Canon releases two new HD camcorders

Canon has released two new high-end handheld HD camcorders aimed at broadcasters and cinematographers.

The XH A1 and the XH G1 HD camcorders each have three image sensors (also known as charge coupled devices, or CCDs) that record in 16:9 height-to-width format at 1,440x1,080 pixels, capturing video images at 1080i HD resolution. Both models also feature a Canon 20x HD zoom lens, image stabilisation and adjustable frame rates.

The XH A1 is due out in October, while the XH G1, the higher-specced model, is planned for release in November and features HD-SDI output (SDI stands for serial digital interface, a digitised video interface for broadcast-quality video) with embedded audio and time code, generator-lock synchronisation for easy switching among multiple cameras, and an In/Out feature to synchronise the time codes of those cameras. UK pricing for the two models is not available at this time.

The adjustable frame rates featured on both cameras allow the operator to change the look and feel of the captured HD video. The cameras' 30-frame rate is intended for high-speed sports and other high-clarity video, their 24-frame rate for a film-quality look, and their 60i setting (a shutter rate of one 60th of a second) for reality TV-type shooting or YouTube fun.

Canon's announcement follows an unveiling by Sony of its latest models. In early July, Sony announced two camcorders that record to DVD discs and hard-disk drives slated for retail release this autumn.