8mm Camcorders

8mm Camcorders

A1

A1

A1Hi

  • Japan
  • Americas
  • Europe, Asia, Oceania
  • Outline
  • Specifications
Marketed April 1989
Original Price 260,000 yen

Canon developed the A1 with the Hi8 video standard after various companies reached agreement upon and announced the high-band recording system for 8mm camcorders in 1988. Targeted at advanced amateurs and pros, the A1 offered high-quality sound adopting a new FM stereo standard as well as extensive manual functions. This advanced camcorder also had a fully automatic mode, allowing even beginners to fully utilize its features. The PAL camcorder A1Hi was the high-end model with high resolution, providing the same main functions as NTSC A1. The A1Hi was the first Hi8 camcorder to be developed for the European market (France).

Video recording system A1 [A] [J] 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system (NTSC)
– Luminance signal: FM azimuth recording
– Chrominance signal: Converted subcarrier phase shift recording
A1Hi [E] 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system (PAL)
– Luminance signal: FM azimuth recording
– Chrominance signal: Converted subcarrier phase shift recording
Audio recording system Frequency multiplexing system
Television system NTSC system (A1 [A][J]) , PAL system (A1Hi [E])
Tape format 8/Hi8 videocassette
Tape speed A1 [A][J] 14.345mm/s
A1Hi [E] 20.051mm/s (at SP mode), 10.026mm/s (at LP mode)
Maximum recording time A1 [A][J] 120 min. (with a P6-type 120-min. cassette)
A1Hi [E] 90 min. at SP mode, 180 min. at LP mode (with a P5-type 90-min. cassette)
Fast forward/rewind time A1 [A][J] Approx. 6 min. (with a P6/E6-type 120-min. cassette)
A1Hi [E] Approx. 6 min. (with a P5-type 90-min. cassette)
Image sensor A1 [A][J] 1/2″ CCD (charge-coupled device), 360,000 pixels (330,000 effective pixels)
A1Hi [E] 1/2″ CCD (charge-coupled device), 420,000 pixels (380,000 effective pixels)
Viewfinder 0.7″ Monochrome electronic viewfinder
Built-in microphone Unidirectional stereo microphone
Lens 8-80mm focal length, 12 groups 14 lenses, filter diameter: 55mm, P = 0.75, Minimum shooting distance: 110cm
Focusing system Piezo focus
Minimum illumination 7 lx(A1 [A], A1Hi [E]) , 25 lx(A1 [J])
Illumination range 7 lx-100,000 lx(A1 [A], A1Hi [E]) , 25 lx-100,000 lx(A1 [J])
Aperture Auto iris servo system
Output terminal (level/impedance) Video/audio output terminal RCA-pin jack
Video output terminal 1Vp-p/75 ohms
Audio output terminal -10dBv (at 3 kohms load)
S-Video output terminal 1Vp-p (Y signal) 0.286Vp-p (C signal)
External microphone terminal 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Power supply 6V DC
Power consumption Approx. Less than 9.5W (Forwarding) , Approx. 8.3W (AF mode)
Operating temperature range 32-104°F (0-40°c)
Dimensions A1 [A][J] Approx. 157mm x 149mm x 257mm (excluding tiny projection)
A1Hi [E] Approx. 157mm x 149mm x 267mm (excluding tiny projection)
Weight Body: Approx. 1500g
When recording: Approx. 1800g (including battery, 8mm videocassette)