About to Buy A Used XL2 - What problems should I look out for at DVinfo.net

Len Capristo · September 27th, 2008, 06:11 PM

I'm about to buy a used XL2. I've read about problems with the transport, but I don't recall if that was on early production models, and if so, how to check for it.

Any specifics are appreciated, as well as any other areas to check.

The camera will be used to shoot SD footage in both 4:3 and 16:9 formats.

Thanks for the help.

Richard Alvarez · September 27th, 2008, 06:31 PM

Just check it for what you would check any camera for. Run a tape through it, do some recording in each mode, and play it back. Listen to the audio. Check the lens and ccd for scratches. Check the ccd for dead pixels. If it's running good and the lens is clean and the audio channels all work then you're good to go. Might want to send it to canon for a 'tune up' if you plan on shooting commercial work with it. A nice cleaning and check up is always worth the peace of mind anyway.

Peter James · October 24th, 2008, 07:39 AM

Check the firewire port. I have heard of a few of these with problems accross all brands. Also check all connectors are solid.

On my XL2 the 4:3 16:9 switch is a bit odd, when it is in 4:3 mode just the slightest hair touch will take it out of that mode.

September 27th, 2008, 06:11 PM	#1
Len Capristo Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Raleigh NC Posts: 38	About to Buy A Used XL2 - What problems should I look out for I'm about to buy a used XL2. I've read about problems with the transport, but I don't recall if that was on early production models, and if so, how to check for it. Any specifics are appreciated, as well as any other areas to check. The camera will be used to shoot SD footage in both 4:3 and 16:9 formats. Thanks for the help.

September 27th, 2008, 06:31 PM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Just check it for what you would check any camera for. Run a tape through it, do some recording in each mode, and play it back. Listen to the audio. Check the lens and ccd for scratches. Check the ccd for dead pixels. If it's running good and the lens is clean and the audio channels all work then you're good to go. Might want to send it to canon for a 'tune up' if you plan on shooting commercial work with it. A nice cleaning and check up is always worth the peace of mind anyway.

October 24th, 2008, 07:39 AM	#3
Peter James New Boot Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 10	Check the firewire port. I have heard of a few of these with problems accross all brands. Also check all connectors are solid. On my XL2 the 4:3 16:9 switch is a bit odd, when it is in 4:3 mode just the slightest hair touch will take it out of that mode.