Canon XM2 Digital Video Camera

Full Description

A new high-sensitivity ¼" 470,000-pixel 3CCD achieves superb 540 lines horizontal resolution and Super Low Light performance.

A new generation camera signalling processing LSI improves approximately 3dB in S/N ratio from the XM1. The result is an improvement in colour, low light performance, resolution and dynamic range.

Equipped with a pixel shift system that boosts both resolution and sensitivity, the XM2 allows users to achieve superb picture quality results.

Pixel shift is a technology to horizontally shift the green CCD by one half-pitch whereby pixel quantity is increased 1.5 times for moving images. In addition, the green CCD is vertically shifted to achieve 1.7 mega-pixel high-resolution still images and a wider dynamic range for moving pictures while also reducing vertical smear.

The following picture adjustments have been greatly improved in the XM2.

Colour gain adjustments, colour phase adjustments, sharpness adjustment and black level can be adjusted to desired value and up to 1 type of preset registration is possible.

Custom preset - after picture adjustments, settings can be stored as a custom

Slow shutter speed - XM2 can be set to slow shutter speeds to 1/6 of a second

Gain control - gain can now be increased up to a maximum of 18dB

Frame movie mode - frame mode can make progressive shooting at 25 fps. Footage with 1/50 slower shutter is very similar to fine cinema.

16.9 guides - allows accurate 16.9 framing when shooting so that image can be cropped.

The Canon XM2 includes the following new shooting enhancements:

Custom key - allows users to set frequently used functions as custom keys

DV Control - allows synchronisation with hard disk or another camcorder

Zoom speed adjust

Zebra pattern - highlights areas of over-exposure that need correcting

Interval record - allows continuous recording at fixed intervals

Clear scan - reduces the flicker that occurs when filming a TV screen or PC monitor

Colour Bars - professional standard EBU colour bars can be displayed

Character recording - 'burns' the date and time or a time code on the tape

Power Save (VCR stop) - if tape is not is not run for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically switches to standby mode

Index recording/Index search - allows easy automatic search for pictures during playback when used in shooting.

The XM2 supports a direction accurate stereo microphone that incorporates two non-directional microphones for both left and right channels to produce better directional ability and give more precise stereo reproduction.

The XM2 allows users to select 3 types of frequency characteristics for the built in microphone. These include Normal, Voice and Wide Screen mode.

Additionally, it features a 2-channel manual audio level control whereby input level can be adjusted by a special dial and L/R level can be set for 2 channels. Audio-level meter with right-and-left independent 24-segment peak holder and the audio-level meter can be displayed in LCD and EVF.

An optional MA -300 microphone adapter allows the simultaneous recording of 2 independent channels from microphones with XLR connections. A BNC picture Out Terminal is also present.

The XM2 is equipped with a DV terminal for non-linear editing. Using a USB terminal (storage class), transmission of still images JPEG file to a PC is made easy. The XM2 is also compatible with SD Memory and MultiMedia Card and includes an 8mb Memory card in the kit.