On September 18 of 2005, Canon broke new ground in the digital video camera industry, announcing the XL H1, which was Canon's first DVC featuring high definition.  Originally developed based on the needs
of professional and enthusiastic videographers, the XL H1 retains the operability of Canon's very popular XL2 while increasing the professional function and supporting high-definition recording.

The flagship DVC for the company of Canon, the XL H1 is ideal for use all across the spectrum of professional content making, from film and television
production to filming weddings.  The XL H1 also comes equipped with an HD 20X zoom video lens, the XL 5.4-108 mm L IS II, which contributes to Canon's 
development aim of delivering the highest possible quality of recording available today.

As Canon's first HD video camera, the XL H1 camcorder and 20X HD video zoom lens will provide broadcasters with a low-budget 1080i resolution option for ENG, documentary, or even reality television productions.

The film makes will also fall for the extensive Cine controls and 24 frame rate option the XL H1 has to offer.  Canon's custom backpack features include uncompressed digital HD-SDI output for seamless integration into broadcast studios or high-quality image transfer to nonlinear editing systems.

The genlock feature will allow movie sets to easily synchronize camera settings across multiple camcorders and SMPTE time codes will allow for
streamlined tape and edit management.

The XL H1 also offers three 1/3 inch 1.67 megapixel interlaced CCDs that capture images at 1080i resolution.  It also features a selectable frame 
rates of 50i and 25F, so capturing fast motion and just about everything else is possible with the XL H1.