The Watchdog’s Skinny
on the Canon XL2

What is the XL2?
Exploration of New Features
Price and Availability
XL2 Specifications
XL2 Brochure
New 20x L IS Lens
Some XL2 Images
First User Reviews
Plans for the Watchdog

What is the XL2?

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. Canon has changed or added many features in order to meet market demand (with first priority given to its existing user base of XL1 and XL1S owners) and to incorporate new digital video technologies. The XL2 may be considered as an entirely new camcorder which retains strong roots to its predecessors, both the original XL1 design of late 1997 and the upgraded XL1S of 2001.

In short, the XL2 is a standard definition DV camcorder which records DV-format digital video on an industry standard Mini-DV cassette. It has selectable shooting aspect ratios and frame rates, including native 16:9 widescreen and standard 4:3 ratios; two 24p frame rates; and 30p and 60i frame rates. Its three image sensors are one-third inch true progressive scan CCD’s with 460,800 effective pixels per chip (in native 16:9 mode). The XL2 retains the XL lens mount and is compatible with all existing XL lenses. The standard XL2 kit is packaged with a new 20x automatic lens containing Flourite optical elements and Optical Image Stabilization, two Neutral Density filters, focus and zoom presets and selectable focus speeds. There are 16 discrete zoom speeds and a switchable zoom controller built in to the XL2 body grip handle. The standard XL2 kit includes a new multi-function color LCD viewfinder, which may be flipped open for ease of display, or closed to use as an eyecup. The XL2 features two built-in balanced XLR audio inputs with phantom power. An accessory mounting bracket is included with the standard kit. A shoulder pad is built in. A large, professional tripod mounting plate adapter is optionally available.

Internally, the XL2 boasts an amazingly comprehensive set of user-definable image adjustments, which Canon has branded as Total Image Control. Customizable “Cine” looks are included, and it’s even possible to get down to the CCD level and finitely alter the amount of Red, Green and Blue output. Combinations of a wide variety of adjustments may be saved in the camera as one of three Custom Presets. These settings may be loaded to another XL2 via FireWire transfer, and there are software options (some available now, some will come later) which integrate the XL2 with a portable laptop computer for image recording and other functions.

Brief Exploration of New Features

This is not a complete list by any means; it’s just a few bullet points covering the most important aspects of the Canon XL2.

• Native 16:9 CCD Block — the 1/3^rd inch CCD block in the XL2 features true progressive scan and native 16:9. For more info, see the Watchdog article XL2 CCD Block Overview.
• Selectable Aspect Ratios and Frame Rates — via external switches, the XL2 can shoot in native 16:9 or standard 4:3 aspect ratios, at frame rates of 60i, 30p and 24p with 2:3 pulldown or 24p with 2:3:3:2 pulldown. Shutter speeds of 1/24th sec. and 1/48th sec. are available in both 24p modes.
• 20x L IS Automatic Lens — with Optical Image Stabilization, Flourite elements, two Neutral Density filters, focus and zoom presets and selectable focus speeds.
• Multi-function Color LCD Viewfinder — the diopter may be flipped up, exposing the 2″ LCD display for easier viewing, or left in place for traditional shooting through the eyecup; the EVF assembly can be shifted along a left-right axis and forward-back axis for the most comfortable shooting position.
• Balanced XLR Audio — two built-in jacks may be used for input or output, with or without on-board phantom power; two more XLR jacks may be added via the MA-300 XLR audio adapter.
• Advanced Accessory Shoe — allows use of certain Canon accessories such as the VL-3 onboard three-watt eye light or the MA-300 XLR audio adapter.
• Accessory Mounting Bracket — removeable; allows the attachment of various shooting accessories such as an onboard hard-disk recorder; wireless mic receiver, dual battery holder and other similar items.
• Integrated Shoulder Support — should not interfere with other commercially available third-party shoulder supports.
• SMPTE Time Code and Tone — standard SMPTE color bars, choice of two settings for the audio 1kHz tone, choice of time codes as drop frame, non-drop frame, rec run, free run, and user bit settings.
• Customizable Cine Looks — variable adjustment of Color Matrix, Gamma, Knee, Vertical Detail, Coring, Black Stretch, Color Gain, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Film Grain and Hue.
• Total Image Control — composed of user-selectable Master RGB, Setup Level, Master Pedestal, Skin Tone Detail, Clear Scan, Zebra Pattern, Intervalometer, AE Shift / Lock, White Balance, Shutter Speeds, Gain and Aperture Control.
• External Control — a program mode which allows, among other things, the transfer of user-defined Custom Presets from one XL2 to another.
• Three Custom Presets — specific image control configurations may be stored in the XL2’s internal memory and recalled at the touch of a button; these settings are transferable from one camera to another over FireWire through the External Control program mode.
• DV-PC Recorder Software — a free utility running on Windows XP which allows direct recording from an XL2 to a computer’s hard disk via FireWire in MicroSoft AVI Type I or Type II formats.
• Software Developer’s Kit — has potential for a variety of remote camera menu access and camera control options via FireWire; availability to be determined on a case-by-case basis from Canon USA.

Price and Availability

I can’t speak for Europe or anywhere else in the world, but within the U.S. market, the official word from Canon USA is August 2004 for the XL2 kit, complete with body and lens. The MSRP for the kit is $4999, with “street prices” from some reputable, authorized dealers being perhaps only slightly lower, as initial demand may exceed supply. The contents of the XL2 kit are the same as before; it’s a complete package with everything you need; body, EVF, lens, battery, charger, wireless remote, etc. You’ll need to supply your own DV cassette. There will be the option to purchase the body kit without the lens for $3999.