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Canon XL2

188 reviews

Jul, 2025

Positive
usability (52)
image quality (43)
design (27)
durability (19)
size (11)

Negative
price (36)
portability (17)
reliability (8)
viewfinder (3)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 188 reviews of Canon XL2. The average rating for this product is 4.3/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. Opinions about the size and durability are on the whole positive. The design and image quality also get good feedback, but there are some mixed reviews about the reliability. Many are negative about the viewfinder and portability.

usability, image quality, design, durability, size

price, portability, viewfinder

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Canon XL2 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 79/100 = Good quality.

See all Canon Camcorders

Review analysis

(Based on 188 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(49% of reviews)
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Features

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price
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image quality
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design
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Showing 119 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 65 of 119 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (68)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Canon XL2

alaTest has collected and analyzed 55 user reviews of Canon XL2 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. People are impressed by the color and image quality. The size and design also get good feedback. Many are less positive about the reliability and portability.

usability, design, size, image quality, color

price, portability, reliability

78% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Jul, 2025

Expert review by : Digital Arts (digitalartsonline.co.uk)

Canon XL2 review

The XL1 holds special significance for the DV-based filmmaker, corporate video producer, enthusiast or documentary maker. It was as revolutionary as Adobe Photoshop or the Mac Classic for delivering creative power without enshackling you with its...

Excellent lens. Better balanced than the XL1/XL1s. Great widescreen capture. Huge range of accessories. High level of manual control. Progressive capture with film-style gamma curve

Expensive. LCD screen poor. Viewfinder unbalanced. No markings on lens

Aug, 2004

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Expert review by : CB (simplydv.co.uk)

SimplyDV Review: Canon XL2 DV Camcorder

When Canon updated its mega-successful XL1S in 2004, the XL2 caused a sensation among pro and semi-pro users. SimplyDV's Robin Davies-Rollinson took it for a spin

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Expert review by : Good Gear Guide.au (goodgearguide.com.au)

Expert Review

A suitable model for professionals

20X F1.6 flourite video lens, excellent video quality, a shoulder mount

A little heavy

Aug, 2007

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Ben Wolf (cnet.com.au)

Canon XL2

A distinctively designed MiniDV camcorder for advanced amateurs and pros.

State-of-the-art DV imagery and controls ; 24P mode ; Interchangeable lenses ; Native 16:9 capture ; Compatible with most XL1 lenses and accessories

Strange ergonomics ; Stock lens is hard to focus manually and stock viewfinder doesn't help ; No flip-out LCD monitor ; Pricier than the competition

Apr, 2005

Partner Source

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Expert review by : The Digital Journalist (digitaljournalist.org)

Expert Review

n early July, Canon video unveiled the long-awaited XL2 to the press in New York. This camera is the successor to the XL1 and the XL1S.

May, 2010

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Expert review by (studiodaily.com)

Canon XL2, Focus FS-4 and Final Cut Pro HD

Power ON the XL2 and choose your favorite exposure mode. Set the AspectRatio switch to 16:9. Set the Frame Rate switch to 24p. Press the XL2Menu button and enter "Camera Setup." Select either 2:3 or 2:3:3:2 Mode(the FS-4 will record either mode). Next,...

Jun, 2005

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Expert review by : D. Eric Franks (videomaker.com)

Mini DV Camcorder Review: Canon XL2

While the Canon camcorder XL1 was initially designed to be a high-end consumer product, professionals soon found that the camera had the quality to do serious work, even on the big screen. The new XL2 starts with the professional in mind. Reworked from...

Native 16:9 ; Amazingly flexible imaging ; Fine audio inputs, controls

Relatively large, heavy ; Most expensive cam in class

The Canon XL2 takes the Mini DV format to its artistic limits.

Dec, 2004

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Expert review by (best-digital-camcorder-reviews.com)

Canon XL2

Canon XL2 3-CCD High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

The XL2 brings a host of performance and convenience features to this class of video camcorder- benefits that can't be found in this combination on other high-end video cameras. They include: Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization in the...

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Consumer review (reevoo.com)

Canon XL2

Shoots in 50fps and 25 fps

Expensive

Sep, 2010

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Consumer review (reevoo.com)

Canon XL2

Lots of good options and available effects. Works well outdoors and indoors.

It's a bit heavy and could do with a bit more padding where it rests on your shoulder. Camera is complicated and takes effort to get used to all the features - a comprehensive user manual would be very useful (could do with some "how to" details.

Sep, 2010