Canon Introduces First DV Camcorder With Interchangeable XL Lens Mount System & Advanced SuperRange Image Stabilizer.LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 1997-- New XL1 Offers Video Producers and Semi-Pro Videographers Unmatched Optical Technology and Shooting Versatility Canon U.S.A., Inc., the leading manufacturer of optical imaging technology, continues to break new ground in the video industry with the introduction of the new XL1 digital video camcorder. The XL1 is the world's first DV camcorder to incorporate a Canon exclusive Interchangeable XL Lens Mount System which works with Canon XL video lenses and EOS Eos (ē`ŏs), in Greek religion and mythology, goddess of dawn; daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia. Every morning she arose early and preceded her brother Helios into the heavens. 35mm camera lenses. In addition, the supplied 16X Optical Zoom Changing the focal length of a camera by adjusting the physical zoom lens. All zoom lenses in film cameras and digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are optical zoom. Digital point-and-shoot cameras as well as consumer and prosumer video camcorders have optical zoom, but they also lens boasts Canon's new SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer stabilizer: see airplane. -- the most advanced image stabilizer available. The XL1's complete package of professional quality features, image quality and versatility reign supreme among other 3-CCD camcorders within the Mini-DV category. "We have known for quite some time that the video market was ready for a DV camcorder with our new Interchangeable XL Lens Mount System. Based on the popularity of Canon's first interchangeable lens product, the Hi8 L1, we are confident, given the product's superior imaging power, stability and versatility, that pro and semi-pro videomakers will embrace the XL1 with equal, if not more, enthusiasm than our L1 or L2," said Mr. Yukiaki Hashimoto, director and general manager, Canon Video Division. Proprietary Interchangeable XL Lens Mount System Provides Unsurpassed Flexibility and Superior Range to Match Virtually Every Subject Canon's exclusive new Interchangeable XL Lens Mount System opens up a dynamic world of imaging perspectives ranging from extra wide to super telephoto. Designed for the performance requirements of a 3-CCD imaging system, which has become a standard in the field of video production, the XL bayonet mount (photography) a coupling mechanism for attaching removable lenses to the body of a camera, using a - Knight. See also: Bayonet reaches the maximum potential of the digital video format. The XL lens mount accommodates newly designed lenses with unprecedented advantages. The XL series lenses incorporates the highest quality multi-coated optical elements that achieve 600 TV line resolution. The lenses integrate high speed driving motors for faster response of the internal auto-focusing system and variable zoom speeds. In addition to a 16X XL lens included with the camera, the XL1 accommodates an optional 3X wide-angle lens and a 1.6X extender See Media Center Extender, bus extender and DOS extender. . The XL1 also offers EOS 35mm camera users the expanded option of using EOS lenses with an optional EF to XL mount adapter. Therefore, the potential focal range of the XL1 in 35mm camera equivalents -- from extreme wide to super telephoto -- is 24mm to 17,280mm (EF 1200mm lens and Extender EF 2X). XL1 Boasts the Longest and Steadiest Optical Zoom with SuperRange Image Stabilizer At 16X, the XL1 includes the world's longest optical zoom on a DV camcorder. The high performance lens resolves over 600 TV lines for an extraordinarily sharp image. The zoom lens' focal length Focal length A measure of the collecting or diverging power of a lens or an optical system. Focal length, usually designated f ′ range is 5.5mm - 88mm which is a 35mm focal length equivalent of 39.6mm - 633.6mm. The lens internally incorporates high speed motors for auto-focus and zooming, a six blade iris and a 1.5 neutral density filter In photography and optics, a neutral density filter or ND filter is a "grey" filter. An ideal neutral density filter reduces light of all wavelengths or colors equally. . Externally the lens provides a variable speed zoom, manual zoom and manual focus control options and a one-push auto-focus button. The series of XL lenses are finished in a highly reflective pearl white Basic bismuth nitrate, or bismuth subchloride; - used chiefly as a cosmetic A variety of white lead blued with indigo or Berlin blue. See also: Pearl Pearl paint. The XL 16X zoom lens incorporates Canon's renowned vari-angle prism which creates optical image stabilization Image stabilization (IS) is a family of techniques to increase the stability of an image. It is used in image-stabilized binoculars, photography, videography, and astronomical telescopes. . The system has undergone an improvement resulting in even greater image stabilization performance - known as SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. Until now, optical image stabilizers have implemented a gyro sensor to detect camcorder vibration, the XL1's new SuperRange optical image stabilizer goes one step further using a motion vector to examine the image after it is received by the CCD CCD in full charge-coupled device Semiconductor device in which the individual semiconductor components are connected so that the electrical charge at the output of one device provides the input to the next device. . This technique improves the detection of any low-frequency vibrations. This data is fed back to accelerate and refine the movement of the stabilizer's vari-angle prism. The process significantly improves performance for low frequency vibration -- effectively eliminating image shake from lower than 1Hz to over 20Hz -- resulting in the most advanced optical image stabilization system available today. 3-CCD Image Sensor An image sensor is a device that converts a visual image to an electric signal. It is used chiefly in digital cameras and other imaging devices. It is usually an array of charge-coupled devices (CCD) or CMOS sensors such as active-pixel sensors. Achieves Outstanding Color Reproduction The XL1 uses 3-CCD image sensors to create true-to-life quality images. Each CCD processes a primary color primary color n. A color belonging to any of three groups each of which is regarded as generating all colors, with the groups being: a. Additive, physiological, or light primaries red, green, and blue. separately - one CCD for red, one for green and the third for blue. A beam splitting prism precisely separates the light passing through the lens into individual color components, and each is sent to its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding detail, highly accurate color reproduction - suitable for the demands of the high-end production field. Pixel Shifting Technique Enhances Overall Performance of XL1 Canon solves common shooting dilemmas through the use of advanced CCD technology called Pixel Shift. This sophisticated technique using 270,000-pixel CCDs rivals 410,000-pixel CCD systems. It achieves 530 lines of resolution The number of horizontal lines on a TV or computer screen. The term typically refers to TV sets; for example, wide screen digital TVs have 720 or 1,080 lines of resolution, while analog TV uses 525 lines. VHS tapes can render from 240 to 260 lines. while applying significant improvements to the video signal including a wider dynamic range, low color noise, excellent color reproduction, increased diagonal resolution, a high signal to noise ratio, reduced vertical smear and remarkable performance in low-light situations. The green component of a video signal contains 60 percent of the picture detail while the red and blue components comprise 40 percent of the picture detail. Pixel Shift processes the green color component of the video signal in a highly unique manner. First the green CCD is physically shifted the equivalent distance of one half pixel from the red and blue CCD, and then the green signal is electronically shifted one half pixel vertically. By placing rows of green pixels in between the aligned red and blue rows, Pixel Shift effectively doubles the sampling frequency or the density in which picture detail is read. This process of Pixel Shift achieves resolution comparable to CCD systems using twice as many pixels, while achieving numerous advantages for greater versatility in a wide range of shooting situations. The process of Pixel Shift also favorably affects image quality of the XL1's digital zoom Simulating a longer focal length in a digital camera via software. The digital zoom is accomplished via image enhancement software within the camera itself rather than the inherent mechanics of the physical zoom lens. For more details, see optical zoom. when extended magnification is required. Users will realize sharper diagonal lines and reduce patterns when shooting with the digital zoom feature. For super low-light shooting situations, the XL1's pixels measure 72 microns - 150 percent larger than that of other DV camcorders in the category. The overall result is an approximate 4dB improvement in sensitivity. The XL1 performs equally well in brightly-lit shooting environments. Vertical white streaks (smear) from bright light sources are dramatically reduced compared to models in the same class. Three Distinct Recording Modes Offer Creative Imaging Options By merging Canon's unique optics with a 3-CCD Image Sensor System and Pixel Shift technology, the XL1, unlike other 3-CCD Mini DV camcorders, incorporates three recording options to fulfill virtually any imaging need. They include capture of high resolution full motion video, high resolution stop action images of moving subjects and picture perfect single images. Frame Movie mode: this feature captures exciting, high resolution pictures by using pixel shift technology. Faster than the high speed motor drive of a 35mm SLR (1) (Scalable Linear Recording) A line of magnetic tape drives from Tandberg Data that evolved from the QIC Data Cartridge format. See QIC. (2) (Single Lens Reflex) A camera that uses the same lens for viewing and shooting. camera, Canon's Frame Movie mode records an incredible 30 frame images per second. Since you are shooting continuously, you need never worry about missing a single moment. The Frame Movie mode allows users to record high speed action for the purpose of extracting high resolution frame video images. The Canon Frame Movie mode eliminates flicker by capturing a frame image which can be displayed, printed or computerized with higher resolution than other model in its class. The resulting still images are packed with the excitement that only action shots can provide. Normal Movie mode: the XL1 delivers more than 500 lines of resolution for stunning image quality and color rendition for playback on a television monitor. Digital Photo mode: captures more than 500 remarkably clear still frame images on a single 60-minute cassette in SP mode. The camera records each still frame picture for approximately six seconds to ensure the best possible image quality. The microphone remains active during this time, enabling users to add a voice annotation to each image. For SLR-style flash photography, the Digital Photo mode will accommodate the Canon Speedlite 380EX E-TTL flash using an optional FA-100 flash adapter See flash card adapter. . XL1 is First Prosumer (PROfessional conSUMER) A person who is very knowledgeable about a subject and likes to purchase high-quality equipment. For example, many digital cameras fall into the prosumer category. DV Camcorder to Offer Three Digital Audio Modes Canon's new exclusive digital audio modes are incorporated in the XL1. Videomakers using this product will have the ability to choose from three different modes: 16 bit and two 12 bit modes. The XL1 is the first camcorder to offer simultaneous recording on four channels, as well as independent signal output. The XL1 incorporates a variety of audio input terminals with independent level controls including one stereo mini-jack and two pairs of stereo RCA See RCA connector and video/TV history. jacks. For professional microphones, Canon's MA-100 Microphone Adapter/Shoulder Pad permits the use of two XLR-type microphones, plus makes shoulder mounted shooting possible. Unique Design & Dual Action Carrying Handle The XL1 offers a unique shoulder mount design and carrying handle for added versatility in accommodating a variety of shooting positions. The conveniently positioned carrying handle, unlike other models in the category, includes an additional start/stop switch and zoom control zoom control in ultrasonography, a means of magnifying part of the image. for dual-action shooting. An adjustable shoulder brace enhances the shoulder mount design, serving multiple users and ensuring maximum comfort. A shoulder pad enhances the XL1 design and ensures comfort, balance and manageability while shooting. The XL1's magnesium alloy casing is both lightweight and highly durable providing heavy-duty protection. Additional High Performance Features The XL1's complete package of high performance features ensure outstanding video recordings: - IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, www.ieee.org) A membership organization that includes engineers, scientists and students in electronics and allied fields. 1394 Digital Connector: using the IEEE 1394 digital interface, the XL1 may be connected to a DV compatible computer for data transmission, editing, still image capture and output via printer and multimedia applications, such as web site and CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). design; - Exposure Control: time value (Tv) AE, aperture value (Av) AE, program AE (fully automatic, auto, spotlight), AE level shift, manual exposure system, shutter speed In a still camera, the length of time that the shutter is open, exposing the film (analog) or CCD or CMOS sensor (digital) to light for a single image. In a camcorder, the shutter speed is the frame speed; for example, 24, 30 or 60 frames per second (fps). See exposure and shutter lag. , gain, exposure lock; - Manual Functions: zoom, focus, audio, white balance; - Multi-View Finder: the XL1's extra-large 180,000-pixel color viewfinder The preview window on a camera that is used to frame, focus and take the picture. On analog cameras, the viewfinder is an eye-sized window that must be pressed against the face. Point-and-shoot digital cameras use small LCD screens that are viewed several inches from the eyes. allows the user to shoot with their left or right eye and move from close range to short distance; - Slow Speed Shutter: 1/8, 1/15 and 1/30 of a second; - Zebra Pattern and Color Bar color bar n. See color line. Noun 1. color bar - barrier preventing blacks from participating in various activities with whites color line, colour bar, colour line, Jim Crow Generator: XL1 displays a black and white zebra pattern to prevent over exposure. A color bar generator ensures accurate color display during monitor set-up; - Date Code: records date, time, shutter speed and exposure settings. The information remains hidden until selected for display; - Time Code: designed for optimum editing accuracy, Time Code precisely identifies each recording down to the individual frame, displaying hour, minute second and frame; - Self-Timer: a 10-second countdown allows the user to get in the video; - LP Mode: users can extend recording time of tape by 1.5 times by selecting LP (Long Play) mode; - Digital Fader Fa´der n. 1. Father. and Wide Screen TV Effect; - Mic, headphones Head-mounted speakers. Headphones have a strap that rests on top of the head, positioning a pair of speakers over both ears. For listening to music or monitoring live performances and audio tracks, both left and right channels are required. , LANC LANC Local Application Control Bus System (Sony) LANC Lan Controller ; - Remote control with Jog/Shuttle dial; - Lithium Ion Power Supply. The XL1 with standard 16X lens weighs approximately 6lbs. 5ozs. and measures 8-3/4 inches (W) x 8-7/16 inches (H) x 16-5/16 (D). The XL1 will come complete with a 16X zoom lens, BP-927 lithium ion battery pack, CA-900 power adapter, DC-900 coupler Refers to a myriad of different types of sockets for plugging in electric or electronic cables or devices. See network coupler. , stereo microphone, SS-1000 shoulder strap, WL-D2000 wireless controller, S-150 S-video cable, STV-150 stereo video cable, DVM-E30 DV cassette, SP-100 shoulder pad. Available in December 1997, the XL1 has a manufacturer's suggested list price of $4,699. CONTACT: Canon U.S.A., Inc. http://www.canondv.com Russell Marchetta, (516) 328-5145 rmarchetta@cusa.canon.com or The Rowland Company Lisa Kaslyn, (212) 527-8976 lkaslyn@rowland.com |
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