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Canon XL2

203 reviews

Jul, 2017

Positive
usability (69)
image quality (58)
design (40)
durability (25)
zoom (23)

Negative
price (53)
portability (37)
reliability (11)
viewfinder (6)

General overview
Price comparison
Product Specifications

alaTest has collected and analyzed 203 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. People really like the durability and size. The design and image quality are also mentioned favorably, but the viewfinder and reliability get less positive opinions.

usability, image quality, design, size, durability

price, portability, reliability, 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 78/100 = Good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 203 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

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Showing 130 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 65 of 130 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (72)

Consumer review by: (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. Comments about the durability and image quality are generally positive. The size and design also get good comments, whereas some have doubts about the reliability and portability.

usability, design, size, image quality, durability

price, portability, reliability

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

This summary is based on the products: Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom • Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

Jul, 2017

Expert review by: Neil Bennett (digitalartsonline.co.uk)

Canon XL2

XL1 owners have been asking for the XL2 for some years. 2001's XL1s was a comparatively minor upgrade. In the lifetime of the XL1 and XL1s we've seen the arrival of camcorders styled after broadcast rigs, and a multiplicity of features aimed at...

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.

Though the connections between the components that make up the XL2 are the same as the XL1 - so all of your old accessories will still work - the ergonomics of the standard set-up are much improved. The XL1 is front-heavy, thanks to the large 16x zoom...

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: Laurence Grayson (goodgearguide.com.au)

Canon XL2

Once you're over the disappointment that it's not the high-definition model many were predicting, you'll find Canon's XL2 a worthy successor to the su...

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

A little heavy

A suitable model for professionals

Jul, 2005

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: (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: Dirck Halstead (digitaljournalist.org)

The Canon XL2

In 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.

Sep, 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 by: Mekonen (reevoo.com)

Canon XL2

It is very good product for the value, it will give the same quality as the pro-cameras gives you

It is heavy in the front side so that it need very care when using stand

Jul, 2009

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Consumer review by: gnipping (dooyoo.co.uk)

Canon XL2: Go PRO for less

The Canon XL2 is the pro-sumer miniDV camcorder that is most often spotted on the sets of low budget and independent films. Not because it is a cheap option, but because for a fraction of the cost of a professional rig, you can deliver the same...

May, 2007

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Product Specifications

The Canon XL2 allows you to capture images closer to the finished product than ever before. Work that previously was limited to post-production can be simply and effectively accomplished in the field, in the camcorder.An Open Architecture philosophy, performance found only in much more expensive video cameras, Total Image Control and the solid foundation of Genuine Canon Optics, interchangeable lens capability and superb Canon image processing quality are united in the XL2.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 standard lens; dual aspect ratios; various frame rate capabilities; image gamma and detail controls; skin detail control and convertible LCD display and among others.Unprecedented image control coordination between two XL2 cameras, remote computer camera control and direct video recording to computer are just a part of the capabilities of the XL2. Never before has so much creative power been put in the hands of the film maker, video artist, and corporate and event videographer.