as the HF100.

The distinguishing features of this camcorder include:

• External microphone jack
• Headphone jack
• Mini Advanced Shoe (proprietary)
• Threaded lens barrel for attachments (37mm)

HF R series

Canon HF R5xx, R6xx, and R7xx are practically identical camcorders despite being numbered successively. The only major difference is the size of the included internal flash memory. These are the consumer entry level models. LANC jack is only available using the RA-V1 advanced mini shoe adapter. 37mm filter ring. The name "VIXIA" is used for the NTSC models (as listed below) and "LEGRIA" for the PAL models which are, in other respects, virtually identical.

• Canon VIXIA HF R100/R10/R11^[19] Introduced 2008
• Canon VIXIA HF R200/R20/R21^[20] Introduced 2009
• Canon VIXIA HF R300/R30/R32^[21] Introduced 2010
• Canon VIXIA HF R400/R40/R42^[22] Introduced 2012
• Canon VIXIA HF R500/R50/R52^[23] Introduced 2013
• Canon VIXIA HF R600/R60/R62^[24] Introduced 2015
• Canon VIXIA HF R700/R70/R72^[25] Introduced 2016
• Canon VIXIA HF R800/R80/R82^[26] Introduced 2017 (MP4 only)

HF M series

Similar to R series except it has more features. 1/4" CMOS sensor with 3.8 megapixels. LANC jack is only available using the RA-V1 advanced mini shoe adapter. 37 mm filter ring. Introduced 2010 as an upgrade to the HF R series. Discontinued around 2015 (product simplification). Frame rates consisting of 60i, PF30, PF24.

Last models (HF M50/500/52) featured 1/3" CMOS Pro sensor, same as in HF G20 and XA10.

• HF M30 - 8 gig built-in memory, + SDHC slot (Introduced 2010)
• HF M300 - SDHC slot, silver body
• HF M301 - SDHC slot, black body
• HF M31 - 32 gig built-in memory, + SDHC slot
• HF M32 - 64 gig built-in memory, + SDHC/SDXC slot
• HF M40 - 16 gig built-in memory, + SDHC/SDXC slot (Introduced 2011)
• HF M400 - SDHC/SDXC slot
• HF M41 - 32 gig built-in memory, + SDHC/SDXC slot
• HF M50 - 8 gig built-in memory, + SDHC/SDXC slot (Introduced 2012)
• HF M500 - SDHC/SDXC slot
• HF M52 - 32 gig built-in memory, + SDHC/SDXC slot

^[27]

HF S series

Canon HF S10

Marketed as a "prosumer" camera, some have a built-in LANC jack. 58mm filter ring. Discontinued around 2012 and merged with the HF G series. Sensor is 1/2.6" CMOS 8.5 megapixels.

• HF S10 - 32 gig built-in memory + single SDHC slot (Introduced 2009)
• HF S100 - No built-in memory + single SDHC slot
• HF S11 - 64 gig built-in memory + single SDHC slot
• HF S20 - 32 gig built-in memory + dual SDHC slot, built-in LANC (Introduced 2010)
• HF S200 - No built-in memory + dual SDHC slot, built-in LANC
• HF S21 - 64 gig built-in memory + dual SDHC slot, built-in LANC
• HF S30 - 32 gig built-in memory + dual SDHC/SDXC slot, built-in LANC (Introduced 2011)

^[28]

HF G series

Marketed as a better "prosumer" camera with improved optics and sensor to replace HF S series. They have a dual SDHC/SDXC slot, 58mm filter ring, LANC remote jack, clean HDMI output and improved low light performance. The G30 and later dropped the internal 32GB memory and added MP4 support.

• HF G10 (2011, 1/3" 2.37 Megapixel sensor, 10x zoom) (XA10 adds top handle)
• HF G20 (2012, 1/3" 2.37 Megapixel sensor, 10x zoom)
• HF G25 (2013, PAL version of HF G20)
• HF G30 (2013, 1/2.84" 3.09 Megapixel sensor, 20x zoom) (XA20 adds top handle, XA25 also HD-SDI)
• HF G40 (2016, 1/2.84" 3.09 Megapixel sensor, 20x zoom) (XA30 adds top handle, XA35 also HD-SDI)
• HF G21 (2017, 1/2.84" 3.09 Megapixel sensor, 20x zoom) (XA11 adds top handle, XA15 also HD-SDI)
• HF G26 (2018, PAL version of HF G21)
• HF G50 (2019, 1/2.3" 21.14 Megapixel sensor, 20x zoom, 4K) (XA40 adds top handle, XA45 also HD-SDI)
• HF G60 (2019, 1" 8.29 Megapixel sensor, 15x zoom, 4K) (XA50 adds top handle, XA55 also HD-SDI)
• HF G70 (2022, 1/2.3" 21.14 Megapixel sensor, 20x zoom, 4K) (XA60 adds top handle, XA65 also HD-SDI)
• GX10 (2017, 1” 8.29 Megapixel sensor, 15x zoom, 4K) (XF400 adds top handle, XF405 also HD-SDI)

FS Series

Convenient, well-designed camcorders that look pricier than they are, models in the Canon FS series...deliver typical budget video in line with their budget price tags.^[29]

• Canon FS10
• Canon FS11
• Canon FS100
• Canon FS200
• Canon FS300
• Canon FS400

DC Series

Camcorders designed to record to DVD as a storage device.

• Canon DC310
• Canon DC320
• Canon DC330

ZR Series

Canon ZR850

Compact Mini-DV camcorders that have a hefty price tag (First Canon ZR was 198,000 yen approx. USD$1900)^[30]

• Canon ZR
• Canon ZR10
• Canon ZR20
• Canon ZR25MC
• Canon ZR30MC
• Canon ZR45MC
• Canon ZR50MC
• Canon ZR60
• Canon ZR65MC
• Canon ZR70
• Canon ZR75
• Canon ZR80
• Canon ZR85
• Canon ZR90
• Canon ZR100
• Canon ZR200/ZR300
• Canon ZR400
• Canon ZR500
• Canon ZR600
• Canon ZR800
• Canon ZR830
• Canon ZR850
• Canon ZR900
• Canon ZR930
• Canon ZR950
• Canon ZR960—Canon's last consumer-grade MiniDV camera, introduced in 2009 and still in production as of January 2011