The Canon XH-A1s is an updated version of the award-winning XHA1 HDV camcorder. The camera is geared towards the videographer on a budget who isn't willing to compromise any of the professional attributes of its big brother, the XL-H1. With the same high quality 1/3" CCDs, the camera yields an image both crisp and noise-free. The solid feeling is instantly apparent when operating the XH-A1s; despite its modest frame, the camera performs like a pro. Improvements over the previous model include higher quality zoom, focus and iris rings.

Utilizing the highly efficient HDV compression format allows over an hour of high definition recording on a single miniDV tape! Featuring a 20x fluorite fixed lens, its superior optics gives professional level shooters ultimate image fidelity unmatched by the competition. Also included is the Instant AF auto-focus system, incorporating technology that helps reduce auto focus reaction time while increasing overall accuracy.

Features

• Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens III with Professional L-Series Fluorite: The XH A1S comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD lens that shows why the name Canon is synonymous with optical excellence
• SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer: The XH A1S also comes with Canon's innovative SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), which combines gyro- and image-sensors to give image stabilization through a wider range of camera motions
• Three 1/3" Native 16:9 CCD Image Sensors with 1.67 Megapixels (1440 x 1080): The XH A1S is equipped with three 1/3" Native 16:9 CCDs (1.67 Megapixels) - the same image sensor that is at the heart of Canon's exceptional XL H1S and XL H1A
• Canon DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor: DIGIC DV II HD is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Designed specifically for processing the immense volume of information in 1080i HD signals, DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality for HD video
• Complete Customization: Image, display and the functionality of the camcorder can be customized to suit your preference or application. This customization ensures that your XH A1S fits your creative, production and personal needs and preferences exactly
• Image Control: A variety of image control functions gives you as much or as little exposure control as you want and lets you fine-tune your exposures for outstanding video
• 7 Program AE Modes: A variety of AE modes allow you to take as much or as little control of exposure as you need
• 9 Custom Presets: With the XH A1S, you can make set a variety of image quality adjustments and store them for later use or for exporting to other camcorders
• Custom Functions: With the XH A1S's Custom Functions capability, you can establish the camera settings best suited to your preference. Three custom functions (C.Fn1, C.Fn2 and C.Fn3) are provided. Each custom function allows a total of 21 main items to be selected
• Custom Display: The Custom Display function lets you set 22 display items to create a custom menu to suit your specific needs. Once set, the functions can be recorded on a memory card and can then be downloaded to another XH A1S or XH G1S camcorder
• 1080 HD Capture with 60i, 30F, or 24F Progressive frame rates: The XH A1S delivers 1920 x 1080 HD, with the three Native 16:9 CCDs and the Genuine Canon 20x HD lens and DIGIC DV II Image Processor
• 30F Progressive Frame Rate: In addition to the standard interlaced video frame rate of 60i, you may choose to set the XH A1S to capture video in 30F (30 progressive frames, recorded in 60i) which is ideal for footage which will be uploaded to the Internet
• 24F Progressive Frame Rate: This setting gives a "film look" to the footage you record as the video frame capture rate is 24F, giving the appearance of the same frame rate as movie film
• 60i / 50i Video Frame Rate Option: With the XH A1S's versatile open-architecture approach, you can even customize your HD camcorder to record in both 60i and 50i (this optional upgrade must be performed by a Canon Factory Service Center)
• Industry-Standard Connections & Terminals: The Flash Accessory Shoe of the XH A1S supports Canon EX Series Speedlites, enabling you to use the proper lighting accessory to provide the illumination you need for practically any subject in any situation
• Audio System: The two built-in XLR Terminals with independent audio level control on the XH A1S helps you to record audio at as high a level as your video
• Monitoring: To assist you in making sure that the shots you see are the shots you get, the XH A1S has a number of enhancements in function monitoring
• Operation: Improvements have been made to the manual zoom, manual focus and iris ring on the XH A1S to further enhance its operability and which make it even easier to achieve your creative vision
• Zooming: Responsive manual zoom ring with three settings (Slow, Normal, Fast) Three preset zoom speeds (Slow, Normal, Fast), Increased weighting of zoom ring for smoother control, Smooth zoom start and stop, Selectable rotational angle of zoom between Wide and Tele
• Focusing: Manual focus capability during zoom (in both Manual Focus and AF Modes), Selectable response on focus ring (Slow, Normal, Fast), Focus Limit (On/Off), Four selectable focus preset speeds
• Iris Ring: Improved ring design for better performance is an extremely useful function on the XH A1S. The manual iris adjustment ring allows you to adjust your f-stop with the same hand and in the same manner as you focus and zoom
• Instant AF: With HD, focus is more critical than ever. It demands Instant AF: the next generation of auto focus, designed with HD resolution in mind. Because HD resolution is higher, focusing time is longer - it's harder to find perfect focus
• SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard Slot (for storing custom presets, custom functions and photos) allowing the sharing of XH A1S Custom Preset files with other XH A1S', as well as Canon XL H1S, XL H1A and XH G1S camcorders
• 2.8" Widescreen LCD and .57" Widescreen EVF provide you with bright, high-resolution views. The LCD gives approximately 207,000 pixels and the EVF, 269,000. The LCD and EVF can be used at the same time, giving both cameraperson and director a view of the action
• Still Image Shooting capabilities turn your XH A1S into a valuable production tool for storyboarding, continuity and publicity shots and other applications

Specifications

Power Supply (rated)	7.4V DC (battery pack)
Video Recording system	HDV: HDV1080i; DV: DV specifications Two rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording, (Consumer VCR SD specifications)
Audio Recording system	HDV: 2-channel recording MPEG1 Audio Layer II: (Sampling frequency 48 kHz, bit rate 384 kbps) DV: 2-channel recording PCM digital recording: 16 bits (48 kHz), 12 bits (32 kHz, 12 bits selectable)
Image Sensor	(3) 1/3-inch Native 16:9 CCDs (1440x1080)
Total Pixels	Approx. 1.67 Megapixels each x 3
Effective Pixels	HD approx. 1.56 Megapixels (1440 x 1080) SD (4:3) approx. 1.17 Megapixels (1080 x 1080) SD (16:9) approx. 1.56 Megapixels (1440 x 1080)
Tape Format	Video cassettes bearing the MiniDV mark
Tape Speed	HDV/DV: SP mode 18.81mm/second DV: LP mode 12.56 mm/second
Maximum recording time	HDV/DV: SP mode 80 min. DV:LP; 120 min.
Lens	Canon 20x HD L Series Zoom, f=4.5-90mm, f/1.6-3.5
Focusing System	TTL-video signal sensing system autofocus; Manual focusing possible
Minimum Focusing Distance	20mm (wide macro), 1m (entire zoom range)
Frame Rate	60i, 24F, 30F
Minimum Illumination	NTSC: 6 lux (Shutter speed 1/60, Gain 18 dB) PAL: 5 lux (Shutter speed 1/50, Gain 18 dB) Manual mode (when Gain 18 dB, f/1.6, 60i/50i are selected) NTSC: 0.4 lux (Shutter speed 1/4), PAL: 0.3 lux (Shutter speed 1/3) (when 60i/50i is selected)
Image Stabilization	SuperRange Optical (Lens Shift)
Filter Diameter	72mm
Viewfinder	.57-inch widescreen, approx. 269,000 pixels
LCD Screen	2.8-inch widescreen, approx. 207,000 pixels
Microphone	High-performance stereo electric condenser microphone
Recording Media	SD/SDHC (photos), MMC (photos)
DV Terminal	HDV/DV Special 6-pin connector (IEEE1394 compatible); both input/output
Video Terminal	Also serves as RCA pin jack (yellow); both input/output Also serves as BNC connector; output
Output Levels	-12 dBV (with 47-kohm load, 1 Vrms output level setting and -12 dB full scale)
Audio Terminal	XLR 3-pin jack (2 systems); Switchable between MIC/LINE
Microphone Terminal	3.5mm stereo mini-jack
Operating Temperature range	32 - 104� F (0 - 40� C)
Dimensions	6.4 x 7.6 x 15.5 in. (163 x 192 x 394mm)
Weight	4.7 lbs (2135 g) (not including lens hood and eyecup)
Weight (fully loaded)	5.3 lbs (2400 g)

Includes

• Canon XH-A1s High Definition HDV MiniDV Format Camcorder with HDV1080i Recording (2.8" LCD Screen, 20X Lens, 24f)
• CA-920 Compact Power Adapter
• DC-920 DC Coupler
• BP-950G Battery Pack
• SS-1100 Shoulder Strap
• WL-D5000 Wireless Controller
• Lens Hood
• HDVM-E63PR Digital Video Cassette
• SDC-32M SD Memory Card
• Eye Cup
• Two R6/AA Batteries
• Tripod Adapter Base
• AC Cable
• External Microphone Holder Adjustment Band