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.

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 ...

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

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...

Pros: Awesome picture quality, wide variety of manual controls
Cons: Heavy, expensive, hard to keep sharp focusing during zoom

If you are looking for a digital camcorder that offers a lot of flexibility as far as manual control, the Canon XL-1 deserves a look.

When I use this camera, I operate it in the fully automatic mode and use it only casually, but my husband,...

Pros: Light weight and easy to use.
Cons: Need some additional equipment to obtain full commercial value.

If you're wondering why a film director is recommending a digital video camera, about three months ago I would have thought the same thing. As a "low budget" feature film director I have watched the industry change quite a bit. In order to...

Pros: Great Picture, Great Sound, Great Controls
Cons: Quirky lens

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 ...

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

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...

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

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...

Pros: Draws a crowd, you are instantly identified as a 'professional'. Excellent lens, excellent zoom control, excellent on-camera mike. Smaller and cheaper than most other professional models.
Cons: Draws a crowd, you won't be able to sneak this camera by anyone. Bigger than any other consumer model. Does not have analog inputs.

Are you contemplating buying this camera? Gnawing your fingernails trying to decide whether you should get an XL-1 or a Sony VX-1000?

If you are at this level in your video career or interest, two words: get it. But be forewarned, once you...

Pros: Image quality the best of any DV camera; excellent controls
Cons: Big and heavy; expensive

On the whole, I consider this to be a fantastic camera, well worth the money - and note that I bought it about a year ago, when it was far more expensive than it is now.

What I love: Gorgeous image quality is certainly the stand-out feature of...

Pros: Great images, lightweight, easy to learn,great sound
Cons: large, lens problem

I purchased the Canon XL-1 in May. I am writing this in a non-technical fashion. I'm sure you can read about the specs on the Canon XL-1 somewhere else, and I'm sure some plagiarists will print up the specs, never having even seen in real life the Canon...

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

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...

Pros: Incredible Value In Image Quality
Cons: Not Quite Up to Professional Standards of Camera Control

If you are considering a Canon XL-1 you are probably an accomplished amateur looking to bring your videography to a higher level of achievement, or else a professional looking for a low-cost alternative to much higher-priced broadcast or industrial-grade...

Pros: Amazing Video and Sound Quality
Cons: Expensive, Big!

This mini-digital camera is superior to any other digital camera available to consumers today. What sets this camera apart from all others is the amazing lens. The quality of the video shot on this camera looks similar to the quality of television...

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.

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

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 ...