Canon XL1S MiniDV Digital Camcorder
By: Canon Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 20
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 On: 2007-12-21
7 years later, the XL1-S still stands as one of the best Prosumer minDV cameras money can buy.
Very comparable to the Sony PD-150. Both great cameras, but I prefer the Canon.
The only drawbacks are the abscence of XLR inputs and the tiny LCD screen.
However, for a camera that is probably 5-7 years old, anything above $2,000 is way overpriced in my opinion. You can always go for the cheaper GL-2, but it does not have all the features of the XL.
On: 2007-12-20
7 years later, the XL1-S still stands as one of the best Prosumer minDV cameras money can buy.
Very comparable to the Sony PD-150. Both great cameras, but I prefer the Canon.
The only drawbacks are the abscence of XLR inputs and the tiny LCD screen.
However, for a camera that is probably 5-7 years old, anything above $2,000 is way overpriced in my opinion. You can always go for the cheaper GL-2, but it does not have all the features of the XL.
 On: 2004-12-16
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
 On: 2004-11-02
Canon still seems to have problems with its 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 its not in your hands then it wont do much good.
On: 2004-08-10
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.
On: 2004-07-25
Most of you need to recheck your information, the XL2 is currently available and it is featured on the Canon.USA website and it is far beyond any panasonic or previously produced XLs. I think Canon waited a little longer to produce this gem so it would be the only one out there like it (especally for the price). I had the ability to see the quality first hand prior to the release, because I was involved in making the commercial for it (youll see snapshots of us making the commercial in flash when you click on XL2 under camcorders). Believe me the XL2 is the one you really want...
On: 2004-07-20
Whats reviewer: "a customer" & "Tyrone Brumwell"...thinking! There is a Canon XL2 comming out next month in August. I contacted Canon USA and verified it. You can do the same at 1-800-OkCanon. SAVE your money for this new beauty ($4,000) it will be worth it! Read the specs at canons website. The Xl1 and XL1s, dont come close!!!
On: 2004-07-19
Whats reviewer: "a customer" & "Tyrone Brumwell"...thinking! There is a Canon XL2 comming out next month in August. I contacted Canon USA and verified it. You can do the same at 1-800-OkCanon. SAVE your money for this new beauty ($4,000) it will be worth it! Read the specs at canons website. The Xl1 and XL1s, dont come close!!!
by: Anonymous On: 2004-06-07
Whats with bonehead "and now, only as Canon can do it better they are coming out with Canon XL2 in Feb 2004"...? people are just making stuff up about the fictional XL2. The XL1 and XL1s are both competent cameras, and will serve the purposes of most videographers wanting to shoot using the Mini DV format. One thing I do appreciate with the XL1 is that features like iris adjustment and white balance are utilized with dedicated buttons on the camera body. Some of the newer, supposedly "superior" Mini DV cameras are now putting these adjustments in the menu section, making it a pain to adjust quickly when shooting.As for the XL2, everyone thought that Canon would announce it at the NAB show in April 2004, but nothing was forthcoming. Meanwhile cameras that came out in response to the XL1s from companies like Sony and Panasonic have already been updated and released in their second version. Bottom line, there just may not be a XL2 in the works. It certainly seems that Canon is content to continue to sell the XL1s as its top of the line camcorder. Rather than an "upgrade" to the XL1s, Canon may be working on a completely different camera, and who knows when it may be released for sale to the public. I am sure if there was a really cool "XL2" within 6 months of release, someone would have heard something about it by now. Interesting is that the "XL" designation comes from the old Super 8mm cameras, with Canon 1014 "XLs" being the last Super 8mm they made before abandoning the format.
On: 2004-06-06
Whats with bonehead "and now, only as Canon can do it better they are coming out with Canon XL2 in Feb 2004"...? people are just making stuff up about the fictional XL2. The XL1 and XL1s are both competent cameras, and will serve the purposes of most videographers wanting to shoot using the Mini DV format. One thing I do appreciate with the XL1 is that features like iris adjustment and white balance are utilized with dedicated buttons on the camera body. Some of the newer, supposedly "superior" Mini DV cameras are now putting these adjustments in the menu section, making it a pain to adjust quickly when shooting.As for the XL2, everyone thought that Canon would announce it at the NAB show in April 2004, but nothing was forthcoming. Meanwhile cameras that came out in response to the XL1s from companies like Sony and Panasonic have already been updated and released in their second version. Bottom line, there just may not be a XL2 in the works. It certainly seems that Canon is content to continue to sell the XL1s as its top of the line camcorder. Rather than an "upgrade" to the XL1s, Canon may be working on a completely different camera, and who knows when it may be released for sale to the public. I am sure if there was a really cool "XL2" within 6 months of release, someone would have heard something about it by now. Interesting is that the "XL" designation comes from the old Super 8mm cameras, with Canon 1014 "XLs" being the last Super 8mm they made before abandoning the format.
On: 2004-02-08
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 videos in his pajamas. 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 shows 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...lets say...Samys Camera.
On: 2004-01-30
This is the camera that they used to make the film 28 Days Later. It is a top of the line domestic semi-pro camcorder. The best camcorder however is now the PANASONIC AG-DVX100a which has moved up on this one because of its better quality and Cinema look, however this Canon has better lens options, but the DVX has lens options too.
by: Anonymous On: 2003-12-14
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.
On: 2003-12-13
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.
by: Anonymous On: 2003-09-21
My camera has been down to Key West for a short film shoot.
Not a problem it produced the most vivid clearity one could imagine.Also shot footage for The Discovery channel with this camera last month with pro-qaulity.DVD burns complement this camera this camera looses not one bit of qaulity when editing.
Esspecially if you have a good enhancement program youll love the results the Xl1s produces bump up the saturation and the colors jump out.... I have shot with about every camera out there and the Xl1s beat em all hands down on weight and ease of use.Picture qaulity is by far the best .500+ hours on my Xl1s and it works better than new.
You know, you have to read the manual to adjust for lighting conditions other than that I can produce a great film feel to my work with this DV camera.
A must for the person looking to make his mark in the business.
Dont settle for a gl2 or a panasonic, youll know what Im talking about once you shoot with this unbelieveable camera. One thing this camera is very stable,and with practice youll throw away your tripod.....
You,Gotta practice camera technique people....
If you have the cash this is your camera..
On: 2003-07-25
Unfortunatly when shopping for a prosumer camera in this price range weighing the pros and cons is definitatly tough. The canon XL1s is and Excellent camera that captures the ENG style most pro cameras at this range misses. However before getting all hot and bothered over that the camera has trouble focusing in low light and a very pixilated picture when it does. The Mic on some of the the XL1ss pick up body noise which is extremely distracting since zooming is a loud function. They sell an adaptor for about $$$ but I have no idea how good it is. To boot there are no XLR plugs on the camera. So guess what. You got it another adaptor.
Ok its not all bad In fact there is some good. The 16:9 crop bars are excellent for professional shooting. The ENG camera build is of the professional style so you look like the real deal. For the Director in us all the focus ring allows for a makeshift short depth of field... excellent for a film look. At this price you have to bite the bullet and weigh the pros and cons and hope when your return peroid ends you made the right decision.
by: Anonymous On: 2003-07-04
Im not saying that you cant get the job done w/ that cam. But considering the cheaoer DVX100 does the job better, the XL1s isnt appealing anymore. Interchangeable lens? Each one [is expensive], so only a few "pros" can afford that. But then again, Id rather buy the JVC GY-DV5000 (Im 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.
by: Anonymous On: 2003-07-03
Im not saying that you cant get the job done w/ that cam. But considering the cheaoer DVX100 does the job better, the XL1s isnt appealing anymore. Interchangeable lens? Each one [is expensive], so only a few "pros" can afford that. But then again, Id rather buy the JVC GY-DV5000 (Im 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.
by: gadgester On: 2003-06-06
This is the most popular DV camcorder with indie filmmakers and aspiring film school students from rich families. Excellent, broadcast-quality image captured by the 3-CCD system. I dont use zoom or pan or special effects much, so I wish I didnt have to pay for these features, but this is still a GREAT price for such a high-quality video camera. This is absolutely the one to get for professional-level videos. Of course, if you want more resolution for sharper images, try the new affordable JVC HDTV camcorder for about the same price, I think.
 On: 2003-05-19
Awful, just a completly worthless piece of junk...
That is what the Spooner has to say.
by: thomsirveux On: 2003-05-02
The Canon XL1S MiniDV Digital Camcorder is the best camera you can buy, but WARNING! This is for professionals only. If you make independent ilms and such, than you might want to invest in this product, but if youre just gonna make a video of the amily trip or a birthday party, then I strongly suggest getting a less expensive camera. This is the same camera used by newspeople and even in Hollywood. Like past reviewers have said, only get this if youre a serious film maker, not if youre just gonna make home movies.
On: 2003-03-16
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 :)
On: 2002-06-06
Just short of a top-of-the-line broadcast DV camera, the XL1S is an extremely high quality DV camcorder. Its affordable and relatively easy to operate. Granted, my parents wouldnt have the slightest clue on where to start, and for most people this is WAY too much camera for general applications. But for semi-pros and amateurs alike you cannot go wrong with this piece of equipment. All the features you could want or expect are included, and transferrance to analog or to a DV editor isnt more than a button push away. Im a freelance videographer, and Im starting a production house and this is the base piece of equipment I use. Too much camera for weddings and picnics, but for any type of video project this is all you need.
On: 2002-06-05
Just short of a top-of-the-line broadcast DV camera, the XL1S is an extremely high quality DV camcorder. Its affordable and relatively easy to operate. Granted, my parents wouldnt have the slightest clue on where to start, and for most people this is WAY too much camera for general applications. But for semi-pros and amateurs alike you cannot go wrong with this piece of equipment. All the features you could want or expect are included, and transferrance to analog or to a DV editor isnt more than a button push away. Im a freelance videographer, and Im starting a production house and this is the base piece of equipment I use. Too much camera for weddings and picnics, but for any type of video project this is all you need.
On: 2002-01-25
I was a little worried that it would difficult to operate. I found it has been fairly intuitive. I havent 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.
by: Anonymous On: 2001-12-19
The picture quality of the XL1s is outstanding and it is known to be the industrys leading pro-sumer camcorder. It is also an extremely versatile camera, allowing you to change lenses, vary your audio options (such as connecting to professional audio sound systems), and film in both frame and wide-screen formats. The only drawbacks are that it is quite a leap in complexity and it doesnt have a pop-out viewfinder, which means youre stuck looking throught the eye-piece or have to buy an attachable view-finder.It isnt for your average videographer who wants to just take video of family and vacations. It is actually being used to film documentaries and for professional services such as filming events such as weddings (which is what I use it for). Due to its size, weight, complexity, and cost (especially when you add the optional accessories such as filters, additional lenses and microphones, etc.), you had better be very serious about videography before you invest in the XL1s. If you are, you will be thrilled with this camera.
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