Canon XL 1 Camcorder - Black/White

I first bought the Xl1 but found that it didn't like low light situations ie... spoken word / wedding reception dances after most of the lights were turned off. If you have decent to good even light, it will be hard to beat this camera. I loved this camera so much that I bought two more XL1s camcorders. With the ability to gain up 30db ( I only go to 18db. 30db is to grainy ) , the ability to adjust the shutter speed and the to us the 1.6 standard zoom lens, I'm ready to tackle the world. I didn't choose the XL2 because my style of video shooting is mostly hand held and the XL2 ( although the best of the three ) was even heavier then the XL1 & the XL1s.

What attracted me to the XL1 over all of the other competitors ( and I did rent them before I decided to buy this one ) is the ability to adjusts " on the fly ". You can adjust your white balance while still recording. The Xl1 has one manual white balance setting / Xl1s has three seperate manual settings that can be preset before your shoot. You can connect XLR mic inputs into this camera ( using the MA100 or Ma200 ) which means you can plug into most mixer boards at conncerts and weddings. This is BIGGGG. Let the sound people do all of the mics and sound checks and all you have to do is plug into their board and WALLAA, instant CD quaility Proffessional sound all with jsut the cost of one XLR cable. You can adjust the sound manually or let the camera do it automatically. Did you know that the XL1s and the XL2 ( not 100% about the XL1) has the ability to switch the audio from line to mic inputs. How cool is that. If you don't know what I just said do a little research and you will find that Most Full Size & Mini DV camcorders can not switch audio inputs without spending 2-3 times as much money as you would on a XL series camcorder. PEOPLE THIS IS HUGE.

I cann't say enough good things about the XL camcorder line. If you are able to controll your lighting situation, I challange ANYBODY.... ANYBODY to get a better video AND better sound then the XL canon mini dv camorder series ( apples to apples / pound for pound ).

Still reading.... that means you want more info. The 3X lens is an available option and is very impotant if you plan on using this camera " in the feild ". If you are at a small church and there is a large choir or if you are on the dance floor next to the Bride & Groom how do you plan on getting a wide angle without a wide angle lens. Please don't say a screw on attachment. Did you know that most of the screw on attachments interfer with the auto focus system and MOST IF NOT ALL attachments give you a distorted fish eye view. Did you know that if you had two or more XL1s or XL2 systems ( not 100% sure about the XL1) that you can set your white balance, gain, apperature, sharpness etc ... on one and with the use of a fire wire set the second , third etc... camera to have the exact same settings as the first camera. If you EVER used more then one camera on a shoot you know how hard it is to make all of your cameras show the same color.

Want more info.... Most of the thngs I am telling you can only be done with the Canon XL Camcorder line. I sound like I work for Canon don't I. Well I don't. I own a Bay Area Based Photo & Video Co. and I can buy what ever I want and I am telling you that this camera system has NEVER NEVER NEVER let me down. One of the other reviewers said it already. I walk into a video shoot, literally next to the big TV channels, and they give me my props!

I bought the Canon XL1 Camcorder a month ago and was immediately impressed with the number of features available on this camera. It takes great videos. The size is perfect for carrying in a professional case and the battery has a pretty good lifespan of roughly 3 hours. My only complaint is that I can not seem to sync it with my Mac G5 or any of my film editing programs.

I have 3 XL1s, and 1 GL1. If I had to do it all over again I would have bought 4 XL1s. What can I say.... I shoot weddings and events, the camera is excellent in low light settings and the picture quality is out of this world. I used to wonder why spend this kind of money for a camcorder but one shoot with it and review of the footage... there is no comparison. You can set this thing on automatic if you dont know a lot and walk in and cammand the respect of a pro just by carring your self right. The camera does all the work. Dont get me wrong... nothing is absolutely correct but tell you what... I got 3 used camcorders.... the only problem I had was one of the headphones jacks need serviced but I have still used it with just the indicator, no sound to judge... and it came out great. Light, sharp and ready to go just about anywhere.

I by life`s love am a photographer . I was really impressed with this camcorder because it offered so much in the way of change and opportunity. I like to change my lens whenever I can with any camera and the Canon offered that option. I also
wanted something up to date The 3CCD OFFERED that. I know how to use light and how
to present my subject matter so it will be pleasing to the on looker. This camera
works with my desire for great imagines. You by a detachable 7" CCD for it as well on ebay, this way you are not stuck to the viewfinder. And buy that you may not need a view finder. Works and delivers GREAT LIKE EXLAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice cam for 13 years old. Wish it had all the original accessories (IE. DC coupler). Other than that its been a great camera. My first pro camera and is serving its purpose well. Only other cons so far is the balance left to right not good for one handed use and is also very front heavy with the lens, makes setting tripod "drag" a little difficult to hold up lens and still be able to tilt freely. Being so old, its a drag trying to find the DC coupler compatible with the original power adapter. Way too much hassle trying to use the adapter to power from AC. Should have simply put a standard DC plug right on camera, but they have to make money on selling you an elaborate set up to accomplish a very simple task: TO GET 6VDC FROM CHARGER/ADAPTER TO CAMERA!! Without having to spend a $150.00, just because canon decided to change the little plug at power source end of coupler unit to some proprietary DC jack not sold in stores. I was forced to cut off canon jack and solder my own class B jack on it to fit my current power adapter.