I have used many Hare Drive camcorder & HDV Camcorders & like using a Hard drive as you don't have to worry about running out of tape but With the Canon XH-A1 witch uses a Mini DV tape and records in HDV format its truly amazing!

Everything! This Camcorder Is Amazing

Nothing

I've had this camcorder for only 2 months but the quality of the recordings are truly impressive. I've used Sony, Canon and Panasonic in the past including 3 CCD models and this is easily the best in terms of picture and sound quality (although an external microphone helps as usual).

Everyday Use, Travel, Home Movies, Special Events

Easy to Use; Compact; Good Value; Great Design; Quality Construction

Heavy

Giving independent videographers something to choose from besides its popular but long-in-the-tooth GL2, Canon offers up two HDV models designed to appeal to the prosumer and entry-level pro markets.

Ever since the advent of digital video, Canon has been the uncontested king of prosumer level camcorders. From the all-conquering XL-1, to its elite HD successor , the manufacturer has consistently produced the best high-end models around.

Exceptional high-definition image quality; huge level of customisability; professional components and design

Represents good value for money -- but only to those who can afford it; tiny low resolution LCD screen

I love this camera. If you don't have a lot of experience with prosumer cameras. You can't rest the camera on your shoulder, but the image stabilizer helps and the grip and buttons are all well designed and easy to reach.

Easy to Use; Good Image Stabilization; Good in Low Light; Great Picture Quality; Great Sound; Great Zoom; Zoom range/performance

Simply a wonderful camcorder. Upgraded from Canon XM-2 and it was totally worth the money. The only downside is that the 72mm fisheye is not in the same degree as 58mm (and is significantly more expensive) but it's not Canon's fault. Helt enkelt en underbar videokamera.

Canon XH Giving independent videographers something to choose from besides its popular but long-in-the-tooth GL2 , Canon offers up two HDV models designed to appeal to the prosumer and entry-level pro markets.

Excellent video quality; extremely customizable; great lens and optical stabilizer; fast focus

No 720p recording capability; coarse, low-resolution LCD

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.

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

A tad front heavy; LCD display is small; Pricey

I bought this camera when I started my videography business about 4 years ago. Since then I have used in some rough conditions and it has never failed me. The video quality is excellent. I particularly like the XLR input which allows me to use external mics when recording interviews.