Specifications: XL-Mount 20x Zoom Lens CA-920 Charger/Power Adapter BP-930 Battery Pack Color LCD Viewfinder DC-920 DC Coupler WL-D4000 Remote S-Video Cable STV-150 Stereo Video Cable SS-1000 Shoulder Strap Stereo Microphone The Canon XL 2 is the upgraded replacement model of the ground breaking XL 1 camera. It is still the only prosumer camcorder to offer an interchangeable lens system. The Canon offers many features that until recently were only available on professional camera systems. Functions like 16:9 aspect ratio, scan-matching, professional time code and custom picture looks were available only on cameras costing many times the price of the XL 2. This camera also has 30 -frame and 24-frame interlaced and progressive modes. The addition of 24-frame is the most significant technology advance in the prosumer camcorder bag of tricks. Key Features: 16:9 Aspect Widescreen Recording Almost unique at the prosumer level, the Canon XL 2 shoots in a true 16:9 ratio without artificial letter-boxing or vertically squeezing a 4:3 image. This camera uses a CCD block with 680,000 total pixels per chip. In 4:3 mode the chip crops the left and right sides resulting in the conventional ratio with 350,000 used pixels per CCD. In 16:9 mode the chip is used at full width resulting in a true 16:9 image utilizing some 460,000 pixels per chip. Progressive and Interlaced Interpolation The Canon XL 2 offers 3 different shooting modes for specific image looks. The camera offers both interlaced and progressive interpolation modes that include both 30 and 24-frame options. Canon goes into great detail on their web page. The Luxury of Canon Lenses Canon is unique in offering an interchangeable lens system. The XL 2 comes standard with a 20x zoom lens with an optical image stabilization system. The anti-shake system becomes especially important as greater zoom length is used. Highly advanced glass technology and lens coatings are meant to increase resolution and reduce intra-lens reflections. The standard XL 1 series lenses can also be fitted to this camera. Creative Image Parameter Features To add custom or film-like image control, the XL 2 offers a wide range of video parameters that can be used to achieve your cinematic vision. Because different film stocks offer individual image reproduction qualities, this digital camera gives a great amount of control over color, contrast, detail and grain parameters. For the greatest detail on the scope of complex picture look functions please visit the XL 2 web page.