8.1 out of 10

Canon XL2

Information found in: from 116 sources in 22 countries.

Best Price: $2,549

  • User Score (30)
    8.9 8.9 from 30 reviewers
  • Expert Score (2)
    7.0 7.0 from 2 reviewers

Freak Rank

  • Buzz Index: 5/5
  • Activity: 1/5

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Manufacturer's Specs

Digital Video

  • Power Supply (rated)
    7.2V DC (battery pack)
  • Power Consumption (While recording AF="ON")
    7.1W (recording with AF, 20x zoom XL 5.4-108 L IS mounted)
  • Television System
    EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal
  • Video Recording system
    Two rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording, DV System (Consumer digital VCR SD system) digital component recording
  • Audio Recording system
    PCM digital recording: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channels); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 channels) Synchronous 4-channel recording is possible
  • Image Sensor
    Size 1/3", approx. 680,000 pixels (total), Progressive Scan CCD x3 (charge-coupled device) with horizontal pixel shift
  • Tape Format
    Video cassettes bearing the MiniDV mark
  • Tape Speed
    SP: 0.74 ips (18.81mm/second), LP; 0.49 ips (12.56 mm/seco
  • Maximum Recording Time (with an 80-min. cassette)
    SP; 80 min.
  • Maximum recording time
    LP; 120 min.

Review Summary

The Canon XL2 is among the best of the best when it comes to DV camcorders. Since the release of the XL1 in 1997, Canon has been on the top of the industry when it comes to this line of cameras. Things remain the same for the XL2 thanks to upgraded features and technology. Although there is some competition in this arena, the XL2 does not have any problems holding its own.

When you first lay eyes on the XL2 you may mistake it for the earlier generation XL1; and this is not a bad thing. The XL2 looks pretty much the same as its predecessor thanks to its unique combination of shoulder mounted unit and your average run of the mill handycam.

There are many features that Canon added to the XL2, but none better than the three new progressive video modes. They include two different types of 24P as well as 30P. Although you may not know too much about this as far as technical terms are concerned, all you need to be aware of is that these progressive modes will give your film a cinematic look and feel. Not to mention the fact that it makes things much easier when it comes to the actual transfer to film.

There are a few downfalls that go along with the XL2. First off, it is more expensive than the competition at approximately $3,300. If price is the only thing on your mind, the XL2 may not be the best buy. Additionally, there is no flip out LCD monitor which is standard on most of the other DV camcorders.

As you can see, the Canon XL2 has followed in the footsteps of the XL1. By offering top of the line DV imagery, the XL2 has moved near the top of this class.

The Canon XL2 allows you to capture images closer to the finished product than ever before. Work that previously was limited to post-production can be simply and effectively accomplished in the fie…

  1. 06 April 2008

    The Canon XL2 is the long-awaited successor to the legendary XL1 and XL1S, the two cameras that brought functionality and respect to DV cinematography... Read more

  2. Reviewer: Newbie
    24 March 2006

    The Canon XL2 Mini DV Digital Camcorder features a 20X optical zoom and 1.3 MP CCD for videos and photos to make every shot crisp and clear. It includes: standard 4:3 aspect ratio and the 16:9 wide screen TV aspect ratios. Master RGB control that offers 13 steps of adjustment each to the red, green and blue components of the video signal. This gives you beautiful images that deliver natural-looking tones and vivid color for a perfect performance every time you shoot. ... Read more

  1. Quick review of Canon XL2 camcorder - Mini DV

    Reviewer: Robyn460, Ciao
    25 April 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    currently own the Canon Camcorder and I love the quality of the camera. I honestly think that this is the best camcorder to use if you are looking for a good picture, great sounds and a light little It has many details like you can slow down and fast forward. You can pause, play, stop, record and sometimes honestly i love it but it was hard for me to learn how to get it off the camera to the computer.but did suceed. Read more

  2. Reviewer: skateboarder, review.cameraworld.com
    26 March 2008
    Overall 10
    10
     

    I don't have one yet but I want to get one I used one at a friends house to film skateboarding, and some funny clips, and it worked really well. It was the best for skateboarding though, because it was easy to handle. Read more

  3. Reviewer: BrianG, Radioshack
    27 February 2008
    Overall 10
    10
     

    Awsome for the money. Read more

  4. Reviewer: Sam (Unregistered User), Photography Review
    11 June 2007
    Overall 2
    2.0
    Value for money 2
    2.0
     

    Outdoor camera is fair. As a back-up camera...perhaps. The ability to exchange lenses is great. In photography canon is great (depending where the lens is coming from) but in video leave to much to think about. Read more

  5. Reviewer: Nick the bass, Ritz Camera
    05 March 2007
    Overall 10
    10
     

    It met all the expectation I had set forth with Pre-Production. This is the equipment I plan on using for Producing Multiple Events that we're doing for HBO and Showtime. Read more

  1. sony pd170 or canon xl2?

    ...more pro cam. I’m in a summer camp, were kids and staff are performing plays in the gym on stage. mostly at night, with all the (crapy) color spot lights above them. And I have to record all this on video and do the post production too... sony pd170 or canon xl2 Which camera will perform better for this particular job? Again the entire gym is complete dark. The stage is light up with color stage spot light (no DJ lights) Stage is about 32 ft. wide About 12-15 ft. height About 18ft. dept THANKS!

    forum.camcorderinfo.com: 10 July 2007 Read more

  2. Looking for a Good HDD Camcorder So Many What to do!

    I have a canon xl2 for pro video shoots i do with my artist but me and the wife were talking about getting a new family camcorder (for my sons karate, daughter playing in the house and so on) Our budget is 300-500. I dont care about how it takes pics, i just want something w...

    forum.camcorderinfo.com: Read more

  3. Good Experience w/Video Guys.com

    I recently purchased from Video Guys.com and had a good experience that I thought I would share. I needed a hard drive for our Canon XL2 since I didnt want to use tape all the time and a "good take" button can save a lot of editing time. I shopped around a did a lot of research, but Video Guys were the most upfront on the phone. Their price point was in the ballpark as the others, but they...

    forum.digitaltrends.com: Read more

  4. AVID Editing System

    forum.extrememhz.com: 24 August 2005 Read more

  5. Camcorders

    forum.photo.net: Read more

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Video Reviews

  • mcivcik: CANON XL2 TEST CANON XL2 TEST Length: Play Video
  • albertmirobarba: CANON XL2 TEST 01 by Albert Miró CANON XL2 TEST 01 by Albert Miró Length: Play Video
  • MichaelSirois: Canon XL2 Test: Natural Daylight Test Canon XL2 Test: Natural Daylight Test Length: Play Video
  • MichaelSirois: Canon XL2 Test: "Night / Low Light Test" Canon XL2 Test: "Night / Low Light Test" Length: Play Video
  • WalkerStudios: Canon XL2 test vid Canon XL2 test vid Length: Play Video
  • albertmirobarba: CANON XL2 TEST 03 Sa Foradada - MALLORCA CANON XL2 TEST 03 Sa Foradada - MALLORCA Length: Play Video
  • AngryGreen: FAAS CANON XL2 TEST VIDEO FAAS CANON XL2 TEST VIDEO Length: Play Video
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