I had my XL H1 camera for about a year, I'm quite happy with this lovely camera; but still I have some interest in the new Sony XDCAM EX - main reason is the larger sensor. So what do you think guys, will Canon come up with a XL with 1/2" CCDs (or even 2/3" sensors ;-), maybe "tapeless"? Perhaps is not "if" the question, rather "when".....

I certainly hope so ... I would think 1/2" not 2/3" though ...

I really like the XL series. I will have the EX 1 within a week or so, so I will do side-by-side comparisons. In fact, I'll be doing that this week here in NYC.

Hopefully Canon responds soon with an XL-H2 cause that EX1 does produce one hell of a nice picture for the price.

I asked Canon about this, but of course, they have "no knowledge" on any upcoming successor ...

So far, not too much testing done to show rich color that Sony is capable of.
Couple of tests I've seen, EX1 shows dull color, with nice resolution, that is comparable to A1, H1 with a good lens, (manual 16 or 14, gives better picture, more film like, I talk about colors, IMHO, I think lens construction/design, needs to be worked out, the camera also has some vignetting issue by reading the posts.
However, I plan to buy one, keeping both H1 and A1 for the time being, it's a step forward. I'd use it for 720 60p shots to do a better slow motion, for
shooting that not requires too much motion, I'd stay with Canon, which it just great.

This is kind of stupid question; how much does a 1/2" CCDs, compared to H1 1/3 CCDs do for a shorter DoF? I think the difference is about (diagonal) 12,7mm for the 1/2" and 8,4mm for the 1/3".

Jonas, F/T stop on Canon manual is 1.6, Sony is 1.9, throughout, it's roughly half a stop, in light sensitivity and depth of field, I think it equalizes difference in chip size in terms of DOF.

a half stop... It's not much. But the difference is not to much either...

EX1 was really tempting at first, but seeing the issues the EX1 seems to have,
suddenly the love for my XLh1 feels even sweater.
Interesting to see what the future will bring.

For ME the Canon XLH1 still is the best in it´s class ( for now...)

1/3 to 1/2 feels too small, saw you got a Red ordered, that´s nice!

The RED will be nice, without question, the big question is when...

If (or when) Canon launch the XL HD, it should be really great with 2/3" ccds (If I'm aloud to wish - it's christmas time).

RED have really turned everything upside down and jumped many years ahead,
so a fun little wish list for Canon "XLHD"
- 2/3 or why not their still censors 1,6 or even fullsize ;))
- 20xIS zoom, wide...and why not direct use of the AF EF still lenses. ;))
Something for Santa...he got until Christmas... :D just kidding.

Will be interesting to see what Canon come up with...
Now, I´m really happy with my XLH1.

Just sold my A1 and wait if Canon will release H1's successor early next year. If not, I will either go for EX1 or H1. Here is my wish list on upcoming XL-H2 or XL-HD

- Adopt bigger CCD/CMOS sensor (minimum 1/2" CMOS)
- Support true full HD (1920x1080) recording onto storage media
- Support real 24p mode recording
- Slow/Quick motion shot, slow shutter, interval and frame recording...(similar to what EX1 can do),
- Tapeless or support both tape and solid-state storage such as CF Extreme IV (up to 4 slot)
- Next gen of 20x L Lens with fixed aperture that is common spec for most of EF L lens
- Full manual + servo mode on focus ring
- Focus, Zoom and Iris rings all are on the lens body
(same as ENG)
- HD-SDI, Component, and HDMI for video output
- Dual-codec support : MPEG2 codec (minimum 35mbps VBR), support AVCHD (minimum 25mbps VBR), HDV format is still available .
- Keep the same weight as H1
- Shot Transition function
- High Resolution Viewfinder + LCD (support at least 1920x540)
- Cont’