| |
Model
|
| Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Picture ? | | | | Picture ? |
| Manufacturer | Canon 
| Canon
| Sony
| Manufacturer |
| Name | XL H1A | XL H1S | HDR-CX690 | Name |
| European name ? | XL H1A | XL H1S | HDR-CX690VE | European name ? |
| US name ? | XL H1A | XL H1S | HDR-CX690 | US name ? |
| lowest US price | | 7800 $ | (1199) $ | lowest US price |
| On the market since | June 2008 | May 2008 | March 2011 | On the market since |
| Manufacturers URL | link to Canon | link to Canon | link to Sony | Manufacturers URL |
|
|
Test preview
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| slashCAM rating ? | Very good
 | Very good
| Very good
| slashCAM rating ? |
| test picture 1200 Lux | | | | test picture 1200 Lux |
| Test image 12 lux auto-mode | | | | Test image 12 lux auto-mode |
Video
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Video formats ? | MiniDV
HDV
| MiniDV
HDV
| AVCHD
SD MPEG2
| Video formats ? |
| Recording Medium | MiniDV/HDV-Cassette
| MiniDV/HDV-Cassette
| SD Card
SDHC card
Memory Stick PRO Duo
SDXC card
| Recording Medium |
| video resolutions EU ? | HDV 1440 x 1080/50i
MiniDV 720 x 576/50i
MiniDV 720 x 576/25F
HDV 1440 x 1080/25F
| HDV 1440 x 1080/50i
MiniDV 720 x 576/50i
MiniDV 720 x 576/25F
HDV 1440 x 1080/25F
| AVCHD 1920 x 1080/50p
AVCHD 1440 x 1080/50i
AVCHD 1920 x 1080/50i
AVCHD 1920 x 1080/25p
SD MPEG2 720 x 576
| video resolutions EU ? |
| video resolutions US ? | HDV 1440 x 1080/60i
HDV 1440 x 1080/24p
HDV 1440 x 1080/30p
MiniDV 720 x 480/60i
720 MiniDV x480/24p
MiniDV 720 x 480/30p
| HDV 1440 x 1080/60i
HDV 1440 x 1080/24p
HDV 1440 x 1080/30p
MiniDV 720 x 480/60i
720 MiniDV x480/24p
MiniDV 720 x 480/30p
| AVCHD 1920 x 1080/60i
AVCHD 1920 x 1080/24p
AVCHD 1440 x 1080/60i
SD MPEG2 720 x 480
AVCHD 1920 x 1080/60p
| video resolutions US ? |
| Max Bitrate ? | 25 Mbit/s | 25 Mbit/s | 28 Mbit/s | Max Bitrate ? |
| Compression format ? | DV
MPEG2
| DV
MPEG2
| MPEG2
MPEG4
| Compression format ? |
| on-board memory ? | | | | on-board memory ? |
| Optics |
| Optics Manufacturer ? | Canon
| Canon
| Sony
| Optics Manufacturer ? |
| Optical Zoom ? | 20 x | 20 x | 10 x | Optical Zoom ? |
| Wide Angle 16:9 ? | 39 mm | 39 mm | 26,3 mm | Wide Angle 16:9 ? |
| Filter diameter ? | 72 mm | 72 mm | 37 mm | Filter diameter ? |
| Image Stabilization ? | optical
| optical
| optically and electronically
| Image Stabilization ? |
| ND Filter ? | 2 | 2 | No
| ND Filter ? |
| Exchangable optics ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Exchangable optics ? |
| Image Sensor |
| Number of sensors ? | 3 | 3 | 1 | Number of sensors ? |
| Size of image sensor ? | 1/3 inch | 1/3 inch | 1/2,9 inch | Size of image sensor ? |
| image sensor effective pixel count 16:9 ? | 1560000 Pixel | 1560000 Pixel | 6140000 Pixel | image sensor effective pixel count 16:9 ? |
| Image Sensor Type ? | CCD
| CCD
| CMOS
| Image Sensor Type ? |
| Controls |
| White Balance ? | auto
manual
presets
| auto
manual
presets
| auto
manual
presets
WB-Shift
| White Balance ? |
| Focus ? | auto
manual
| auto
manual
| auto
manual
| Focus ? |
| Minimum shutter time ? | 1/16.000 | 1/16.000 | 1/10.000 | Minimum shutter time ? |
| Maximum shutter time ? | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/8 | Maximum shutter time ? |
| Apperture control ? | auto
manual
AE-Shift
| auto
manual
AE-Shift
| auto
manual
AE-Shift
| Apperture control ? |
| Infrared recording ? | No
| No
| Yes
| Infrared recording ? |
| Expanded Focus ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Expanded Focus ? |
| Peaking ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Peaking ? |
| Signal Processing |
| Zebra ? | Off
70-100%
| Off
70-100%
| 100%
No
| Zebra ? |
| Histogram ? | No
| No
| No
| Histogram ? |
| adjustable sharpness ? | Yes
| Yes
| | adjustable sharpness ? |
| Adjustable color ? | Yes
| Yes
| | Adjustable color ? |
| Cinegamma ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Cinegamma ? |
| Black Strech ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Black Strech ? |
| Knee ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Knee ? |
| Colorbars ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Colorbars ? |
| Misc. |
| Shot Transition ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Shot Transition ? |
| Custom Presets ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Custom Presets ? |
| Set Time Code ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Set Time Code ? |
Configuration
|
| Connections |
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
FBAS ?
synonymous: RCA, composite | In
Out
| In
Out
| Out
| FBAS ?
synonymous: RCA, composite |
YC ?
synonymous: S-Video | In
Out
| In
Out
| About Special Equipment
| YC ?
synonymous: S-Video |
YUV ?
synonymous: Component Signal | Out
| Out
| Out
| YUV ?
synonymous: Component Signal |
| HDMI ? | No
| No
| Out
| HDMI ? |
DV / HDV (FireWire) ?
synonymous: ILink / IEEE-1394 | In
Out
| In
Out
| - | DV / HDV (FireWire) ?
synonymous: ILink / IEEE-1394 |
| USB ? | No
| No
| USB 2.0
| USB ? |
| Microphone / Audio input ? | XLR
Cinch
| XLR
Cinch
| Mini-jack
| Microphone / Audio input ? |
| Headphones ? | 3.5 mm mini-jack
| 3.5 mm mini-jack
| 3.5 mm mini-jack
| Headphones ? |
| Lanc ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Lanc ? |
| Time-code interface ? | | In
Out
| No
| Time-code interface ? |
| Genlock ? | | In
| No
| Genlock ? |
| Accessory shoe ? | Standard
| Standard
| AI
| Accessory shoe ? |
| HD-SDI ? | | Out
| No
| HD-SDI ? |
| Misc. |
| Weight (without battery) | 3435 g | 3435 g | 455 g | Weight (without battery) |
| Weight (with battery) | 3750 g | 3750 g | 490 g | Weight (with battery) |
| Battery type | Canon BP-950G
| Canon BP-950G
| Sony NP-FV50
| Battery type |
| Battery capacity | 5200 mAh | 5200 mAh | | Battery capacity |
| Charger ? | external
| external
| internal
| Charger ? |
| Remote control | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Remote control |
| Size |
| Height | 226 mm | 226 mm | 66 mm | Height |
| Width | 220 mm | 220 mm | 74 mm | Width |
| Depth | 496 mm | 496 mm | 143 mm | Depth |
| Relative Size ? | 246 | 246 | 6 | Relative Size ? |
| Viewfinder |
| Viewfinder available ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Viewfinder available ? |
| Color Viewfinder ? | Color
| Color
| Color
| Color Viewfinder ? |
| Viewfinder format ? | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | Viewfinder format ? |
| Viewfinder pixels ? | 215000 Pixel | 215000 Pixel | 201600 Pixel | Viewfinder pixels ? |
| Display |
| Display available ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Display available ? |
| Color display ? | Color
| Color
| Color
| Color display ? |
| Display size | 2,4 Inch | 2,4 Inch | 3,0 Inch | Display size |
| Display format ? | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | Display format ? |
| Display pixels ? | 215000 Pixel | 215000 Pixel | 921000 Pixel | Display pixels ? |
| Touch Screen ? | | | Yes
| Touch Screen ? |
| External controls |
| Manual Zoom ? | Rocker
Ring
| Rocker
Ring
| Rocker
Zoom ring multi-assigned
| Manual Zoom ? |
| Manual Focus ? | Ring
| Ring
| Menu
bi-functional focus or aperture wheel
| Manual Focus ? |
| Manual Aperture ? | Menu
| Menu
| Menu
bi-functional focus or aperture wheel
| Manual Aperture ? |
| Focus switcher ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Focus switcher ? |
| ND Filter ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| ND Filter ? |
| Exp Lock ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Exp Lock ? |
| Gain ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Gain ? |
| White balance ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| White balance ? |
| Push AF ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Push AF ? |
| Audio Levels ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Audio Levels ? |
Custom Keys ?
synonymous: User buttons | | | No
| Custom Keys ?
synonymous: User buttons |
Audio
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Audio Formats ? | MiniDV: 2x48kHz 16bit PCM
MiniDV: 4x32kHz 12bit PCM
HDV: 2x48kHz 16bit MPEG 1
HDV: 4x48kHz 16bit MPEG 2
| MiniDV: 2x48kHz 16bit PCM
MiniDV: 4x32kHz 12bit PCM
HDV: 2x48kHz 16bit MPEG 1
HDV: 4x48kHz 16bit MPEG 2
| AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1 640 kbit max.
Dolby AC-3 Digital 2 channel 48 KHz
| Audio Formats ? |
| Microphone ? | Stereo internal
external XLR
| Stereo internal
external XLR
| Stereo internal
Mini-jack external
| Microphone ? |
| Audio Control ? | auto
manual
| auto
manual
| auto
manual
| Audio Control ? |
| Audio levels ? | Viewfinder
display
| Viewfinder
display
| Viewfinder
Screen
| Audio levels ? |
Still
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Recording Medium ? | SD Card
| SD Card
| Memory Stick Duo
SD Card
SDHC card
SDXC card
| Recording Medium ? |
| Medium included ? | 16 MB
| 16 MB
| No
| Medium included ? |
| Effective pixels ? | 1560000 Pixel | 1560000 Pixel | | Effective pixels ? |
| Resolutions ? | 1920x1080
1440x1080
848x480
640x480 | 1920x1080
1440x1080
848x480
640x480 | 4672 x 2628 - Max
| Resolutions ? |
| Standard ? | JPEG Exif 2.2
| JPEG Exif 2.2
| JPEG Exif 2.2
| Standard ? |
| Flash ? | No
| No
| Yes
| Flash ? |
Misc.
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Specials | optional upgrade for NTSC recordingsimulataneous video signal at RCA and BNC output | optional upgrade for NTSC recordingsimulataneous video signal at RCA and BNC output | integrated (?) USB cable | Specials |
Product Shots
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| View 1 | | | | View 1 |
| View 2 | | | | View 2 |
Test results
|
| Test pictures |
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| luminance resolution | | | | luminance resolution |
| chrominance resolution | | | | chrominance resolution |
| lens distortion | | | | lens distortion |
| test small ISO image | | | | test small ISO image |
| noise / internal microphone | | | | noise / internal microphone |
| test picture 1200 Lux | | | | test picture 1200 Lux |
| Test image 12 lux auto-mode ? | | | | Test image 12 lux auto-mode ? |
| Test image 12 lux optimized ? | | | | Test image 12 lux optimized ? |
| slashCAM rating |
| Lowlight ? | Good | Good | Very good | Lowlight ? |
| Resolution ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | Resolution ? |
| Color performance ? | Very good | Very good | Good | Color performance ? |
| subj.Picture impression ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | subj.Picture impression ? |
| Optical Zoom ? | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Sufficient | Optical Zoom ? |
| Wide Angle ? | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Excellent | Wide Angle ? |
| Configuration / image ? | Very good | Very good | Good | Configuration / image ? |
| Configuration / sound ? | Excellent | Excellent | Poor | Configuration / sound ? |
| Handling ? | Very good | Very good | Good | Handling ? |
| Portability ? | Sufficient | Sufficient | Very good | Portability ? |
| Photo function ? | Sufficient | Sufficient | Satisfactory | Photo function ? |
| Optics ? | Good | Good | Good | Optics ? |
| Dynamics ? | Very good | Very good | Good | Dynamics ? |
| Conclusion slashCAM |
| slashCAM rating ? | Very good
| Very good
| Very good
| slashCAM rating ? |
Total score ?
(maximal 570) | 405 | 405 | 400 | Total score ?
(maximal 570) |
| Pros | + Excellent resolution in brightness and color
+ interchangeable lenses
+ 4 audio channels for HDV
+ Very well equipped
| + Excellent resolution in brightness and color
+ interchangeable lenses
+ 4 audio channels for HDV
+ Very well equipped
| + 50P Recording
+ Big wide angle
+ Good touch functions
+ Very good low light behavior
| Pros |
| Cons | - unergonomical on the shoulder
| - unergonomical on the shoulder
| - Image characteristics can not be changed
- few image control options
- Small (touch) screen
| Cons |
| Conclusion | The Canon XL H1A has excellent CCDs, which in some aspects tap the full resolution potential of HDV.In combination with very good dynamic behavior and the consistent colors this provides a very good image impression.The standard lens is not satisfying: for less distortion and chromatic aberrations as well as for more wide angle pros need to go for an additional (more expensive) optics. | The Canon XL H1S has excellent CCDs, which exploit the resolution potential of HDV in many areas.In combination with very good dynamic behavior and the consistent colors this provides a very good image impression.The standard lens is not satisfying: for less distortion and chromatic aberrations as well as for more wide angle pros need to go for an additional (more expensive) optics.Also the surcharge for professional jacks seems disproportionate. | The hardware configuration is quite interesting considering the price range.The sharp display could be somewhat larger though.The wide-angle with virtually no lens distorsion is unique.The Bildqualiät and the low light performance are also competitive.Those who can do without helpful things like histogram or changeable image characteristics get a nice piece of technology for a reasonable price.For ambitious filmmakers who want more control over their shooting the competition offers more value for the money. | Conclusion |
More information
|
| Reviews and Forums |
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1A | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| slashCAM Review | | | | slashCAM Review |
| external reviews/tests |  www.camcorderinfo.com
| | | external reviews/tests |
| Comparison | Canon XL H1A compared to Sony PMW-EX1R
Canon XL H1A compared to Canon XF105
Canon XL H1A compared to Canon XF100
Canon XL H1A compared to Panasonic HDC-Z10000 (2D-Modus)
Canon XL H1A compared to Panasonic HDC-Z10000 (3D-Modus)
Canon XL H1A compared to Canon XH A1s
Canon XL H1A compared to Canon XH A1
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony HDR-AX2000
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony HXR-NX5
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony HXR-NX70
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony HDR-FX1000
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony HVR-Z5
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony NEX-VG20
Canon XL H1A compared to Panasonic AG-HMC151
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony HDR-CX550V
Canon XL H1A compared to Sony HVR-V1
Canon XL H1A compared to Panasonic AG-HVX200
Canon XL H1A compared to JVC GY-HM150
| Canon XL H1S compared to Sony PMW-EX3
Canon XL H1S compared to Panasonic AG-AC160
Canon XL H1S compared to Panasonic AG-HPX250
Canon XL H1S compared to Canon XF300
Canon XL H1S compared to Canon XF305
Canon XL H1S compared to Sony PMW-EX1
Canon XL H1S compared to Canon XH G1s
Canon XL H1S compared to Canon XH G1
Canon XL H1S compared to Panasonic AG-HPX301E
Canon XL H1S compared to Canon XL H1
Canon XL H1S compared to Panasonic AG-HPX171
Canon XL H1S compared to Panasonic AG-HPX170
Canon XL H1S compared to Sony HVR-Z1
Canon XL H1S compared to Panasonic AG-AC130
Canon XL H1S compared to Sony NEX-FS100
Canon XL H1S compared to Panasonic AG-AF101
Canon XL H1S compared to JVC GY-HM700
Canon XL H1S compared to Sony HVR-Z7
| Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Canon HF G10
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Panasonic HDC-SD707
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Panasonic HDC-HS700
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Sony HDR-CX700
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Sony HDR-XR550V
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Panasonic HDC-SD600
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to JVC GZ-HM960
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Panasonic HDC-TM350
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Panasonic HDC-SD300
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Canon HF21
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Sony HDR-XR500V
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Canon HF S11
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to JVC GC-PX10
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Canon HF S21
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Canon HG21
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Panasonic HDC-HS100
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Sony HDR-CX520V
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Sony HDR-CX505V
| Comparison |
| Forum posts | Canon xl h1a or SonyHVR-Z7E
buy a Canon XL H1a
Canon XH A1 and XL H1A + I Mac G5?
Canon XL H1A, or XH A1
Canon XL H1s XL H1a - nothing new in the East
| Canon XL H1s XL H1a - nothing new in the East
| Test: SonyHDR-CX700 and CX690 HDR
| Forum posts |
| |
