Canon XL-H1 / H1A / H1S

71 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
image quality (19)
usability (15)
price (14)
design (11)
durability (4)

Negative
portability (8)
reliability (1)
zoom (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 71 reviews of Canon XL-H1 / H1A / H1S. The average rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People really like the durability and design. The price and image quality are also mentioned favorably, but some have doubts about the reliability and zoom.

usability, image quality, price, design, durability

portability, zoom, reliability

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Canon XL-H1 / H1A / H1S is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 87/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 71 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

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Showing 1 - 33 of 51 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (20)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Canon XL-H1 / H1A / H1S

alaTest has collected and analyzed 23 user reviews of Canon XL-H1 / H1A / H1S from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. People really like the price. The image quality also gets good reviews, whereas many are critical about the usability.

design, image quality, price

usability

78% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by (gadgetheaven.co.uk)

Canon XL H1 Camcorder Review

The Canon XL H1 utilises the state-of-the-art XL interchangeable lens mount system; with a range of compatible lenses and lens peripherals available, the possibilities are endless. Exceptional audio versatility is provided with 4-channel recording, XLR...

HDV 1080i, HD 1080i and DV (standard definition) formats are all supported by the Canon XL H1 camcorder, as are 50i and 25f frame rates.

May, 2012

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Expert review by : Laurence Grayson (goodgearguide.com.au)

Canon XL-H1

We were expecting Canon to have launched a high-definition video (HDV) camcorder long before now, but history has shown that the global imaging giant ...

Outstanding video quality, interchangeable lenses, HD/SD SDI output, timecode sync and Genlock, dedicated switchgear, superb lens, progressive scan SD

Expensive, unbalanced front-heavy design, 2.4in LCD can make focus tricky, only one HD lens currently available

A unique HDV camcorder that's just as comfortable in the field as it is cabled to a multi-cam studio setup. Professionals will find a lot to like in the XL-H1, while enthusiasts and semi-pro events videographers would be better off looking at a less...

Aug, 2006

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Ben Wolf (cnet.com)

Canon XL review

Canon XL

Very high resolution; extensive image controls; interchangeable lenses; compatible with the Canon XL system of lenses and accessories; compatible jack pack is ideal for multicam studio work.

No true progressive shooting; strange ergonomics; stock lens hard to focus manually; pricier than the competition.

Canon's semipro high-definition XL H1 video camera is a winner for event, reality, ENG, and documentary shooters, but its price is high.

Feb, 2006

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Expert review by : Ben Wolf (cnet.com.au)

Canon XL H1

Canon's semipro high-definition XL H1 video camera is a winner for event, reality, ENG and documentary shooters, but its price is high.

Very high resolution ; Extensive image controls ; Interchangeable lenses ; Compatible with the Canon XL system of lenses and accessories ; Compatible jack pack is ideal for multicam studio work

No true progressive shooting ; Strange ergonomics ; Stock lens hard to focus manually ; Pricier than the competition

In standard definition, the Canon XL H1 performs similarly to the XL2, which costs half as much and offers a true progressive mode. Finally, the XL H1's still-image quality is extremely limited, offering only 2-megapixel resolution.

Feb, 2006

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Jeremy Stamas and David Kender (camcorderinfo.com)

Canon XL H1A Camcorder Review

The Canon XL H1A ($5999 MSRP) offers some small but useful improvements to the first-generation XL H1A. An upgraded 20x lens kit lens adds an iris ring to the focus and zoom rings. The in-camera color controls, already beyond what most camcorders...

The Canon XL H1A ($5999 MSRP) is a great budget option for those who need the size or handling that accompany shoulder-mount camcorders. The video quality is excellent, including accurate colors and high resolution. The level of fine detail control,...

Feb, 2009

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Expert review by : David Kender (camcorderinfo.com)

Canon XL H1 Camcorder Review

The Canon XL H1 - you've seen it, you've studied it, and you've put it on your wish list. Now we have the complete review. This HDV camcorder with a $8999 (MSRP) price tag has just about everything you want in a professional camcorder: 30F and 24F...

Nov, 2006

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Expert review by : Videomaker (videomaker.com)

Canon XL H1A HDV Camcorder Review

Ready, Aim, Shoot! Whether you feel you're ready to enter the professional realm of cinematography or you're a serious amateur, Canon's XL H1A is here to meet your expectations.

HD lens, Endless customization, Highly-accurate color reproduction

Front-heavy, Small LCD screen, Can't adjust the shoulder pad

Sep, 2010

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Expert review by : Jeremy Stamas and David Kender (reviewed.com)

Canon XL H1A

The Canon XL H1A ($5999 MSRP) offers some small but useful improvements to the first-generation XL H1. An upgraded 20x lens kit lens adds an iris ring to the focus and zoom rings. The in-camera color controls, already beyond what most camcorders offer,...

Feb, 2009

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Expert review by : Tom Skowronski (videomaker.com)

Camcorder Review Canon XL H1A HDV Camcorder

Whether you feel you're ready to enter the professional realm of cinematography or you're a serious amateur, Canon's XL H1A is here to meet your expectations. The latest of Canon's professional line is a loaded weapon that comes equipped with an HD 20x...

HD lens Endless customization Highly-accurate color reproduction

Front-heavy Small LCD screen Can't adjust the shoulder pad

Canon has given professional cinemaniacs a vast array of shooting options at an affordable price.

Dec, 2008

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Expert review by : David Kender (reviewed.com)

Canon XL H1

The Canon XL H1 features three 1/3" CCDs. Each CCD has a gross pixel count of 1.67MP. The effective pixel count during HDV recording is 1.56MP. In standard definition (DV) recording in 16:9 the effective pixel count in the same, 1.56MP per CCD. In DV...

Nov, 2006

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