Canon XL1s Mini DV Digital Camcorder

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  • Canon Strikes Again.

    Apr 09 '03
    Pros: Unique Looks, Interchangeable lens system, plethora of available accessories
    Cons: The same as the Pros. It says "steal me", Lenses are expensive, Accessories are expensive.

    Summary: Update:December 12, 2003 I've had the XL1S for a good 8 months now, and it is still performing like a champ. It's been to over a dozen pretty big events and it is quite the head turner (since it's decked out with a MA-200 audio adapter and my ... read more

  • To Shoot or Not To Shoot...

    Feb 18 '04
    Pros: Looks great, feels great.
    Cons: Expensive.

    Summary: This camera...is...in a word...or several words...maybe a couple of sentences... I've read some other reviews of this camera that some of Epinion's finest members have posted. I must say two things; 1:The XL1-S is a much better alternative to ... read more

  • Best Choice in the Price Range

    Dec 04 '03
    Pros: Great for Hand-held, interchangable lens, easy to use.
    Cons: Expensive. No XLR or BNC inputs.

    Summary: I bought my Canon XL1-S in August of 2002. I love it so much, words occasionally fail me. Whenever I opened the case, I relished the "New Camera Smell." What I was Looking For Before reviewing this camera, I should probably give you all an ... read more

  • Canon XL1s excels at overhype!

    May 10 '03
    Pros: looks good, and tons of accessories.
    Cons: Overhyped camera with a lousy picture.

    Summary: Yep, man I spent hours playing with one. Shooting this and that. When it came down to brass tacks and the final image analysis. The picture simply did not fair well against the cheesy gy-dv300 or the Panasonic DVX100 shots. Examples: I did a ... read more

  • Can't be beaten for the price

    Feb 04 '03
    Pros: size,weight,image/sound quality,durability
    Cons: front heavy,lacks some desired features

    Summary: I've been using this camcorder at least 3 days a week since it came on the market. I have used it to shoot an independent feature length movie, several music videos, corporate videos, and 3 different television shows that all air bi-weekly. It has yet to ... read more

  • It doesn't get any better than this!!!

    Jan 27 '03
    Pros: Simply the best around (read the review)!
    Cons: Prepare to buy more then just the camera if you are uncompromising (like me).

    Summary: It's revolution time again!!! Up until now, high quality video cameras were so expensive, no amateur filmmaker dared dream purchasing. But the digital revolution is here and here to stay - Long live the queen, Canon XL1S!!! I am not going to ... read more

  • Auto focus? Not really.

    Jul 29 '02
    Pros: Interchangable Lenses, durability, room for growth
    Cons: Focus, audio, no composite input

    Summary: Working for a cable company has allowed me much use with this piece of equipment. I am very unsatisfied with it due to, its poor focus ability and audio limitations. When placed in auto focus, it is thrown off very easily and the video stabilizer will ... read more

  • The best mini DV you can buy

    Feb 19 '02
    Pros: excellent image quality
    Cons: bad in low light and lens focusing takes practice

    Summary: I purchased a Canon XL1 to work on my own independent film project as well as freelance work I do filming concerts. Digital Video is truly amazing and it allows people like us to use consumer cameras to make fantastic movies that if filmed correctly ... read more

  • Canon XL-1

    Nov 10 '01
    Pros: Excellent resolution, great overall picture quality
    Cons: weight

    Summary: This summer I put the XL-1 to the test. I used 2 of them to shoot a Public Service Announcement. This PSA included both indoor and outdoor shooting in varied light conditions and a wide range of acoustics. Overall I was very pleased with the ... read more

  • Expensive for the targeted audience

    Jun 13 '01
    Pros: Changeable lens system, excellent audio
    Cons: Heavy, expensive accessories, useless frame mode, not the sharpest picture, too warm.

    Summary: The plus side: 1. Excellent audio for the stock mic. 2. Excellent realtime audio possibilities with mic adapter. 3. Easy to get to know the camera and functions. 4. Decent remote control, only for casual use. 5. Backlit ... read more

  • Over-rated XL-1.

    Jun 09 '01
    Pros: Changeable lens system. Sleek body design. Decent audio.
    Cons: Poor resolution for price. Heavy. Questionable performance.

    Summary: After shooting for over 100 hours with the Canon XL-1 I've found it to be a solid work horse of a camera. However, I do believe that it is severely over priced for the performance it gives. Here is a list of short comings I've experienced while using ... read more

  • XL1 creates the perfect picture of quality

    Apr 12 '01
    Pros: Great camera for every shooting condition, at a great price!
    Cons: Some users have minor issues.

    Summary: The Canon XL1 provides superior functionality and quality for the price it is offered. I have had the displeasure of trying out several DV cams in different shooting conditions, and have found that no one camera provides exceptional low light capability ... read more

  • I Want One

    Feb 23 '01
    Pros: Dummies can have the camera do the work, pros can do it themselves.
    Cons: Weird design, tough to keep on your shoulder for a long time.

    Summary: If you have an extra $4,000 laying around you might want to consider making this your next new toy. I don't actually own one, but the good people at the University of Nebraska have let me use theirs a couple times in the last six months. ... read more

  • Film Nut Goes Digital

    Dec 30 '00
    Pros: Great Picture, Great Sound, Great Controls
    Cons: Quirky lens

    Summary: For years I have shot nothing but movie film. The video revolution has come and gone and, to this day, I still shoot Super-8 and Sixteen millimeter film. I've never had any burning desire to shoot video. I got a Certificate of Filmmaking at NYU SCE. I ... read more

  • Plenty of bang for the buck

    Dec 05 '00
    Pros: Excellent picture quality; nice features like the mic zoom
    Cons: Very costly - make the buying decision carefully

    Summary: The Canon XL1 is a great piece of equipment. My company uses this very same camera to do most of our commercials. Since its got such great graphic quality (~360,000 pixels per frame) and can capture at high speeds, its the clear choice for our high-speed ... read more

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