The Canon XV2 features a high-performance Video L (Luxury)-series lens with a large 20x optical-zoom range, offering a focal length of up to the equivalent of 790mm in 35mm format.

The Canon XV2 employs a new 3CCD image-sensor system, with a separate 1/4″ CCD for each of the primary colors red, green and blue, to deliver high sensitivity and a high dynamic range. The system uses a beam-splitting optical prism to separate light that passes through the lens into its primary components and sends each color to its own 410,000-pixel (380,000 effective pixels) CCD. Compared to camcorders that utilize a single CCD, the 3CCD system achieves outstanding detail and faithful color reproduction, from basic primary colors to subtle mid-range tones. When recording video, advanced CCD technology called Pixel Shift effectively boosts resolution by shifting the green CCD horizontally and vertically by one-half pixel each. The process achieves a high resolution comparable to a 550,000-pixel CCD system and realizes a horizontal resolution of 540 TV lines- the highest level possible in the DV (Digital Video) standard. Furthermore, Canon’s high-sensitivity CCD sensors and new generation camera-signal-processing LSI circuit combine to achieve a dramatic improvement in sensitivity in low light conditions.

Canon’s XV2 camcorder also features a Photo mode, enabling users to capture high-definition digital stills. In Photo mode Canon’s Pixel Shift technology and mechanical shutter combine to realize a high image resolution of around 1.68 megapixels (1,488 pixels x 1,128 pixels) for detailed image capture. Canon’s Cross-Layout Stereo Microphone newly features three frequency response modes- Normal, Voice and Wind Cut- as well as a full range of manual settings, such as independent dial adjustment of left and right channel input levels, enabling users to optimize audio settings for the shooting environment.

Designed to meet the needs of professional users, Canon’s XV2 digital camcorder newly incorporates many of the manual settings and advanced operating functions found in the company’s highly appraised top-of-the-line interchangeable-lens model XL1S, released in July 2001.