I negotiated my $30,000 video rig to the back seat and motioned for the Canon L1. The tight cockpit of the plane makes it tricky to get steady aerial videography without stabilization equipment. I was sure that I could handle the L1 more easily, but could it deliver professional-quality video from 2,000 feet?
Canon's standard 15X lens uses the VL mounting system, which allows interchanging with a series of lenses designed for half-inch standard CCD videocameras. A user changes lenses or adds adapters as easily as with a 35mm SLR camera. Even better, if an alternate VL lens supports auto iris and focus, the L1 will also. The 15X (8mm to 120mm) lens provides a maximum aperture of f1.4, typical of professional glass. This is not your father's camcorder.
The video professional knows Canon best for lenses, and it's optics that distinguish the Canon L1 from other compact Hi8 camcorders.
The Hi8 format records a highband signal similar to the S-VHS format and provides astounding image quality for its size. Most pros would use Hi8 only for acquisition, later dubbing to a broadcast format, but producers regularly use Hi8 footage when compact or expendable equipment is required.
The L1 offers all the latest electronic gizmos. It automatically controls the iris, focus, and white balance, and Canon provides the operator with various levels of manual override for each function. The camera includes all the required accessories, including a wireless remote control that operates the zoom lens.
No self-respecting high-tech company would market a product that was not "digital," but the L1 offers features that are justifiably called "digital effects," including freeze frame, art freeze, close-up, and strobe. You can apply effects to an image as you record it and apply other effects during playback. An LCD reads-out vital signs like audio levels, tape mode, counter, and tape type - Hi8 or standard 8mm.
So I raised the featherweight L1 up to my eye and leaned toward the plane's open window. Was this easy! But wait - the wind pulled at the shot I was trying to get. The wind hadn't bothered my big rig. I backed away from the window, but every slight shift in the plane's position transferred into my video.
Even though the video captured by the remarkable L1 looks better than the first pro camera I paid $10,000 for ten years ago, I won't be counting on it for my aerial shoots. But I look forward to using it this summer. I'm going to Disneyland!
Canon L1, $3,000 (list), +1-516-488-6700
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