Canon XL1S MiniDV Digital Camcorder with SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization & Interchangable Lenses

Rating:
Summary: Good Enough
Review: As of now, the XL1S is a little outdated by some other cameras that are on the market, but the end product has very desirable results. I have used cameras like the Panasonic DVX-100, and the XL1 will suit your needs at least 90% of the time that the DVX will. There is no LCD screen, but the viewfinder does sort of double as one and the overall shape of the XL1 makes it unwieldy at times, and more convenient at other times.

Overall, if you have the chance to get this camera, then go for it if something like the DVX is out of reach. The XL2 is coming out soon apparently, which will probably drop the price of this camera and it would be a great opportunity for people on a smaller budget to pick up a camera that is capable of cinema quality pictures.


Rating:
Summary: AHHHH
Review: Awful, just a completly worthless piece of junk...
That is what the Spooner has to say.

Rating:
Summary: Cannon needs a more informative XL1s Web Page
Review: Cannon (in their web page) demonstrates a commercial video shot with the XL1S about some guy (consumer) editing on his laptop and then going into a dream where he appears in his family video's in his pajama's. Cute! But, if you look at the XL1S rig being used for this video, you see it with elaborate lenses and additional equiptment, filter etc., giving the camera a Monster look. I bought the Camera, thinking that I would gain access to information about these elaborate lenses and perhaps some direction as to how to aquire them...where to get them... their availability...well, nothing yet. So far...three or four standard lenses are offered and an adapter allowing you to use Cannon 35 mill lenses. Where are the lenses used for the Video? Can anybody identify the equiptment used in this video and is this equiptment within the "consumer friendly" range as the XL1S is? Also, with all of this massive show of production...the actual video show's with pixel problems...making it blurry. I love the camera...but did Cannon scare us all by demostrating equiptment that might not be available at...let's say...Samy's Camera.

Rating:
Summary: Canon XL1s - Be Wary of Service & Waranty
Review: Canon still seems to have problems with it's lenses and how they interface with its electronic components, which means a blurry picture. For Canadians, there is only 1 service department in Calgary, while customer service is in Ontario. Imagine the bills trying to track down your camera over 2 provinces. Canon has somehow managed to keep this issue under wraps but it is a good idea to investigate where your nearest service department is and what kind of return time you can expect on repairs. The XL delivers great shots and definately looks the part, which can be important, but if it's not in your hands then it won't do much good.

Rating:
Summary: CANON XL2
Review: Canon XL1s has been on the top for amature video makers for a long time. Now as only Canon can do it better they are coming out with Canon XL2 in Feb 2004. Save your money for that it will cost around 3 grand.

Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY AWESOME
Review: Even better than the first XL1. The only Pro-Sumer camera i would touch. And with changeable lens mount, LXR accessories, and more, this is the only camera in this price range that i know feature films have been shot on. OUTSTANDING :)

Rating:
Summary: great camcorder
Review: i am currently in high school, in the media tech department. we do the school news, and produce some films. we currently have 3 kinds of camcorders, the sony dsr200, sony dsr300, and the canon xl1. most of the class perfers the xl1 for many reasons.
it is definately the easiest to use, it is very light weight, and has many options that other cameras just dont have. it has a firewire port directly on it to help get onto computers, though there are other ways.

i have personally used this camcorder, and i must agree, it is a wonderful piece of technology. a few months ago i had bought one of the new Sony handycams that burns to miniDVD, and i had nothing but disappointment, now i am looking into an XL1 of my own, because i know how to use it, it is easy to learn how to use, and there is so much more that you can do with it then most camcorders. if you are looking for something professional, and yet decent in price, you might want to consider the canon xl1

Rating:
Summary: Great Camcorder
Review: I was a little worried that it would difficult to operate. I found it has been fairly intuitive. I haven't tried all the features nor I have I used camcorders extensively but the quality combined with the ease of use makes for a great camcorder. It is a little bulky but is very sturdy.

Rating:
Summary: No Xl2 yet, maybe never...
Review: I was told there is no Canon xl-2, nor is there one in the works according to the Customer Service Department at Canon.
That was the info that Canon sent me upon inquiry. However, lol, 3 months later there is a press release about the XL-2. go figure. Sounds like some people at Canon needs to communicate with their customer service dept.

Rating:
Summary: This cam is too old.
Review: I'm not saying that you can't get the job done w/ that cam. But considering the cheaoer DVX100 does the job better, the XL1s isn't appealing anymore. Interchangeable lens? Each one [is expensive], so only a few "pros" can afford that. But then again, I'd rather buy the JVC GY-DV5000 (I'm not talking about the "GR"-DV5000 or 4000), which offers far more than the XL1s. Also image quality "overall" is not as good as DVX100 and PD150.