This is the first ever Canon XH G1 and XH A1 review I’ve seen, but take note of the fact that these impressions are non-objective. A user from the DVXUser forums was able to play with the new Canon HDV camcorders at the IBC. He was kind enough to post his thoughts for the rest of us.
Looks like the new focusing system on the Canon XH G1 and A1 is just as quick as they have made it out to be. It is very quick and has no apparent focus hunting problems. The manual controls lack in that they will change settings at the same speed whether you spin them fast or slow, but otherwise are very responsive. The new design of the LCD sounds like it will make for much better access to controls on the side of the camcorder while not placing the LCD in a completely foreign position.
The Canon XH G1’s picture quality was “nice and clean,” but it looks like performance in low-light may be lacking. The gain control seems to just create more noise every time it is increased.
Again, disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer, this is a first impression review and not a full-blown objective review, so take it with a grain of salt.
