∂

C KNOW HOW ®

1-800-OK-CANON / www.usa.canon.com

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

One Canon Plaza, Lake Success
NY 11042 U.S.A.

Canon Canada Inc.

6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga
Ontario L5T 1P7 Canada

Canon Mexicana, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.

Blvd. M. A. Camacho No. 138, Piso PB,
15, 16 y 17, Col. Lomas de Chapultepec,
C.P. 11000 México, D.F. México

Canon Latin America, Inc.

703 Waterford Way, Suite 400,
Miami FL 33126 U.S.A.

Canon HongKong Co., Ltd.

19/F, The Metropolis Tower,
10 Metropolis Drive,
C
Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

0046W075 02/05

©2005 CANON U.S.A., INC.

www.canondv.com www.canondv.com
3CCD DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Intentionally
Overengineered.
 60i Frame Rate 30p Frame Rate 24p Frame Rate
60 fields per second, interlaced, is 30p, or 30 progressive, is a non-interlaced 24p, 24 frames per second progressive
the standard video frame rate for format, producing video at the rate of (both 2:3 and 2:3:3:2 pull down),
North American TV viewing 30 full frames per second, delivering produces video with the look and motion
spectacular clarity per frame. of film. As well, the XL2 has 1/48th
shutter speed in this frame rate which
exactly matches a film camera.

The Canon XL2. Born of the highly

3 Frame Rates
successful XL1. An engineering marvel Interchangeable Lens System
The XL2 meets the
designed for the video and film pro. The Canon XL2. A powerful 20x professional fluorite lens. Access to a Canon is the only company to offer a demands being made
MiniDV format camcorder with inter- on the video production
An interchangeable lens system in a wealth of XL video lenses and to a world of Canon photographic lenses. community to provide
changeable lenses. The XL2 offers you the
category all by itself. A superior ability to change lenses from the XL series solutions under a
A superior 3CCD progressive scan imaging system delivering outstanding multitude of different
of lenses or Canon’s extensive range of
imaging system. Open architecture for picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic photographic lenses. The Canon XL series scenarios.

expandability and customization. And

Unsurpassed range. Selectable frame rates and independent manual
of lenses includes a powerful 20x Zoom
Lens, 16x Automatic Lens, 16x Manual
now, open architecture for manual and
creative image control. Professional
Image Quality controls to create your own cine look. Whatever you’re
shooting, from TV documentaries to Indies, the XL2 is ready.
Lens and a 3x Wide Angle Lens. The 20x
lens (standard) features the finest optics
with fluorite achieving the famous
movement of the prism for the most
advanced image stabilization available.
The 16x IS II Lens also with Super Range
Using Canon’s optional EF Adapter opens
the XL2 to a wealth of Canon EOS EF pho-
tographic lenses, a
audio control. Ready when you are. “L-series” designation plus Super Range Optical Image Stabilization resolves to tremendous super-
Optical Image Stabilization, zoom and more than 600 TV lines to record extraor- telephoto boon to
16 : 9 Wide Aspect Ratio Progressive Scan 3CCD focus presets and built-in neutral density dinary sharp images. For wide angle imaging, those producing
filters. Fluorite provides outstanding reso-

a
Canon offers the 3x Wide Angle Lens with wildlife, astronomy or
System
As the market lution, contrast and color reproduction resolution in excess of 600 TV lines, while surveillance videos.
shifts to home and delivers the ultimate in clarity and the 16x Mechanical Servo Zoom Lens gives
The XL2 features a 3 CCD system with a
theatre systems image quality by reducing color aberration. you the flexibility of calibrated focus and
separate progressive scan CCD (charge-
that include Canon’s superb Optical Image Stabilization zooms. For added optical lens magnification,
coupled device) for each primary color
widescreen TVs, system corrects camera shake instantly apply Canon’s 1.6x Extender between the
(red, green and blue). Each CCD contains
demand is while maintaining the integrity of the camcorder and the zoom lens.
680,000 pixels. Together they deliver
increasing for image unlike some electronics image sta-
outstanding image quality, highly accurate
programs that bilizers. By incorporating a gyro sensor to
color reproduction and a wide dynamic range.
deliver the full detect camcorder vibration and control a
width of film- vari-angle prism Canon’s system continu-
based theatrical ously corrects the path of incoming light
movies. Canon’s to the CCD image sensor to ensure smooth,
XL2 delivers both steady video even at tele-
the standard 4:3
aspect ratio for the common TV screen
plus the popular 16:9 widescreen ratio. p photo. Super Range uses
feedback from the camera to
accelerate and refine the
 Total Image Control
The Canon XL2. Puts the control of your vision in your hands, where
it belongs. You’ve got the power to manipulate the image just the
way you want. Start with white balance, shutter speeds and aperture
For Your control. Create a cine look, with control of all

Creative Vision the nuances, from gamma and knee to coring

and hue. Adjust the setup level, skin detail and
Master RGB Gain
The Master RGB control offers 13
Set Up Level
For professional fine tuning of
Master Pedestal
The Master Pedestal, which is
Skin Detail
You can adjust hue, chroma, area,
Gain
The following video gain
steps of adjustment to each of the the image, the IRE setup level of the starting point of the gamma and Y level to determine the skin settings can be selected: -3,
gain. The XL2 is designed to deliver creative image control when you red, green and blue components the XL2 can be adjusted in curve, can be adjusted in 13 steps. area and soften detail to reduce 0, +3, +6, +12, and +18 dB,
of the video signal. 13 steps. the appearance of skin imperfec- as well as automatic adjust-
want it, how you want it. The XL2: ready, willing and able. tions. A zebra pattern identifying ment.
the skin area appears, which alter-
nates with the normal picture.

XL2 Cine

Gamma Knee (H/M/L) Black Color Matrix Vertical Detail Sharpness Coring Noise Reduction Color Gain Color Phase
The gamma curve of the The highlight area level is Control the depth of black You can change from a There are 2 settings: Change the degree of Helps decrease image Remove video noise—non- Adjustable in 13 steps, Adjust the Color Phase of
image can be adjusted adjustable (High, Middle, in the dark areas of an video (Normal) look to a “Normal” for vertical sharpness in the “noise” by reducing fine picture artifacts such as from off to oversaturated, the image towards red or
independently for a “video or Low) using the XL2’s image. You can emphasize film (Cine) look. detail optimized for image. Images that do detail information that is those commonly found in this adjustment will let you green for exact control.
look” (Normal) or a “film knee circuit. contrast in the video’s dark playback on an interlaced not require a lot of not a major contributor to low-light images—without shoot in black and white,
look” (Cine). areas (by selecting “Stretch”) monitor, “Low” for a detail can be softened, the picture detail. hurting image detail or for example.
or deepen or enhance progressive scan monitor such as imperfections creating motion artifacts.
the dark area like a PC. during close-ups.
(by selecting
“Press”).

With increasing emphasis

placed on delivering the
cine look to video, the Exposure Control & White Balance
XL2 offers you the ability
to customize your video Programmed Auto Exposure Using AE Shift, The XL2 offers you Automatic White
recordings using a num- Modes provide automated, you can add Balance (including a fully automated
ber of variables, each one advanced recording settings for or subtract a mode, an indoor mode and an outdoor
can be adjusted inde- professional results in various bit of expo- mode), and manual white balancing. The
pendently, giving precise shooting conditions. There are a sure, making camera also gives you the option of set-
control over the “film-like” variety of AE programs available: slight adjust- ting and saving up to three white balance
appearence of your video. Auto, Shutter-Priority, Aperture- ments to the image brightness to compen- presets that
Priority, Full Manual, Spotlight, sate for backlighting or for scenes that are can be
Low Light and Easy Recording. being rendered slightly overexposed. With reused for
AE Lock, you can hold the exposure at a non-sequen-
particular setting, preventing unplanned tial shooting.
exposure changes with a moving subject,
for instance.
 Color Viewfinder Zebra Pattern Zoom Control Custom Keys Custom Presets Durable Design
The XL2’s color viewfinder displays 16:9 Displayed in the viewfinder but not The XL2 features zoom controls on both You can assign frequently used functions Each of three custom presets can be The XL2, designed for extensive field use,
Letterbox, as well as full screen 4:3. The recorded, Zebra stripes can be made to the side grip as well as the carrying to two easily accessible buttons, allowing assigned any one of a number of func- features a chassis mounted on a single
viewfinder can be shifted from side-to- appear over any area that is overexposed. handle. On the side grip, choose from the XL2 to better match your shooting tions, accessible at the touch of a button, durable magnesium alloy frame, providing
side, as well as front to back. Best of all, This helps guide aperture and shutter variable zoom (pressure controlled) or preferences or environment. for faster and easier camera operation. protection from external shock. A dust
the viewfinder easily converts to a fully speed adjustment. Settings are 80, 85, one of 16 constant zoom speeds. These presets can be transferred to another gasket on the tape door offers added
functional 2" LCD monitor. 90, 95, and 100 IRE. XL2 using the IEEE1394 connection. protection.

Intuitive Operation
Within moments of putting
the XL2 to work, it's logi- Recording Options Audio Control Professional Features
cally-designed controls
will have you “at home” The Canon XL2. Designed to bring out your professional side. Outstanding The XL2’s Clear Scan feature is designed The XL2 has individual gain controls for The XL2 can generate SMPTE color bars,
with its operation. to record a computer CRT screen or similar each of the 4 audio channels. Along with and a 1KHz reference tone. On top of that,
image quality. Remarkable image control. Interchangeable lenses. equipment without displaying a black these controls, there are various switches the camera can record a SMPTE time code
band or flicker on the screen. The camera to automatic or manual level recording, on the tape (drop, non-drop, rec run, free
Selectable aspect ratio. Selectable frame rates. On-camera XLR and BNC
Maximize connectors. 4 channel independent audio control.
can adjust shutter speeds, allowing you to
perfectly match the CRT’s scan rate. The
select different inputs and attenuation.
The audio level can be monitored in the
run, user bit). For specialized applications
the date and time can be burned onto the

the Performance SMPTE time code. An outstanding design.

The list goes on. The Canon XL2 is ready for you.
Interval Timer can be programmed to record
at various intervals for varying amounts of
time. This is time lapse motion videography.
viewfinder and the side of the camcorder
by the built-in VU meters. There is a head-
phone terminal with level control for moni-
video. The XL2 also has BNC, RCA, and
S-video terminals.

Set intervals include: 30 seconds; 1 minute; toring the audio when recording or playback.
5 minutes; 10 minutes. Set recording
Advanced Viewfinder
times include: 0.5 second; 1.0 second; XLR Audio Inputs Settings
1.5 seconds; 2.0 seconds. When specific
accessories compatible with the Advanced The XL2 has two built-in The XL2’s viewfinder has three indicators
Accessory Shoe are attached, the XL2 can XLR connectors on the which light up to alert you of vital cam-
exchange data with them and supply power camera body for profes- corder settings and operations (Shutter,
directly to them. These accessories include sional and high-end Rec, Gain). In addition, all viewfinder display
the DM-50 Directional Microphone as audio equipment. For more creative con- information can be removed, providing you
well as the MA-300 Microphone Adapter, trol, Canon offers the optional MA-300 with a clear, unobstructed viewing area.
which lets you connect two additional XLR Microphone Adapter, with two additional
microphones. XLR connectors.
Nomenclature

32
36 46 52 53 54 55 56
33
37
47
28 34
48
29
35 49

30 50
31
4 51
2 3

38 54

optional CH-910
Dual Battery Charger and
BP-945 Batteries

24
8 9 10
5 6 7 44
25
27
43
26

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 39 40 41 42 45

1 Stereo Microphone 11 Focusing Ring 21 END SEARCH Button 31 COLOR BARS ON/OFF Button 41 Cassette Compartment 51 AUDIO 1 RCA Terminal
2 Viewfinder Focusing Ring 12 Zooming Ring 22 STANDBY Button 32 INPUT SELECT (CH3, CH4) Switch 42 Backup Battery Compartment 52 EVF DISPLAY Button
3 Viewfinder 13 ND Filter Switch 23 AUDIO MONITOR Button 33 REC LEVEL (CH3, CH4) Switch 43 Main Battery 53 CUSTOM KEYS
4 Eye Cup 14 Auto/Manual Focus Switch 24 POWER Dial 34 INPUT SELECT (CH1, CH2) Switch 44 AE SHIFT Dial 54 EJECT Switch
5 Position Preset Switch 15 LENS RELEASE Switch 25 CH3/CH4 LEVEL Dial (AUDIO2) 35 REC LEVEL (CH1, CH2) Switch 45 Grip Belt 55 CUSTOM PRESET ON/OFF Button
6 STABILIZER Switch 16 MENU Button 26 CH1/CH2 LEVEL Dial (AUDIO1) 36 FRONT MIC ATT. Switch 46 S-video Terminal 56 CUSTOM PRESET SELECT Button
7 EXP. LOCK Button 17 IRIS SELECT Dial 27 Adapter Holder 37 REC CH SELECT Switch 47 Video Terminal (BNC)
8 FRAME RATE Selector Switch 18 GAIN Dial 28 REC SEARCH + Button 38 Strap Mount 48 RCA/BNC Selector
9 ASPECT RATIO Selector Switch 19 WHITE BALANCE Selector Knob 29 REC SEARCH –/Record Review Button 39 Shoulder Pad 49 Video Terminal (RCA)
10 LIGHT 20 WHITE BALANCE Set Button 30 COLOR BARS SELECT Button 40 BATT. RELEASE Button 50 AUDIO 2 RCA Terminal
Nomenclature
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

2 88
3

89
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

67 68 69 70 71 72

57 58 59 60 61 62

76 84
77 85

78
79
80 86
65
64 81 87
82
83
63 66

73 74 75

57 Grip Zoom Lever 69 REW Button 81 COLOR BARS ON/OFF Button

58 Zoom Speed Dial 70 PLAY Button 82 SHUTTER Speed Button REMOTE CONTROL
59 Variable/Constant Zoom Switch 71 FF Button 83 SHUTTER Speed Button 1 ZOOM Buttons 11 END SEARCH Button 21 MENU Button
60 REC START/STOP Button 72 REC Button 84 DV/REMOTE (LANC) Terminal Door 2 ON SCREEN Button 12 FF Button 22 SEARCH Button
61 REC START/STOP Button 73 SHUTTER Indicator 85 +48V Switches 3 START/STOP Button 13 (Frame Advance) Button 23 REC PAUSE Button
62 Lock Lever 74 REC Indicator 86 MIC ATT. Switches 4 DATA CODE Button 14 x2 Button 24 SEARCH Button
63 Advanced Accessory Shoe 75 GAIN UP Indicator 87 XLR Input Terminals 5 ZERO SET MEMORY Button 15 PLAY Button 25 SEARCH SELECT Button
64 Dioptric Adjustment Lever 76 PHONE LEVEL Dial 88 DV Terminal 6 MIX BALANCE CH2/4 Button 16 STOP Button 26 REW Button
65 Handle Zoom Lever 77 HEADPHONES Terminal 89 REMOTE (LANC) Terminal 7 MIX BALANCE CH1/3 Button 17 SLOW Button 27 (Frame Rewind) Button
66 Operation Panel 78 REC SEARCH + Button 8 INDEX Button 18 AUDIO MONITOR Button 28 REMOTE SET Button
67 PAUSE Button 79 REC SEARCH –/Record Review Button 9 SET Button 19 SELF TIMER Button 29 PAUSE Button
68 STOP Button 80 COLOR BARS SELECT Button 10 AV-DV Button 20 Cursor Keys 30 Jog/Shuttle Dial
Optional Accessories

16x Zoom Lens XL 5.5-88mm Wide-Angle 3x Zoom Lens XL 16x Manual Servo Zoom Lens Extender XL 1.6 x
f/1.6-2.6 3.4-10.2mm f/1.8-2.2 XL 5.4-86.4mm Increases the focal length of the
Includes features like a variable High resolution exceeding 600 TV This manual lens gives you the XL2 lens by 1.6x.
angle prism for image stabilization, lines. It has an ND filter, manual flexibility of calibrated power zoom,
ND filter, manual focus, zoom focus and zoom ring. power iris, 2 built-in ND filters
rings and a push AF function. and calibrated manual focus.

EF Adapter XL EF Lenses Ratio Converter RC-72 FS-72U Filter Set

Allows the attachment of over 50 Select from over 50 high-quality When shooting in 4:3 Mode, this Includes Neutral Density (ND 8),
Canon photographic EF lenses to Canon EF lenses, ranging from 0.8x converter provides the same Polarizing and Ultraviolet filters.
the XL2. (Magnification: 7.8x in Fisheye to Super Telephoto to a angle of view as 16:9 Mode.
16:9, 9.6x in 4:3) choice of versatile zoom models.

DM-50 Directional Stereo MA-300 Microphone Adapter FU-1000 Monochrome CRT VL-10LI Battery Video Light
Microphone Providing power and audio Viewfinder Unit With its 10-watt illumination,
The DM-50 is a directional stereo connection without any wires. Professional style 1.5 inch improves lighting and image
mic which connects to the XL2’s monochrome CRT. quality whether you are shooting
Advanced Accessory Shoe, no cables indoors or out.
or additional power is required.

Lithium Ion Battery Packs CH-910 Dual Battery Charger CB-920 Car Battery Adapter ZR-1000 Zoom Remote
BP-945/BP-930 It holds two lithium ion batteries. Power your camcorder using the Controller
These high capacity lithium ion Can charge them consecutively or DC-920 or changing lithium-ion Controls Start/Stop, Focus, On-
battery packs allow the longest supply power to the camcorder. battery packs from a car’s Screen, Record Search (+/–).
running time available. cigarette lighter. Variable and Single Speed Zoom.

FireStore FS-4 Portable DTE Recorder *

The FireStore FS-4 eliminates the need to capture prior
to editing and provides a confidence, drop-out free
recording simultaneously to tape. Compact, portable,
and rugged, it features a 40GB (about 3 hour) disk
drive with FireWire interface.

TA-100 Tripod Adapter System Case HC-3200 FireStore FS-4 Pro Portable DTE Recorder *
TA-100 Tripod Adapter allows you A solid, lockable case that allows Offering all the benefits of the FireStore FS-4, the Pro
to quickly mount/dismount the you to protect the contents of model adds Avid support, multiple timecode modes,
XL2 on or from a tripod. the kit. retro-record, and scene marking. Available in 40GB
(about 3 hour) and 80GB (about 6 hour) versions.
* Additional accessories are also available.
 Supplied Accessories
XL2 Camcorder Body • Zoom Lens 20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS • Color Viewfinder • Lithium Battery (for
Auto-Date) • WL-D4000 Wireless Controller • Two R03/AAA Batteries (for Wireless Controller) • Lens Cap
• Lens Dust Cap • Lens Hood • Lens Soft Case • Camcorder Dust Cap • CA-920 Compact Power Adapter
• AC Cable • DC-920 DC Coupler • BP-930 Battery Pack (with Terminal Cover) • SS-1000 Shoulder Strap
• STV-150 Stereo Video Cable • S-150 S-Video Cable • Microphone • Adapter Holder • Instruction manual
• Lens Instruction manual

Specifications
Power Supply: 7.2V DC (battery pack)
Power Consumption: 7.1W (recording with AF, 20x zoom XL 5.4-108 L IS mounted)
Television System: EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal
Video Recording System: Two rotating heads, helical scan azimuth recording, DV System (Consumer digital
VCR SD system) digital component recording
Audio Recording System: PCM digital recording: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channels); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 channels)
(synchronous 4-channel recording is possible)
Image Sensor: Size 1/3", approx. 680,000 pixels (total), Progressive Scan CCD x3 (charge-coupled device)
with horizontal pixel shift
16:9 target area: approx. 460,000 pixels (962 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.289" diagonal
4:3 target area: approx. 350,000 pixels (720 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.236" diagonal
Tape Format: Video cassettes bearing the a mark
Tape Speed: SP: 0.74 ips (18.81mm/second), LP; 0.49 ips (12.56 mm/second)
Maximum Recording System: SP; 80 min., LP; 120 min.
Fast-forward/reverse Time: Approx. 2 minutes and 20 seconds (using 60-minute tape)
Viewfinder: 2.0-inch TFT color LCD; Approx. 200,000 pixels, RGB delta configuration
Microphone: Stereo electret condenser microphone
Frame Rate: 60i, 30p, 24p (2:3 & 2:3:3:2)

Intentionally Lens Mount: XL interchangeable lens system

Image Stabilizer: Optical system (VAP), (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed)

Overengineered. Focusing System: TTL autofocus. Manual focusing possible (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed)
Minimum Object Distance: 20mm (Wide macro), 1m (entire zoom range): (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed)
White Balance: Auto white balance, pre-set white balance (indoor, outdoor) or custom white balance
Minimum Illumination: Approx. 5.5 lx (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed, auto mode, 60i frame rate,
4:3 aspect ratio, 1/60th second shutter)
Recommended Subject Illumination: More than 100 lx
Filter Diameter: 72mm (XL lens)
I/O Terminals (Level/Impedance):
DV Terminal: 4-pin connector (complies with IEEE1394); input/output switching
S-video Terminal: 4-pin mini-DIN; input/output switching 1 Vp-p/75 ohms (Y signal),
0.286 Vp-p/75 ohms (C signal)
Video Terminals: RCA pin jack; input/output switching/BNC jack;
input/output switching 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced
Audio Terminal: RCA pin jack (L/R) 2 systems; input/output switching
Audio Signals: During input; Min. –10 dBv/47 kohms unbalanced
During output; Max. –10 dBv (for 47 kohm load)/3 kohm unbalanced
XLR Pin Jack (3-pin jack) 2 Systems: (input only) balanced –54 dBv (Auto)/600 ohms, –66 dBv
(Auto/Gain up 12 dB), –66 dBv (Manual/Vol. Max), –78 dBv (Manual/Vol Max + Gain up 12 dB)
ATT: 20 dB
Front Microphone Input Terminal: ø3.5mm stereo mini-jack unbalanced
–55 dBv (Auto), –67 dBv (Manual/Vol Max)/600 ohms
Headphone Terminal: ø3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
–23.5 dBv (with 16 ohm load at maximum volume)/50 ohms
Editing (LANC) Terminal: ø2.5 mm stereo mini-jack
Accessory Shoe: Supports MA-300 Microphone Adapter
Operating Temperature: 32–104˚ F (0–40˚C)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 8.9 x 8.7 x 19.5 in. (225 x 220 x 496mm)
Weight (Camcorder body only): 5.3 lbs. (2410g)
Total Equipped Weight: 7.8 lbs. (3545g)

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Weight and dimensions are approximate. Canon and Canon Know How are registered trademarks of Canon Inc. in
the United States and may also be registered marks in other countries. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Other
names and products not mentioned above may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Warning: Unauthorized recording of copyrighted
materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.