The Canon XL2 was the first camcorder created as a modular system in 1997 and after several refinements, has been released in its current state, remaining the standard in this particular category. Designed in a style that combines the features of a typical camcorder and a shoulder-mounted pro camera the XL2 has a professional heft; a solid 3.54kg with an enormous zoom. As you would expect from a professionally oriented camcorder, the XL2 provides a variety of mechanical controls over all major camera functions: iris, shutter, white balance and gain. Most noteworthy additions to the Canon XL2 are its three progressive video modes. It now has 30P and two types of 24P, in addition to standard 60I interlaced video.

Audio functions have been improved significantly; now there are two XLR balanced inputs with transferable phantom power. In addition the stock 20X lens offers incredible zoom range and it offers a vast range of motorized zoom speeds. The optional 3X lens are both optimised for autofocus, but the focus rings are ineffective and overly sensitive. In the modular XL system, the viewfinder is the other major component. Other camcorders in this category is designed wit a viewfinder on the back and a flip-out LCD screen on the left-hand side, but the XL2 allows the viewfinder eyepiece to flip up and expose a small 2-inch, 200,000-pixel colour screen that can be viewed at a slight distance. The battery life remains the same; each pack will provide approximately 120 minutes of recording time. While this camcorder has extensive professional features that have been duplicated by other manufacturers, the Canon XL2 retains the crown of this camcorder category delivering a stellar performance in imagery, colour and contrast. This is the camcorder for the serious videographer who prefers manual control.