Canon XH A1 Useful Accessories?
 

My XH A1 arrives Dec.27th. Yahoo!! What usefull accessories do others have and recommend for this camcorder for general use? I have the uv filter. What about the Canon VL-10Li II video light?? Canon SBR-1000 shoulder brace? Is an external mic necessary or does the internal mike give good pickup? Thanks in advance.

The 2 things I picked up for the XH-A1 were the BP-970 mammoth battery and a J-Rod.

The J-Rod will allow me to mount my Rode VideoMic + Sony Video light + my potential Seinnheiser wireless reciever on the camera cleanly. Will post a few pix in a day or 2!

Michael,

What's a J-Rod? Couldn't find it at B&H, who makes it & where did you get it?

Found it: http://www.thej-rod.com/

(have also a look at: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?p=595710 where Vito DePhilippo used a broom stick to the same effect...)

I've attached some pix of my full XH-A1 setup to illustrate the J-Rod in action.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...862#post596862

Hi Michael,
Would it be possible to attach and use the Sony Video Light (HVL-20DW2) to the A1 without using the J-Rod?

^^ yup just attach the light to the hot shoe on the front of the cam.

Depending on what kind of work you do, You can get much much better result with a shotgun mic.

100% agreed, I purchased the Rode VM for my HC1 and would rather invest in a seinnhesser wireless lav system before upgrading to a shotgun mic, altho the Rode NTG-2 is tempting. For now the Rode VM will suffice.

Anybody try using the Canon VFL-1 video light on a Canon XH-A1?

That light looks tiny, and I wanst able to find that wattage on it, as a general rule tho, I see many videographers using a 20 watt bulb. Furthermore, lights in general DRAIN battery, so if the light is powered via the camera battery, i would avoid that.

The XH camcorders do not have an Advanced Accessory Shoe which is necessary for powering a VFL-1 or VL-3 video light. The shoe on an XH camcorder is "cold," or unpowered, although it will communicate with an EOS Speedlite photo flash.

None of the AAS devices (such as the VFL-1 or VL-3 video lights, the DM-50 microphone, or the MA-300 XLR audio input block) will work with the A1 or G1.

John,
It depends on what your going to shoot with the cam.
If your doing pro work, a good mic is pretty essential.
(I've been very happy with the Senn ME66 - Very light, tough, & good sound)

Though an on camera light has it's uses for sure, it can not replace "good" lighting, & that includes making the best of what light is available.
Even with still photography, an on camera light is rarely the lighting of choice in pro applications, unless of course your doing a wedding or such.

Thanks for all the feedback from everyone. Will start by researching a good microphone.

The Firestore FS4 HD's and Pros work flawlessly with the A1's in case you want to go tapeless (or taped backup)....you might consider it as an "accessory" for the A1's!