Introduction: A worthy upgrade to the Canon XL1, the XL2 model is taking you on a trip to good old DV days retaining the original design and character of the XL series. This prosumer or professional camcorder ferociously competes with the Sony camcorders and even outdoes it in certain aspects of performance.

Features: Considering the expensive price tag the XL2 model carries, it should sport an exquisite set of features to be able to withstand the competition from its rivals in the market. Let’s see what features this camcorder has got it on board! Some features like Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization and computer camera control etc are unique to Canon. A mixed set of features - automatic & manual have been provided on this camcorder for the benefit of its users. Whether you want to control the settings manually or prefer to set the automated modes on to lighten your burden this is the right kind of camcorder for you. Right from exposure to focus, from zoom to color settings you can have a say in all the control matters making it one of the most user-friendly camcorders on board. Thanks to the wireless remote control, now you can operate XL2 even when you are more than 10 feet away from it.

Pros:

• Open Architecture design and 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio shooting methods are the biggest assets of the XL2 model.
• Plenty of built-in menus and appropriately-placed controls allow you to keep every aspect of shooting under your control.
• Image quality is commendable and various color options like color gain, RGB settings etc have also been provided for better control over the color.
• Compatible with various kinds of lenses and other additional outputs the professionals might want to use for their shooting.
• The XL2 model not only resembles its predecessor XL1 but is also compatible with its lenses and other accessories.
• Dust gasket offers protection to the components of the camcorder in field shooting.

 Cons:

• Manual focus ring doesn’t function in the right manner when you try to make focus settings.
• Huge zoom with its bulky body is likely to put you off if you are not in the habit of shouldering heavy weights and shoulder pad is not much of a consolation anyway. This awkwardly designed device is difficult to handle and the shooter will likely be frustrated before he finally succeeds in shooting a video. Well, its bulky body will surely help you show off while shooting!
• No flip-out LCD screen. But, both the viewfinder and the LCD have been neatly juxtaposed into one inside of this device and you can even flip open a part of viewfinder to take a peak at the LCD.
• The XL2 model is a pricey option when compared to the other camcorders with the same features set. Even the additional lenses and other accessories that go along with this camcorder are very expensive to purchase.

Pricing Range: The purchase price of this purely professional camcorder is in between $3,399.95 - $4,599.95. Go professional today!

Final Verdict: True to its manufacturer’s caption, the Canon’s XL2 model is an over-engineered device that demands a certain amount of professionalism & mastery from its user. It is meant for those professionals, who have the patience to explore its maze of controls and wad of notes to spare.