Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #64166 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Canon
• Model: 7921A011AA
• Released on: 2002-01-01
• Dimensions: 1.32 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Manufacturer's Description
The XM2 improves on the market leading and successful XM1 in a number of key areas. It comprises of a brand new 470,000-pixel 3CCD system and improved picture adjustment feature result in increased image quality. Not forgetting a new manual control in picture adjustments and shooting adjustments even for professional users.

A new high-sensitivity 470,000-pixel 3CCD achieves superb 540 lines horizontal resolution and Super Low Light performance.

A new generation camera signaling processing LSI improves approximately 3dB in S/N ratio from the XM1. The result is an improvement in colour, low light performance, resolution and dynamic range.

Equipped with a pixel shift system that boosts both resolution and sensitivity, the XM2 allows users to achieve superb picture quality results.

Pixel shift is a technology to horizontally shift the green CCD by one half-pitch whereby pixel quantity is increased 1.5 times for moving images. In addition, the green CCD is vertically shifted to achieve 1.7 mega-pixel high-resolution still images and a wider dynamic range for moving pictures while also reducing vertical smear.

The XM2 supports a direction accurate stereo microphone that incorporates two non-directional microphones for both left and right channels to produce better directional ability and give more precise stereo reproduction.

The XM2 allows users to select 3 types of frequency characteristics for the built in microphone. These include Normal, Voice and Wide Screen mode.

Additionally, it features a 2-channel manual audio level control whereby input level can be adjusted by a special dial and L/R level can be set for 2 channels. Audio-level meter with right-and-left independent 24-segment peak holder and the audio-level meter can be displayed in LCD and EVF.

An optional MA -300 microphone adapter allows the simultaneous recording of 2 independent channels from microphones with XLR connections. A BNC picture Out Terminal is also present.

The XM2 is equipped with a DV terminal for non-linear editing. Using a USB terminal (storage class), transmission of still images JPEG file to a PC is made easy. The XM2 is also compatible with SD Memory and MultiMedia Card and includes an 8mb Memory card in the kit.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

An outstanding prosumer MiniDV camcorder
Ever since the digital revolution began i have been waiting for a camcorder like this one. The previous model by canon(DM-XL1s) was good but this on is absolutely stupendous and even though i believe that digital camcorders can get better than this, at this point of time , there are very few prosumer camcorders that can beat this particular model in this price range. The DM-XM2 is a professional 3ccd camcorder meant for the budding filmaker or semiprofessional and not for the average home user unless u are a home user who can afford this baby. This cam has excellent colur fidelity and the image quality is beautiful. Throw in with that extensive manual control, a fabulous 20x optical zoom, canons reliable optics, 2 channel audio control and a very light body that makes making professional quality movies a painless task. The flip out LCD is large and very clear, the EVF is clear and helps in getting a clear idea whether ur subject is in focus and the zoom switch is a dream to operate(smooth and very controllable). The still capapbility is also commendable but it cannot be compared to that of a dedicated digital camera. There are however a few negative points that i have come across but not significant enough to shadow this marvel. Firstly the included battery is a weak one and you had better buy a higher capacity battery. The included mic is not unidirectional and tends to pick up too much of surrounding noise so be ready to spring for a better mic, also i miss a manual zoom control as can be found on the sony vx2000(the closest competitor to this camera). Overall i find this a better camera than the Sony VX2000 because it costs less, gives u better optical zoom range, and according to me has a more precise autofocus and autoexposure and is relatively lighter than the sony. I also found the low light picture quality of the canon to be exceptional. I would recommend this camcorder to anyone looking for a semiprofessional MiniDVcam, unless u want changeble lenses, if so go in for the Canon DM-XL1s.

Canon Triumph
I started a few years ago with the Canon XM1, and was taken with its simplicity of operation, and its outstanding results. When the XL1s came out I bought that too, based on my happy experiences with the XM1. Though I use the XL1s much of the time on production shoots, I have a new 'baby' with the XM2. This camera is a 'no nonsense' high performance tool with almost no vices. It is capable of doing about 95% of the work I do with the XL1s, and as a number 2 unit to my XL1s, it has relegated my old trusty XM1 to the 'back up box' (not that has since been needed). The XM2 has to be the best 'under £2000' camera buy I have ever made. The XM2 is noticably sharper, more stable and even easier to use than the XM1.

Firewire Problems with this camcorder
I am an indie film maker and I was warned about firewire problems with this camcorder. Overall, I would rate this as a great camcorder 5*. However, I wished now that I had heeded the warnings as the computer board that links to both the USB port and the firewire is faulty and now needs replacing. The cost I hear you ask? I cool £600. That's circa half the price of the camcorder. I have only used the camera on and off for two years. This is a well documented problem.