Canon finally made it official and announced their new HDV camera the XL H1. The XL H1 is Canon's first Hi-Def camcorder and leaves much to be desired with its limited 1080i recording mode. The new camera forgoes the true 24P recording ability of the XL2 in favor of a new mode called the 24 Frame rate. This mode simulates the look of 24P by scanning 24 frames a second but from the interlaced footage and uses a conversion process to help minimize the interlaced look. The one bright spot about the camera is its 20X removable zoom lens which provides both expandability and function.

When the specs of the XL H1 were leaked early this week I had a hard time believing that Canon would really be willing to take a step back and release a new high-end camera with no progressive or 24P modes. Sure this camera still has its place in the news and event photography world and may turn out to be a hit in that area but for the indie filmmaker this camera looks like it will be a disappointment, though it is still way to early to tell for sure. The Canon XL H1 will be available in November for just under $9,000.