Canon XHA1: Panalook Preset

The following video clip is simply a glance at the "Panalook" preset in action. This is one of the many presets that have been developed by devoted users to maximize the performance and color rendition of the Canon XHA1. In this case, it is just a collage of outdoor shots.

One particularly noteworthy (and unrelated) aspect of the video is the creator's use of a rack focus between different titles that are on screen simultaneously (in the opening moments). This was an effective technique that also highlighted the relatively shallow depth of field used in the video.


Canon XH-A1 - Panalook preset from Pathelin on Vimeo.

Canon XHA1: A User's First Day with the Camera

The following video is simply a decent example of what people are doing with the Canon XHA1 directly out of the box, on the first day. The filmmaker here (Nathan McClendon) did a little bit of research and downloaded Steven Dempsey's VIVIDRGB preset (wisely avoiding the Canon factory settings) but beyond that, did not benefit from any accessories such as a depth of field adapter, steadicam, dolly or such. The end result? Just some pretty good images for someone's first day with the camera.


Xha1 First Day from Nathan McClendon on Vimeo.

Canon XHA1: VIVIDRGB Preset

It has been around for a little while, but it is one of the more popular and effective custom presets for the XHA1 and deserves a bit of special attention.

The VIVIDRGB preset was developed by XHA1 guru Steven "Disjecta" Dempsey (of Pine Lake Films).

The preset itself can be downloaded HERE.

VIVIDRGB actually underwent a couple of incarnations during its development and refinement. The above link is to the final version.

Here are a few clips of VIVIDRGB in action.


Trying out the VividRGB preset (XH A1) from Jesper Dudal on Vimeo.


Canon XHA1 Test1 VividRGB preset from videonivaria on Vimeo.

And here is an interesting "behind the scenes" from a music video shoot using the VIVIDRGB preset on the XHA1.


Judas Feet :: "Mockingbirds" from Taylor Rudd on Vimeo.

Be sure to thank Steven Dempsey for his fine work and generosity in sharing as your captured images become infinitely more compelling versus the XHA1's out-of-the-box settings.

Canon XHA1: VISION02 Preset by John Hope

In the continuing search for the perfect XHA1 presets to combat its drab out-of-the-box color rendition, we have a new and pretty effective entry. As we know, there have been a wide array of presets developed, including some fine work by Steven Dempsey and Paolo Ciccone, among others.

Here, John Hope has developed VISION02.

Feel free to take a look at it in action in the following clip.


New VISION02 preset test from John Hope on Vimeo.

The preset is also used in the Phil Kneen video I refer to in this other POST of mine (the seagull footage only).

If you like what you see from this preset, you can download it HERE.

And be sure to thank John Hope. Here is his VIMEO PAGE.

But at least now you have another option.

Canon XHA1: Custom Preset Tests - Footage

Especially given how flat and drab the XHA1 footage is reputed to be directly out of the box, there has been a great deal of interest online and in forums about custom in-camera presets to tweak the camera's settings for image capture and color rendition. With these presets, you will see that there is actually quite a bit of latitude for different looks within the XHA1 before even getting to post-production. It does, however, require a little bit of work, research and testing on your part.

Below are some instances of test preset footage undertaken by various good samaritan videographers. And do bear in mind that these individuals are under no obligation to post such tests. They do so entirely out of a desire to help move everyone's expertise along, so big ups to these guys, and also to the developers of the presets (among them, Steven "Disjecta" Dempsey") for sharing the fruits of their ingenuity...


Canon XH-A1 Custom Preset Movie from Gert Kracht on Vimeo.

Update: The Roger Shealy video of preset tests (which was linked to here) was taken down from Vimeo.

HERE is a link to a database of XHA1 custom presets and a discussion of the concept.

And HERE, Paolo Ciccone discusses his TRUECOLOR presets. They are also FURTHER DISCUSSED in the DVinfo Forum.

And below is footage of a cutom preset ("VISION") by John Hope. The link with the actual video will also provide the settings of his preset.


XHA1 Preset: VISION from John Hope on Vimeo.

Here is the "VIVIDRGB" preset being tested out...


Trying out the VividRGB preset (XH A1) from Jesper Dudal on Vimeo.

Here is a LINK to the thread with the (updated) VIVIDRGB preset. There was an original version that was revised.