| |
Model
|
| Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Picture ? | | | | Picture ? |
| Manufacturer | Canon 
| Sony
| Sony
| Manufacturer |
| Name | XL H1S | HDR-CX570 | HDR-CX690 | Name |
| European name ? | XL H1S | HDR-CX570E | HDR-CX690VE | European name ? |
| US name ? | XL H1S | HDR-CX570 | HDR-CX690 | US name ? |
| lowest US price | 7800 $ | (629) $ | (1199) $ | lowest US price |
| On the market since | May 2008 | January 2012 | March 2011 | On the market since |
| Manufacturers URL | link to Canon | link to Sony | link to Sony | Manufacturers URL |
|
|
Test preview
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | 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 H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Video formats ? | MiniDV
HDV
| AVCHD
| AVCHD
SD MPEG2
| Video formats ? |
| Recording Medium | MiniDV/HDV-Cassette
| SD Card
SDHC card
Memory Stick PRO Duo
built-in flash memory
SDXC card
| 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
| 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
| 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
| AVCHD 1920 x 1080/60i
AVCHD 1440 x 1080/60i
SD MPEG2 720 x 480
AVCHD 1920 x 1080/60p
| 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 | 28 Mbit/s | 28 Mbit/s | Max Bitrate ? |
| Compression format ? | DV
MPEG2
| MPEG4
| MPEG2
MPEG4
| Compression format ? |
| on-board memory ? | | | | on-board memory ? |
| Optics |
| Optics Manufacturer ? | Canon
| Sony
| Sony
| Optics Manufacturer ? |
| Optical Zoom ? | 20 x | 12 x | 10 x | Optical Zoom ? |
| Wide Angle 16:9 ? | 39 mm | 26,8 mm | 26,3 mm | Wide Angle 16:9 ? |
| Filter diameter ? | 72 mm | 30 mm | 37 mm | Filter diameter ? |
| Image Stabilization ? | optical
| optically and electronically
| optically and electronically
| Image Stabilization ? |
| ND Filter ? | 2 | No
| No
| ND Filter ? |
| Exchangable optics ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Exchangable optics ? |
| Image Sensor |
| Number of sensors ? | 3 | 1 | 1 | Number of sensors ? |
| Size of image sensor ? | 1/3 inch | 1/3,91 inch | 1/2,9 inch | Size of image sensor ? |
| image sensor effective pixel count 16:9 ? | 1560000 Pixel | 5020000 Pixel | 6140000 Pixel | image sensor effective pixel count 16:9 ? |
| Image Sensor Type ? | CCD
| CMOS
| 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/auto
| 1/10.000 | Minimum shutter time ? |
| Maximum shutter time ? | 1/3 | auto
| 1/8 | Maximum shutter time ? |
| Apperture control ? | auto
manual
AE-Shift
| auto
| auto
manual
AE-Shift
| Apperture control ? |
| Infrared recording ? | No
| No
| Yes
| Infrared recording ? |
| Expanded Focus ? | Yes
| No
| Yes
| Expanded Focus ? |
| Peaking ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Peaking ? |
| Signal Processing |
| Zebra ? | Off
70-100%
| 70%
100% | 100%
No
| Zebra ? |
| Histogram ? | No
| No
| No
| Histogram ? |
| adjustable sharpness ? | Yes
| No
| | adjustable sharpness ? |
| Adjustable color ? | Yes
| No
| | Adjustable color ? |
| Cinegamma ? | Yes
| No
| Yes
| Cinegamma ? |
| Black Strech ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Black Strech ? |
| Knee ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Knee ? |
| Colorbars ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Colorbars ? |
| Misc. |
| Shot Transition ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Shot Transition ? |
| Custom Presets ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Custom Presets ? |
| Set Time Code ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Set Time Code ? |
Configuration
|
| Connections |
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
FBAS ?
synonymous: RCA, composite | In
Out
| Out
| Out
| FBAS ?
synonymous: RCA, composite |
YC ?
synonymous: S-Video | In
Out
| About Special Equipment
| About Special Equipment
| YC ?
synonymous: S-Video |
YUV ?
synonymous: Component Signal | Out
| Out
| Out
| YUV ?
synonymous: Component Signal |
| HDMI ? | No
| Out
| Out
| HDMI ? |
DV / HDV (FireWire) ?
synonymous: ILink / IEEE-1394 | In
Out
| - | - | DV / HDV (FireWire) ?
synonymous: ILink / IEEE-1394 |
| USB ? | No
| USB 2.0 OUT
| USB 2.0
| USB ? |
| Microphone / Audio input ? | XLR
Cinch
| Mini-jack
| Mini-jack
| Microphone / Audio input ? |
| Headphones ? | 3.5 mm mini-jack
| Mini-jack
| 3.5 mm mini-jack
| Headphones ? |
| Lanc ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Lanc ? |
| Time-code interface ? | In
Out
| No
| No
| Time-code interface ? |
| Genlock ? | In
| No
| No
| Genlock ? |
| Accessory shoe ? | Standard
| AI
| AI
| Accessory shoe ? |
| HD-SDI ? | Out
| No
| No
| HD-SDI ? |
| Misc. |
| Weight (without battery) | 3435 g | 315 g | 455 g | Weight (without battery) |
| Weight (with battery) | 3750 g | 450 g | 490 g | Weight (with battery) |
| Battery type | Canon BP-950G
| Sony NP-FV50
| Sony NP-FV50
| Battery type |
| Battery capacity | 5200 mAh | 980 mAh | | Battery capacity |
| Charger ? | external
| internal
| internal
| Charger ? |
| Remote control | Yes
| No
| Yes
| Remote control |
| Size |
| Height | 226 mm | 54 mm | 66 mm | Height |
| Width | 220 mm | 64 mm | 74 mm | Width |
| Depth | 496 mm | 116 mm | 143 mm | Depth |
| Relative Size ? | 246 | 4 | 6 | Relative Size ? |
| Viewfinder |
| Viewfinder available ? | Yes
| No
| Yes
| Viewfinder available ? |
| Color Viewfinder ? | Color
| - | Color
| Color Viewfinder ? |
| Viewfinder format ? | 16:9 | - | 16:9 | Viewfinder format ? |
| Viewfinder pixels ? | 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 | 3,0 Inch | 3,0 Inch | Display size |
| Display format ? | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | Display format ? |
| Display pixels ? | 215000 Pixel | 921000 Pixel | 921000 Pixel | Display pixels ? |
| Touch Screen ? | | Yes
| Yes
| Touch Screen ? |
| External controls |
| Manual Zoom ? | Rocker
Ring
| Rocker
| Rocker
Zoom ring multi-assigned
| Manual Zoom ? |
| Manual Focus ? | Ring
| Menu
| Menu
bi-functional focus or aperture wheel
| Manual Focus ? |
| Manual Aperture ? | Menu
| No
| Menu
bi-functional focus or aperture wheel
| Manual Aperture ? |
| Focus switcher ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Focus switcher ? |
| ND Filter ? | Yes
| No
| No
| ND Filter ? |
| Exp Lock ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Exp Lock ? |
| Gain ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Gain ? |
| White balance ? | Yes
| No
| No
| White balance ? |
| Push AF ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Push AF ? |
| Audio Levels ? | Yes
| No
| No
| Audio Levels ? |
Custom Keys ?
synonymous: User buttons | | No
| No
| Custom Keys ?
synonymous: User buttons |
Audio
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Audio Formats ? | 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
| AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1 640 kbit max.
Dolby AC-3 Digital 2 channel 48 KHz
| Audio Formats ? |
| Microphone ? | Stereo internal
external XLR
| Mini-jack external
5.1 Internal
| Stereo internal
Mini-jack external
| Microphone ? |
| Audio Control ? | auto
manual
| auto
2 steps
| auto
manual
| Audio Control ? |
| Audio levels ? | Viewfinder
display
| Screen
| Viewfinder
Screen
| Audio levels ? |
Still
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Recording Medium ? | SD Card
| Memory Stick Duo
SD Card
built-in flash memory
SDHC card
SDXC card
| Memory Stick Duo
SD Card
SDHC card
SDXC card
| Recording Medium ? |
| Medium included ? | 16 MB
| No
| No
| Medium included ? |
| Effective pixels ? | 1560000 Pixel | 5020000 Pixel | | Effective pixels ? |
| Resolutions ? | 1920x1080
1440x1080
848x480
640x480 | 6016 x 3384 - Max
| 4672 x 2628 - Max
| Resolutions ? |
| Standard ? | JPEG Exif 2.2
| JPEG Exif 2.2
| JPEG Exif 2.2
| Standard ? |
| Flash ? | No
| Yes
| Yes
| Flash ? |
Misc.
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| Specials | optional upgrade for NTSC recordingsimulataneous video signal at RCA and BNC output | | integrated (?) USB cable | Specials |
Product Shots
|
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| View 1 | | | | View 1 |
| View 2 | | | | View 2 |
Test results
|
| Test pictures |
| [ top ] | Canon XL H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | 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 | Sufficient | Sufficient | Optical Zoom ? |
| Wide Angle ? | Satisfactory | Excellent | Excellent | Wide Angle ? |
| Configuration / image ? | Very good | Satisfactory | Good | Configuration / image ? |
| Configuration / sound ? | Excellent | Sufficient | Poor | Configuration / sound ? |
| Handling ? | Very good | Satisfactory | Good | Handling ? |
| Portability ? | Sufficient | Excellent | Very good | Portability ? |
| Photo function ? | Sufficient | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Photo function ? |
| Optics ? | Good | Good | Good | Optics ? |
| Dynamics ? | Very good | Good | Good | Dynamics ? |
| Conclusion slashCAM |
| slashCAM rating ? | Very good
| Very good
| Very good
| slashCAM rating ? |
Total score ?
(maximal 570) | 405 | 402 | 400 | Total score ?
(maximal 570) |
| Pros | + Excellent resolution in brightness and color
+ interchangeable lenses
+ 4 audio channels for HDV
+ Very well equipped
| + Display
+ Reliable input automatics
| + 50P Recording
+ Big wide angle
+ Good touch functions
+ Very good low light behavior
| Pros |
| Cons | - unergonomical on the shoulder
| - few manual controls
- Slight chromatic aberrations
| - Image characteristics can not be changed
- few image control options
- Small (touch) screen
| Cons |
| Conclusion | 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. | Sony&, 39;s mid-range 2012 is recommended primarily for filmmakers without preference for manual intervention.In return, businesses may rely again on the well functioning of Sony automatics.The picture quality is basically good, but shows more chromatic aberration than the competition.The top display and the snappy menus speak for the powerful hardware and set new benchmarks in this price range. | 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 H1S | Sony HDR-CX570 | Sony HDR-CX690 | |
| slashCAM Review | | | | slashCAM Review |
| external reviews/tests | | | | external reviews/tests |
| Comparison |  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-CX570 compared to Panasonic HC-V707
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to JVC GZ-HM845
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Sony HDR-CX350V
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Canon HF M31
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Canon HF20
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Canon HF200
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Sony HDR-SR11
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Canon HF M36
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Panasonic HDC-HS60
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Canon HF100
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to JVC GZ-HM550
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to JVC GZ-HD30
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to JVC GZ-HD40
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to JVC GZ-HM400
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Samsung HMX-S10
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Canon HV10
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to JVC GZ-HD6
Sony HDR-CX570 compared to Sanyo Xacti HD2000
| 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-PJ740
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Sony HDR-CX740
Sony HDR-CX690 compared to Sony HDR-CX730
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 HF M32
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
| Comparison |
| Forum posts | Canon XL H1s XL H1a - nothing new in the East
| | Test: SonyHDR-CX700 and CX690 HDR
| Forum posts |
| |
