VL-3 and 200MC at DVinfo.net

David Kates · May 3rd, 2003, 12:00 AM

Well I've spend about an hour with my new 200MC and I think I'm gonna like it very much. Based on some pro advice I got, and some posts, I also picked up the VL-3 light. I've thumbed through the manual, looked high and low on the cam, and I just can't figure out where the hot shoe is or how the VL-3 fits on? The 100MC has the hot shoe in full view behind the pop up flash, but not so on the 200MC.

I beg to benefit from all the experience here - what am I missing?

Thanks all.

Davidk

David Kates · May 6th, 2003, 07:34 AM

Got confirmation from Canon about this combo:

"Regrettably, the Optura 200MC does not have a hot shoe to attach the
VL-3 video light. The video light the can be used with this unit is the
VL-10Li battery video light with the SA-1 Adapter Bracket. "

I don't know if older posts in this forum can be corrected, but I bought the VL-3 based on info found in the forum and from info from a very "pro" source. Not a big deal, just have to return it.

The 200MC works very well with Edition, it's sound pick-up is really good and it's opticial stabalization seems to work great.

Davidk

Chris Hurd · May 6th, 2003, 10:00 AM

David

The VL3 light is an excellent accessory for the GL2, the Optura 100MC, the ZR70MC, and the new Optrura 10 and 20. However as you have found out, the Optura 200MC does not have a hot shoe and therefore it cannot use the VL3 light.

If you have seen a post on this message board stating that the VL3 works with the Optura 200MC, that's definitely an error.

I have just done a search here for the terms "Optura" and "VL3" and have found something that really surprises me. It's one of my own posts, in which I said:

"The VL3 will not work with the XL1S, as that camcorder lacks the required Advanced Accessory Shoe. The VL3 is compatible only with the Canon GL2, Optura Pi, 100MC and 200MC, and ZR50MC as they are the only Canon camcorders with the Advanced Accessory Shoe."

I have now edited that post to correctly reflect the Canon DV camcorder models which are compatible with the VL3 light.

It looks like I owe you an apology if you made that purchase decision based on the erroneous information in my post. Although all of us here consistently strive for accuracy, the occasional brain fart is bound to happen every so often. I'm hoping you'll have no trouble returning the VL3, and I hope you'll continue to look for information here on my message boards, even if you should confirm that info before buying anything else. Again, I'm sorry. That post has been corrected.

David Kates · May 9th, 2003, 09:07 AM

Hey Chris: Thanks for correcting your past post. It's not at all a big deal - I would have selected the 200MC anyway, and the VL-3 is returnable. Your post was secondary to the light purchase - it was actually one of the sponsors who also said the 200MC has the advanced accessory hot shoe. Like I said, no harm done at all. I just wonder why Canon removed it. I bought the 200MC mainly for size and optical stabalization. The light would have been nice, but not really part of the decision. Thanks for responding. Davidk

May 3rd, 2003, 12:00 AM	#1
David Kates New Boot Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Unionville, Ontario, Canada Posts: 6	VL-3 and 200MC Well I've spend about an hour with my new 200MC and I think I'm gonna like it very much. Based on some pro advice I got, and some posts, I also picked up the VL-3 light. I've thumbed through the manual, looked high and low on the cam, and I just can't figure out where the hot shoe is or how the VL-3 fits on? The 100MC has the hot shoe in full view behind the pop up flash, but not so on the 200MC. I beg to benefit from all the experience here - what am I missing? Thanks all. Davidk

May 6th, 2003, 10:00 AM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	David The VL3 light is an excellent accessory for the GL2, the Optura 100MC, the ZR70MC, and the new Optrura 10 and 20. However as you have found out, the Optura 200MC does not have a hot shoe and therefore it cannot use the VL3 light. If you have seen a post on this message board stating that the VL3 works with the Optura 200MC, that's definitely an error. I have just done a search here for the terms "Optura" and "VL3" and have found something that really surprises me. It's one of my own posts, in which I said: "The VL3 will not work with the XL1S, as that camcorder lacks the required Advanced Accessory Shoe. The VL3 is compatible only with the Canon GL2, Optura Pi, 100MC and 200MC, and ZR50MC as they are the only Canon camcorders with the Advanced Accessory Shoe." I have now edited that post to correctly reflect the Canon DV camcorder models which are compatible with the VL3 light. It looks like I owe you an apology if you made that purchase decision based on the erroneous information in my post. Although all of us here consistently strive for accuracy, the occasional brain fart is bound to happen every so often. I'm hoping you'll have no trouble returning the VL3, and I hope you'll continue to look for information here on my message boards, even if you should confirm that info before buying anything else. Again, I'm sorry. That post has been corrected. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

May 6th, 2003, 07:34 AM	#2
David Kates New Boot Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Unionville, Ontario, Canada Posts: 6	Got confirmation from Canon about this combo: "Regrettably, the Optura 200MC does not have a hot shoe to attach the VL-3 video light. The video light the can be used with this unit is the VL-10Li battery video light with the SA-1 Adapter Bracket. " I don't know if older posts in this forum can be corrected, but I bought the VL-3 based on info found in the forum and from info from a very "pro" source. Not a big deal, just have to return it. The 200MC works very well with Edition, it's sound pick-up is really good and it's opticial stabalization seems to work great. Davidk

May 9th, 2003, 09:07 AM	#4
David Kates New Boot Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Unionville, Ontario, Canada Posts: 6	Hey Chris: Thanks for correcting your past post. It's not at all a big deal - I would have selected the 200MC anyway, and the VL-3 is returnable. Your post was secondary to the light purchase - it was actually one of the sponsors who also said the 200MC has the advanced accessory hot shoe. Like I said, no harm done at all. I just wonder why Canon removed it. I bought the 200MC mainly for size and optical stabalization. The light would have been nice, but not really part of the decision. Thanks for responding. Davidk