Recording into the Canon XL?
 

I know that I can connect my Canon XL to my VCR and copy footage from my Canon XL to a VHS video tape.

My question is, can I do the reverse method of this? Can I copy footage from a video tape to a mini DV tape in the Canon XL? Basically, will the Canon XL record the footage from my VCR when both systems are connected?

Thanks

Canon XL-1 - NO

Canon XL-1s - YES

See http://www.dvinfo.net/xl1faq.htm

Chris, I didn't see my question answered in the FAQ section.

Edward, I have the Canon XL1-s, so how do I accomplish recording into the camera from a video?

Thanks for your help guys

Hi Todd,

In your original post, you didn't specify which Canon XL you were referring to, the XL1 or the XL1S.

From my FAQ page at http://www.dvinfo.net/xl1faq.htm --

Q. How can I record analog video sources with an XL1?

A. It is not possible to record analog video sources with the XL1. The two analog video (RCA and S-Video) jacks on this camera are for output only.

You've since stated that you're referring to an XL1S. Analog video input is a feature on this camera. The procedure is outlined on pages 88 & 89 of the operator's manual. If you don't have it handy, you can download a PDF version from --

http://www.canondv.com/downloads/manuals.html

Hope this helps,

Just some advice when you do record footage from you VHS to your XL1s

Make sure your fire wire cable is not connected to your camera, (that is if you are using one)

Make sure you select audio 1 at your sound options, otherwise you will be recording the sound from your microphone when you transfer the footage.

Connect the sterio video cable with your video deck and camera at the RCA jacks, (on the back of your camera)

PSwitch to VCR mode, press record, Start your VHS and hit the play/pause button on your camera to start recording.

Its easy as that!... if you have an XL1s, the XL1 does not support this feature.

Good luck

Didi Schoeman

I discovered AFTER buying my XL1 (not S) that it won't record from analog sources. So I bought a little Elura (could have been any model like a ZR or whatever) and now I have a neat little digital "VCR" that fits in my pocket, to say nothing of serving as a "stealthcam" when I can't get let in to places sporting my very conspicuous XL1, and even serving as a backup cam for the unexpected mishap* with the XL. The Elura is now my everyday capture device into my Mac (freeing up my XL and saving space on my desk).



* For instance, last week I made the mistake of trying to shoot outdoors in South Florida at 6:45 AM, after having the XL in my hotel room overnight. The camera misted up so badly in the humidity that every condensation alarm lit up, it was dripping off the lens and VF, and I wound up sending it back to Canon for an overhaul.
Lesson=Warm the camera up real well by running it on the power suppply overnight, then bring it outside (and keep it plugged in to power) an hour before the shoot to acclimate it to the warm moist outside air.