Hello from Inola, OK
 

New member here, and very new to videography. Recently aquired a Canon XL1 as a starter camera, so far I like what I've read about it on the net. Have spent the last week or so familiarizing myself with all the features as well as reading about video taping in general. My goal is to be able to capture quality video of weddings, family events and my hunting experiences. Would eventually like to make money at this but we'll see.

JB

Re: Hello from Inola, OK
 

Welcome to the forum. You'll find lot's of good people here. You've got a capable, if somewhat dated, camera and it's a great way to familiarize yourself with the basics of shooting. My suggestion is to hook up with some established locals and offer to shoot 2nd camera (or just assist). If you hook up with the right person, you will learn much more in a few sessions that weeks or months of online forum digging. You will also get a sense of what is expected of a professional videographer, and the equipment you'll need. Don't get caught up in buying everything and hoping you make money from it. You'll be broke and looking for work. Rent if you must, or buy piecemeal as the work comes in (re-invest in your budding business). Some equipment is well worth the higher up-front cost (tripod, lights, audio gear). Buy once and cry once (as Doug Jensen is fond of saying).
Get in touch with local wedding coordinators, photographers and facilities when you're ready to venture out solo. There is a lot to learn, but if you love what you're doing, stick with it and see where it takes you.

Re: Hello from Inola, OK
 

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

Somewhere around here I have a couple of copies of an XL1 training DVD. Shoot me an email if you want one.

Re: Hello from Inola, OK
 

Chris, if you can dig that CD up I would love to have a copy. I'll send you my mailing address via email.

Thanks!

Re: Hello from Inola, OK
 

All great advice.

While the XL1 is dated; its still a great SD camera (and if you're delivering in DVD then thats actually 100% of all you need). Make sure you put the time in to learn how to shoot your XL in full manual - don't get caught up using it in auto mode. The best way to learn is to practice.

Once you get the hang of the XL in manual mode you will have a good understanding of all the basics you need to know for any other future cameras.

The movie '28 Days Later' was filmed on an XL1! Some day in the future people will collect those XL1's the way people collect 8mm movie cameras today, and put them on their desk as a kind of mechanical artifact. I can't remember another DV camera that looked so futuristic, and felt so ergonomic. They're real works of art, so treat it well.