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

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

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

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

Older Technology but great HD video regardless. Mini DV tapes are readily available online and relatively inexpensive....I like the idea of having video in storable format that I dont need to store and restore on new computer hardware every few years ..

I bought this for multiple reasons, professional, and semi-professional use, looks as good as I hoped. The only problem is it can't record onto memory card, everything else is great!! I love the HD footage it captures, especially the slower frame rates.

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

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.

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 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