Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

In a word − quality. HD images offer around four times the resolution of standard definition pictures. This resulting difference is easy to discern on a screen. What is more, broadcasters are fast moving to HD and it won't be too long before the vast majority of programmes are shown in HD. Broadcasters are already stockpiling HD content and many of them are now demanding footage shot in HD. Consumers are buying HD Ready displays, along with HD video players, consoles and camcorders. Consumers will expect their TV and video content to be in HD.

All Canon's camcorders conform to the HDV standard. For more details on HDV see our technical feature High Definition: a sharper view.

The first thing is its performance − HDV can produce superb picture quality that is good enough for broadcast applications. Second, HDV makes high definition hardware much more affordable. Third, HDV cameras can be made compact and light, and so are ideal for shooting out in the field, such as for an ENG assignment or documentary shoot.

Yes. HDV can be considered the high definition version of DV. This means that HDV cameras can use the same low-cost MiniDV tape as DV camcorders.

Yes. HDV camcorders normally offer three shooting modes: 16:9 HDV, 16:9 DV and 4:3 DV, so you can shoot footage for both standard and high definition applications.

HDV camcorders normally shoot in one format, but Canon's XL H1 can be configured to shoot in both PAL and NTSC via a service upgrade.

The HDV format offers two modes: 720p (720 lines, progressive scan) and 1080i (1080 lines interlaced). HDTV broadcasters overwhelmingly use the 1080i format and so almost all HDV camcorders shoot in this format too. All of Canon's HDV camcorders record 1080i images, but they also offer a 25F shooting mode for a more film-like effect/

HDV uses a highly efficient audio compression codec, MPEG-1 Layer II compression, which has a data rate of 384kbps.

Yes, although in some modes, it is only possible in forward motion.

By using a Firewire connector. Some of Canon's HDV camcorders also offer an HD-SDI output for studio applications.

Because HDV uses the MPEG-2 compression system, splicing between frames causes some disruption. But there are ways around this, for example, by decompressing and then recompressing the HDV footage or transcoding the HDV footage using an intermediate codec. If it all sounds complicated, don't worry, because the editing software takes care of this process.

Yes! What is more, they are available for PC, Mac and Linux computers.

Yes. All major editing packages support this mode; it runs in 25P projects.

This has been purposely designed to prevent any mechanical vibrations from the camera or your hand movements being accidentally recorded. Don't worry; although the microphone is very flexible, it is still firmly attached to the camera body.

Yes. You can use any HDV-compliant hard disk recorder that connects through Firewire. Canon recommends a hard disk recorder made by Focus Enhancements, the Firestore FS-C. This has been specially designed for the Canon XH- and XL-series supporting the 25F format. You also control this recorder through the camera if you want. Playback of footage shown on the camera?s viewfinder or LCD display is also possible.