3
CCD
The XL1's high-quality colour recordings come from its use of a 3 CCD system with
Pixel Shift. Three separate one-third inch CCDs are each dedicated to a different
primary colour red, green or blue. After passing through the lens, light is split
into its primary components and sent to its own CCD. This gives natural colour reproduction
together with low colour noise and low aliasing.
16x zoom lens XL 5.5-88mm
The XL1 comes with the most powerful interchangeable optical lens available on a
digital camcorder so far: the XL 5.5-88mm high resolution 16x zoom (32x digital)
with built-in Optical Image Stabilization and 1.5 ND filter. The zoom range is equivalent
to a focal length range of 39mm to 1248mm with a 35mm camera.
SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
The XL1 features an advanced Optical Image Stabilization system. The lens incorporates
a Vari-Angle Prism formed from two glass plates separated by a high-refractive-index
liquid. A gyro sensor in the camcorder detects vibration and feeds data to the prism,
which reacts by changing shape. This bends the rays of light to keep the image reaching
the CCDs steady.
The advanced SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization system in the XL1 examines the
image once again after it is received by the CCD to detect any low frequency vibrations
missed by the gyro. This data is then fed back to the prism, which refines its corrections
to reduce the effect of camera shake even more. CCD detection greatly improves the
performance with low frequency vibration, resulting in the most advanced optical
image stabilization system currently available.
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Four audio channels
Audio
Mode one (16 bit) records two channels at 48kHz for the highest stereo sound quality.
Mode two (12 bit Stereo 1) records two channels at 32kHz, leaving two channels for
the later addition of music or narration.
Mode three (12 bit Stereo 1 plus Stereo 2) allows simultaneous recording on four
separate channels, which can be output as four independent channels for post-recording
sound editing. All the channels can be manually controlled and are fully adjustable.
This unique feature makes the XL1 the most versatile digital camcorder available
for audio recording.
Three shooting modes
Normal Movie mode is for conventional video shooting, when the results are
to be viewed on a television screen.
Frame Movie mode captures high-resolution frame still images using Pixel Shift
technology. It can
continuously record an amazing 25 frame still images a second, effectively eliminating
motion flicker by capturing a full image with every scan. This mode is perfect for
movement analysis.
Photo mode, the camcorder records the image for about six seconds, during
which time the audio system can be used to add a narrative. In low light, a Speedlite
380EX can be used on the XL1 (with the optional adaptor FA100). The Speedlite sends
out a pre-flash to determine the flash duration required. Shutter speeds between
1/60 and1/1000 second can be set, allowing fill-in flash in backlit
situations.
Digital interface IEEE 1394
In addition to the regular video and audio outputs, the XL1 features a DV-In and
DV-Out interface, which allows direct connection to any IEEE 1394 compatible devices.
It only requires a single cable for the simultaneous transmission of image, sound
and camera control data. This cable connection allows "hot plugging"; there
is no need to turn your computer off. All settings will be automatically adjusted,
simply plug and play!