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

Canon's XH A1 uses the same technology as the company's professional-level XL H1, but trades in the interchangeable lens for a price that's far easier to stomach -- making it an appealing model for prosumers

Excellent video quality; Extremely customisable; Great lens and optical stabiliser; Fast focus

No 720p recording capability; Coarse; low-resolution LCD

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'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).

The Filmmakers' Camcorder – Canon XH A1 Deigned for the digital filmmaker, the Canon XH A1 HDV camcorder delivers full manual control and a range of advanced functions into a compact design.

This model was reviewed as part of our group test of HD camcorders . Last year, Canon's XH-A1 bowled us over with its keen price and exceptional capabilities in low light. But the market has moved forward – particularly Sony's offerings.

I have owned this camera for over 4 months and have loved it. I havent been able to do much work with it but in the little I have done it has served me well. I suggest that you buy a shot gun mike with it, nothing to fancy about 200$ is fine, also get a polarizing filter and a clear UV filter that...

Great HD image quality; lot of features for a modest price; down-converts to SD 16:9 and 4:3; for the price amazing low light!; XLR imputs; Phantom power

The lens is non remove able; no 720p but i have never needed it; built in mike is low quality and is very loose

XH A1 by Canon is a relatively lightweight HD camcorder loaded with impressive feature set. It's a great choice for users ranging from film students to professionals.

Perfect picture and sound! SD picture look awsome too. The 1080 picture is what you would expect from High Def. I love this camera I have 2 of them and I want 2 more! For the most part there are no problems with this camera.

Comfortable to Operate; Durable; Great Features; Great Picture Quality; Great Sound; Simple Controls

No live Letterbox output; No WB Tansfer

In the burgeoning market of hand-held pro camcorders, the tape-based Canon XH A1S isn't anything close to ground-breaking. Still, with a $4000 price tag, it is a reasonably-priced model that's loaded with features and did quite well in our performance testing.