The XL-H1a camcorder has three 1/3 inch 16:9 interlaced CCDs that capture images at 1080i resolution. The camcorder features selectable frame rates of 60i, 30 Frame, and 24 Frame which allows the user to adjust to the assignment at hand and to switch back to SD resolution if needed. At the 30 Frame rate, broadcasters can capture fast motion like sports with confidence that each frame is captured individually and completely.

Filmmakers can utilize the 24 Frame rate when creating the look and feel of movie film. The 60i frame rate, meanwhile, delivers exceptional resolution for shooting environments like ENG or Reality TV. The XL-H1a HD camcorder is the first model to include Canon's proprietary DIGIC DV II image processor. DIGIC DV II is an image processor that can process both HD and SD video signals as well as still photos while maintaining the correct color space for each mode.

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The Canon XL-H1a features Canon's XL-interchangeable lens mount. For the XL-H1 camcorder, Canon builds a 20x high definition video zoom lens. It incorporates multiple Fluorite glass elements for superior color, contrast, resolution, and reduction of chromatic aberrations. It is a fast lens with maximum aperture f/1.6 to f/3.5 depending on focal length. At its widest angle, the lens is capable of close focusing down to 20mm or about 0.8 inches.

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The XL-H1a comes with a multi-functional color viewfinder and a 2.4" diagonal LCD monitor with safe-zone frame-lines built-in. There is a black and white mode, selectable zebra exposure mode, horizontal and vertical flip feature, and a distance readout (with the 20x HD lens). As menu options the user can select safe-zone frame-lines for the following aspect ratios: 4:3, 13:9, 14:9, 1.66:1, 1.75:1, 1.85:1 and 2.35:1

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The camcorder has a feature called Focus Help that uses prompts in the viewfinder to aid fast focusing. The PEAKING setting puts an exaggerated line on the viewfinder image that disappears when the focus is achieved. The MAGNIFYING setting enlarges the viewfinder image which should help the operator better judge fine focusing.

Canon calls its image stabilizer Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization and it helps defeat camera-shake from hand-held shooting and even shake produced from a moving vehicle. Because it is an optical function it can compensate for a greater degree of camera shake and avoids any loss in image quality, unlike electronic or digital stabilizing methods.