It looks to me that both units have XLR inputs. Notice the A1 has a microphone clamp on it. Also, more importantly, on the Japanese spec sheet, XLR inputs specs apply to both units. As Greg mentioned the main differences only seem to be the G1 has HD/SD-SDI, Genlock and TC-In/Out.

Just found another tidbit in the menu settings/defaults table. You can reverse the ring direction for Zoom, Focus, and Iris. Looks like the lens has manual ring control for all three functions. This, ladies and gents, is a first for a camcorder in this class to the best of my knowledge. It's certainly a first for Canon.

-gb-

"Sweet!!! 24f in a compact package!!! I know what I'm buying when it comes out!"

Actually judging from the one picture with a hand on it, and comparing it to my FX1, it appears the size is about the size of the FX1. Anybody see size and weight ?

Weight
 

2030 grams for the A1
2100 grams for the G1

From the FX1 user viewpoint, I would love to have the 20x zoom...

This is the low-down

my japanese is not the best but this is what I read

XH G1 and A1 are basically the same model both produce HDV spec2 1080i footage, like its bigger brother the XLH1 it can also record in 24f and 30f psuedo formats.

The biggest difference between them are:

XH-G1, HD:SDI and GENLOCK are available but the A1 does not have those features. To have the uncompressed HD:SDI option will set you back a further 250 000 yen, as the G1 goes for 800 000 yen (US $6800) and the A1 goes for 550 000 yen (US $4700).

Very similiar to their big brother, the H1, they also more than likely share the same CCD's 1440/1080.

But maybe Kaku can read into it more.

The FX1 comes in at 2000 so they are similar weights.

Like a lot of you I’m very excited that we are seeing new camcorders from Canon and I’d rather have this than the Z1u even though the design was somewhat copied but there is one problem. Where is the successor to the GL2? Who knows, this may be an indication that it will come out soon.

I'm fairly certain that these are the successors to the GL2.

Indeed.
When Canon released the XL2 they'd said that it would be the last DV camera, at least when addressing their prosumer cameras (XL/GL).

The specs of these new cameras look stunning. I have a feeling that Canon may well wipe the floor with the competition with this one. I'm not a fan of carrying exra stuff, but by using the HD-SDI and a device like the Bonsai drive you'd have a very portable way of recording 4:2:2 high def in difficult conditions. For documentary where you need to travel with the camera this is going to be very nice indeed.

Very exciting news, indeed! This camera even has at least one new feature that the XL H1 doesn't have: sky detail (presumably a variant of "skin detail").

I can't pick out anything about sensors; can any of you who can read Japanese? I'm wondering now if they'll stick to 1/4" pixel-shifted sensors as with previous GL series cameras, or manage to squeeze in 1/3" chips that have previously been the domain of the XL series? If they use the same chips as the XL H1, the declared flagship will have too little an advantage over its smaller and less expensive sibling, which from a marketing point of view one would think the company wouldn't want to do.

Can't wait to get further info and better yet, play with one!

According to this page the specs match up.
The ●1/3 type entire picture prime approximately 1,670,000 pixel, adopting the 3CCD system of the effective picture prime 1440×1080. The high resolution, horizontal resolution 800TV book of HDV standard highest level was actualized.
- Adjusting to hi-vision age, it evolved throughput loading “DIGIC DVII” substantially. Color reproducibility and the rich gradation reproducibility which are superior are actualized.
- The high picture quality record of HDV/playback is made possible with the optimum encoding processing of the CANON individual HD codec LSI.

They actually managed to squeeze in 3 1/3" ccds in this lovely camera. Just have a look at the
spec sheet.
I really really want this cam. At first I thought i'd go with Sony for my upcoming video biz, but I now I have to wait for the canons to hit the market.
Since I'm planning to shoot weddings and events with poor, aviailable light i have to look at their low-light performace...

Ah and btw: Hi, i'm Oliver from Austria and i'm new to dvinfo.

A couple goodies for you to look at while we await more info..

-gb-