A Canon XH G1 HD video camcorder traveled into space for use in testing involving the capture of digital high-definition television (HDTV) images on the latest space shuttle mission. The XH GI was carried on the space shuttle Discovery, which was launched on October 23 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11:38 am EDT, and used in HDTV testing jointly carried out on the International Space Station by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The XH G1 HD camcorder, introduced in November 2006, is equipped with a Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens incorporating a fluorite lens element to ensure outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction. The compact, lightweight XH G1 combines exceptional mobility with stunning high-resolution 1080i HD video and delivers the same high-performance capabilities as the XL H1, which has garnered high acclaim in the broadcast and video-production industries since its release in November 2005.

The Canon XH G1, which passed verification testing by JAXA, effectively fulfilled its mission objectives, contributing to successful HDTV testing for the joint U.S.-Japan project at the International Space Station, an environment subject to various constraints compared with more conventional “Earth-based” shooting conditions.

Canon XH G1 HD video camcorder: Features

  • Equipped with three 1/3-inch native 16:9 CCDs to realize 1.67-megapixel* imaging performance

  • Features Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV II HD image processor, optimized for the increased data stream of HD signals

  • Equipped with a Genuine Canon 20x zoom lens that incorporates a fluorite lens element and a Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer

  • Includes HD-SDI output, Genlock input and Time Code input and output terminals

  • Offers a total of 23 image settings, including color gain, RGB independent gain, and 6-axis matrix

  • Features a 24 Frame rate and cine gamma settings to create the look and feel of movie film

  • Instant AF makes possible accurate auto focusing at ultra-fast speeds

  • A variety of still image shooting capabilities enables the simultaneous capture of still images to memory card while recording video to tape * Effective pixels: Each CCD sensor utilizes approximately 1.56 megapixels when recording in HDV Mode or 16:9 SD Wide Mode, and approximately 1.17 megapixels in 4:3 Standard (SD) Mode