Canon XH-A1 no 720p recording and progressive scan?

Question

what does 720p recording mean?

and does it matter about the canon XH-A1 having no progressive scan?

Answer 1

the XHA1 is a HDV camera that uses miniDV tape. there is no 720 mode for HDV.  720 is intermediate between SD at 480 and HD at 1080, these are vertical scan pixel count. While 720 is considered HD, there is no reason to shoot that when 1080 is available. The tape moves at the same speed irregardless, so there is no savings in media use as there would be on a HDD recorder for example. Progressive scan coupled with 24 fps is useful for producers that intend to have the tape converted to theatrical motion picture film. It is not needed or particularly desirable for general video use.