Canon XL2

• 8-bit ADC
• 256-segment evaluative metering, spotlight mode
• Area marker output: display in "letter box" mode in 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio. Recording mode: true 16:9 recording format
• Zebra pattern 5 levels: 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%
• Clear scan function 50-200.7 Hz
• 4 time intervals and 4 recording times
• Built-in neutral density filter, 2 levels: light intensity approx. 1/6 (density 0.8) and 1/32 (density 1.5)
• Compatible with PAL system (625 lines, 50 fields)
• Recording time: 80 minutes with 80 minutes tape (SP mode), 120 minutes with 80 minutes tape (SP mode)

From the press release:

The XL2 is a new professional grade interchangeable lens digital camcorder with three 800k pixel progressive scan CCD sensors and 16:9 recording format. The XL2 succeeds the XL1s, one of the most successful and celebrated cameras in Canon's history, as the new flagship of the digital camcorder line.

Improved image quality

The triple CCD sensor system provides 16:9 (960x576 pixels) and 4:3 (720x576 pixels) recording. The 3rd generation large signal processing IC in the XL2 improves the signal-to-noise ratio, providing higher resolution and sensitivity, and less blur than the XL1s.

Shoot like a movie...

The XL2 shoots at 25p, simulating filming. Along with the regular video mode, you can select a special cinematic characteristic curve mode that simulates the texture and tones of film. By setting one of the three bend positions on the gamma curve (high, medium, low), white level saturation can be avoided. And by controlling the shape of the gamma curve from the black side (weak brightness) and making it stretched, normal or compressed, you can highlight or hide details. The XL2 offers manual adjustments for colour depth, sharpness, noise reduction, colour enhancement, and tint to enhance the cinematic experience.

…and see like in a movie

A number of features ensure that footage looks like a movie or photograph. You can choose one of two colour matrices - film or video. The V Detail function (vertical detail) reduces the vertical resolution, while the Skin Detail function (skin details) allows you to adjust the hue (phase) and saturation of skin tones to make them softer and warmer, eliminating the need for makeup. The Film Grain feature adds warmth by simulating the natural graininess and distortion found in film. The XL2 also provides manual control of RGB reference, tuning level, main reference and gain settings.

Complete creative freedom

The two user buttons can be configured to any of the many manual settings of the eight functions available through the menu. These buttons allow you to quickly change or recall saved settings regardless of the current menu settings. And for typical shooting situations, favorite sets of settings can be stored in three custom presets.

White balance control

To fine-tune the white balance, the XL2 has independent red, green, and blue colour settings. You can set the colour to true white or manually adjust to natural (5600K) or artificial (3200K) light. The extended sensitivity range of the CCD sensor is 7 steps from -3dB to +18dB.

High precision lens

To achieve a 20x zoom lens, Canon's lens designers have used a fluorite lens, just like Canon's broadcast lenses and the best professional EF L-series lenses. This eliminates the increased chromatic aberrations that are characteristic of zoom lenses at high magnifications. Two aspherical elements reduce spherical aberrations for sharp corner-to-corner images. A high-precision round-bore iris diaphragm produces pleasant natural background blur, while two built-in neutral density (ND) filters allow the aperture to be fully opened even in bright light. The iris has 8 stops ranging from f1.6 to fully closed. The zoom ratio and focus can be preset.

Flawlessly stable footage without a tripod

Gyroscopic motion sensors, a lens array and a variable angle prism provide optical image stabilization, eliminating the effects of camera shake before light hits the sensor. And the image received by the sensor is analyzed and additionally stabilized by the SuperRange IS system, which compensates for the influence of low-frequency movements not eliminated by the optical system.

Over 60 lenses

The XL2 uses the same XL lens mount as the XL1s and is compatible with all XL video lenses. And with the optional EF Adapter, the XL2 can attach any of over 60 EF lenses.

Synchronization and connectivity

To synchronize with other recording devices, the SMPTE code is used. The Rec Run function writes continuous time code to the tape, interrupted by start/stop recording. The Free Run continuous time counting function keeps the real time counter reading regardless of power on/off or pause. This is very convenient when shooting with multiple cameras and then synchronizing the footage. The device includes 2 XLR connectors with phantom power for microphones at 48 V, with the possibility of 4-channel recording using an optional microphone adapter. Digital recording with pulse code modulation is supported, and for output to the monitor there is a BNC coaxial cable connector. An IEEE1394 connection enables direct recording to a hard disk and/or control of the camera from a computer.

Viewfinder

The XL2's 200,000-pixel high-resolution 2.0-inch viewfinder can be used as both a viewfinder and an LCD monitor. The 16:9 aspect ratio is displayed as a letterbox. The XL2 camera allows both lateral and longitudinal adjustment for maximum comfort during long shooting.

Shooting modes

There are seven shooting modes to choose from: Full Auto, Auto, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, Manual, Spotlight and a new low-light mode. There are 30 shutter speed settings ranging from 1/6 to 1/16000. When locking the exposure, the shutter speed or aperture can be changed, and the AE value can be shifted to any of 13 levels between +2.0 and –2.0.

Professional Features

In addition to the 1 kHz (-12 dB or -20 dB) audio reference signal for editing timing, you can record a reference audio signal. Professional in every way, the XL2 has a durable and tough magnesium alloy body.