I performed two rounds of testing with the camcorder, an extensive series of lab and real-world testing that revealed an auto-focus problem that prompted me to return the camcorder for diagnostics. (At press time, Canon had yet to report the resul

You set the main controls via the familiar power dial that toggles you through VCR, automatic, TV (shutter priority), AV (aperture priority), full manual, spotlight, night, and easy recording modes. It took me awhile to get used to the operating c

The Canon XH A1 is as close to perfect as any camcorder in its price range, with great resolution, very high contrast ratio, and extraordinary customizability. I did find the auto-focus somewhat lacking, which may be a concern for some potential b

Most of my shoots are on-location events like concerts, ballets, and weddings, where I use on-scene lighting or, at most, an on-camera light. When I've done training videos and other similar shoots where I had more control, I've used "ad hoc" ligh

I’ve produced a number of HDV-source projects in Premiere Pro, with generally good results. Recently, …

It all starts with the camcorder. Not to state the obvious, but whether you’re shooting …

All of us have had audio rise up and bite us in the rear on …

On January 14, 2006, I had surgery for a herniated disc. It’s worked well so …

There’s a lot that goes into the perfect DVD, but one of the most fundamental …

  I recently shot my 20h multi-camera shoot, a concert by jazz singer René Marie. …