Yes of course both XH cams have component out.

See the sixth photo down from the top of this page: http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxh/articles/images1.php

It's the same "D Terminal" type connector as the XL H1.

That's clearly visible in the picture of the rear output jacks, down below the AV jack.

Jeff, that's the latch to open the LCD screen. The tape loads on the right side.

Ah, I stand corrected. Good catch, Dave! I was looking for it to be in the same place as my Z1U.

Of course it should say "Open/Eject" for the tape carrier access. Here is a picture that does show this button. Look at the third and sixth photo on this page: http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxh/articles/images2.php

The tape carrier is on the right-hand side as Dave states. The open/eject button is on the top right next to the zoom rocker.

Wait a sec, since the XHG1 has both audio and video out on the HD-SDI outputs, is there going to be an "XLH1s" to add this function since the XLH1 only does video out on its HD-SDI?

I'm also a little confused at the moment. If I can get uncompressed 4:2:2 HD out of the XHG1, then why would I get an HVX200? I know P2 is an easier solution and I never have to settle for HDV under any circumstances, plus it's cheaper by $1,000 or so depeding where I get one, but the XHG1 looks pretty snazzy at the moment.

I suppose I'll have to wait and see one when they come out, but I hope Panasonic or even Sony have some sort of response ready or pull the "New Canon Camera Panic!!!"-switch we all know they have. I'm not a fan of HDV or the "f" modes, but if I can get the ease of use of HDV with the option for uncompressed output, plus the option to use my current Canon GL1 battery collection, then I may just pick one up by next summer.

But this is all assuming that the RED or SI cameras aren't all they've been hyped up to be when they officially launch.

That exact question is currently being discussed in our XL H1 forum at this very moment:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=72349

Please direct any responses on this subject to that particular thread. Thanks,

Bottom line for people buying the HVX200 seems to be that it's the most convenient way to record DVCProHD footage with a 'look' that HDV can't match. But an HVX200 with 16 minutes worth of P2 memory costs as much today as two of the entry-level Canons will cost in a few weeks, so depending on your needs that's a big price gap. I think both product lines will continue to be successful, but anyone doing long-form work should wait for the Canons.

P2 and its tapeless workflow definitely has its place; that's why I've been reluctant to write up a "camcorder comparison" chart with the HVX200 or anything else for that matter. The Canon XH camcorders really compare fairly only to the Sony Z1 and FX1, but even then it might not be all that fair of a comparison. Maybe whatever Sony brings out next will be though.

P2 is a workflow decision... it's also the least expensive way to get into the DVCPRO HD format. I've always tried to impress upon people to choose the format first, then worry about the camera. Hence, why bother with camera comparison charts. For HDV 1080i, it's pretty much between the Sony FX1 / Z1 and the Canon XH, unless you need the big 'ol Canon H1 or the tiny little Sony A1. Right tool for the right job, eh?

Or if you have specific ideas about what you want in terms of camera design, you can start from that. Up until now all the low-cost HD cameras have been so different from each other that it was pretty easy to pick on that basis, with recording format being just one of the important variables. With the new Canon cameras it gets tougher because they clearly compete directly with the Sonys and offer an interesting alternative to JVC and Panasonic at a competitive price. I would think a comparison chart could be useful at this point, with a large disclaimer at the top not to consider any one specification critical unless you know it's critical for you. And by all means "try before you buy" for any HD camera, if you can arrange to do so.

To be thorough, there are tapeless workflow options for HDV cameras, plus the option to shoot both tape and tapeless at the same time.

On the 7th picture on the 2nd images page, I noticed there's a button called "MAGN.". Do you think this is the same as the Z1's 'expanded focus' feature, or is it a common Canon feature I don't know about?

So what's the August Canon announcement?
 

A 2/3" chip XL H2 ;-) ?

It's the same as the Focus Assist feature on the XL H1; it magnifies the viewfinder image by 200%.

Also download Yahoo toolbar, and you can add a button called Translate page. A couple of clicks, and it translates the site perfect.

Tape Transport?
 

Does anyone know if Canon has upgraded the tape transport in the current/forthcoming crop? I'm still smarting over the high-dollar, poor customer service, of getting the transport replaced on my GL2 when Canon *should* have issued a recall. Should I continue to budget $250-$500/year for transport replacement?

Matt