16:9 and 3d Zoom lens
 

Does the XL1s have a true 16:9?
What is better to shot in 16:9 or 4:3?
Is there software that can convert 16:9 to 4:3 when I capture images then convert to 16:9 to play on tv like letterbox?
Does the 16:9 guide in 4:3 is that a true native 16:9?
Does anybody use colorchart or greychart ?for post?
What is best setting for ASA using alight meter for video i use 1/60 of sec?
It the 3d Zoom Lens worth buying to make Feature film can it support 3d glasses ?

Native 16:9
 

How close is is xL1s to Native 16:9?
Does the guide lines 16:9 in 4:3 are they true native 16:9?
help me????????

Re: 16:9 and 3d Zoom lens
 

If no shooting you are editing if not editing you are shooting?

Hello Mario,

<< How close is is xL1s to Native 16:9? >>

The XL1S, like the XL1 and every other DV camcorder in its class, is native 4:3. The 16:9 widescreen is interpolated, meaning, there is a loss of image quality when shooting in this mode.

You'll want to read an article on my website, The XL1 Watchdog at http://www.dvinfo.net/xl1.htm -- choose "Articles Menu" then "Camera Head" and read "The Myth of Mini-DV Widescreen," an article I wrote for RES Magazine a couple of years ago. This article pretty much explains what's going on with 16:9 in these cameras.

<< Does the guide lines 16:9 in 4:3 are they true native 16:9? >>

No, they're not "native" 16:9, but they are the correct size and shape for converting to 16:9 during editing.

<< Does the XL1s have a true 16:9? >>

No camera in this price range is native 16:9. You have to step up to the JVC GY-DV700, the Sony DSR-500 or the Panasonic AJ-D600, all with 2/3rd inch CCD's, to get native 16:9. These cameras cost about $12,000 or so, without lens.

<< What is better to shot in 16:9 or 4:3? >>

This is a good question because a lot of people like to argue about it. The best way is to shoot in 4:3 with an anamorphic adapter attached to the lens, but there is no such adapter yet avvailable for the XL1 (there is for the GL1 / VX2000 /PD150 however).

<< Is there software that can convert 16:9 to 4:3 when I capture images then convert to 16:9 to play on tv like letterbox? >>

Most basic editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Canopus RexEdit and Apple Final Cut Pro can do this.

<< Does anybody use colorchart or greychart ?for post? >>

Personally, I don't use one.

<< What is best setting for ASA using alight meter for video i use 1/60 of sec? >>

Go to the Watchdog again, under Articles Menu > Camera Head, there is a two-part article about XL1 ASA Rating, you'll want to read those.

<< It the 3d Zoom Lens worth buying to make Feature film can it support 3d glasses ? >>

Well, the 3D lens is pretty expensive... it's about $8,000 and they're made by special order, one at a time... but it does support 3D glasses. The question is whether or not you want to spend eight grand on a lens!

<< If no shooting you are editing if not editing you are shooting? >>

If I'm not shooting or editing, I'm usually thinking about shooting or editing!

Hope this helps,

16:9
 

Thanks that helped sort things out

3d Zoom Lens for XLs DV Camcorder
 

Hello,
I thinking of ordering the canon 3d Zoom lens when I buy my XL1S camera I want know if there is a site that shows me what other filmmakers have used this lens for ? What does it look like? is it worth it?Is it true 3d?
Does canon explain what new lens can be used for?
Thanks

3D Lens
 

Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a website where you can checkout some output from this lens? I'm getting a bit tired of checking out the same press release.

Thanks,

Max

trying to rent a 3D lens for the Xl-1
 

Does anyone know anywhere in L.A. that rents the Canon 3D lens? I have been hitting brick walls at every turn. So far I have tried everywhere from Samy's to Birns and Sawyer.
Please help me!

Sorry my friend,

I seriously doubt you're going to find one for rent anywhere. These are made one at a time in Japan, at $8K apiece. Those who ordered one *really* want one and are not about to loan it out.

I hear they're quite popular in the adult entertainment market.

I'm unaware of anyone who actually has this lens. Not sure how you would put 3D video on the web anyway, but I'm not doubting it can be done.

The big response to this lens was from the adult entertainment industry, and I don't think they'll let you see some "results" without paying for it.

At $8,000 apiece, you have to *really* want this lens. If you're seriously interested in a purchase, call Canon and I'm sure they'll arrange a demo for you. Or contact the better dealers, like my sponsor ZGC, and they might work out a way to show it to you.

The 3D lens is kind of like a Lambo or Ferrari... you can't just walk up to a Toyota dealer and expect to test-drive one. But if you're serious about buying it, you *will* be accomodated, trust me.

"yoo hoo, output?"
 

Chris,

Is output from this lens meant to be viewed with the standard red and blue specs, or a special projector perhaps?

Thanks,

-Currently tracking down someone at Canon who knows something.

Red & blue specs -- No.

Polarized specs -- Yes.

Special projector -- No.

Polarized specs, special electronic Sony specs, polarized filter screen in front of the monitor -- Yes.

Hope this helps,

Chris, etc.,

I saw the 3D lens results in an demo/ad at the AIIM exposition in NYC in May. The promo was of Canon paper scanners shot, but it was shot the 3D lens on an XL1. We viewed with the LCD glasses (no screen). It was about consumer analog camcorder color EVF resolution, not what DV is capable of. Not sure what brand the glasses/goggles were My impresion is that it does field alternation. Something like even field to right eye, odd field to left eye. I did not get the impression that it was polarized but that method could be used for projection I guess

Not anywhere near on a par with the 3-D thing at Disney Workd in FL.

Looking beyond the adult video market (which may be more interested in high resolution). It may also do well for training, especially mechanical type things where the 3-D can really help understand how things assembled. [Wait, back in my military days, "training films" was sometimes used as a code word for adult flicks/video <g>.]

There is a Government Video Expo at in Washington, DC, next week. Canon was there last year, they just might be there with the lens this year.

3d lens
 

Can't look up "3d" in search. VERY interested in getting XL1 and this lens. Nowhere can I find ANY info on how to present the images though. Has anyone done it? Are we waiting for some new monitor?

3D Lens
 

I have heard nothing about this, except that it is available. How does it work? Does it use LCD shutter glasses? has anyone here used it? For the super low price of $9,000 I should get two or three just to have a few spares! :)

misc. 3d lens questions
 

Not a lot of traffic on this topic so:

1. How can one see a demonstration? Short of a touring Canon demo at an electronics show is this possible? Somebody mentioned that they were starting to be used in porn? Does anyone know of any specific titles that were shot with this or have any idea how I may be able to find out?

2. Canon's official literature indirectly implies that output from this can be used for 3d modeling. How would one go about importing this data into a modeling progam? Any specific modeling programs out there with this capability? Any details on this matter would be appreciated.

3. I'm wondering if there is a practical distance limitation to the 3d effect? Does everything have to be carefully shot in a studio or could you film, say, a large bird at 100 yards with this?

4. Not really a question but it would be great to see the Watchdog do a review of this lens. If they were able sucker Canon into allowing them to touch the $80K 1200mm EOS lens then the $8k 3d lens should be doable I would think.

Thanks for the great informational site. Keep up the good work!

Saw a marketing short on some Canon scanners and other office equipment last summer at the AIIM show in NYC. Was shot with the 3D lens. The main problem was the 3D goggles used to view the short. I do not recall the brand, but they had internal LCD displays and were very low resolution. To low to judge the lens performance.
Based on my use of stereo optics with 35mm still cameras a few years ago, I doubt that the 3D lens would have much value for a 3D view of wild life at 100 yards. But stereo effect at, say, 10 feet would be a different story.

And we all know that "wildlife" features shot at distances 10 ft and closer are called Stag Flicks. ;-)

I thought they were "training films."

I've been unofficially advised that the 3D lens program is dead on arrival. Will try to get word from someone higher up at Canon but as I understand it, the 3D lens has been permanently cancelled due to technical difficulties.

Both at Canon and at the Watchdog it says it is still in the making. We'll have to see if it's worth the 9000.

My sources tell me the 3D lens project has been permanently scrapped. Trying to get an official confirmation from someone higher up at Canon USA.

Chris Hurd wired on caffine wrote:
My sources tell me the 3D lens project has been permanently scrapped. Trying to get an official confirmation from someone higher up at Canon USA.


I can understand that. I was NOT impressed with what it could do at NAB 2001.
Blurry, strobed and almost unwatchable.

Jacques! Long time no-speakey. Will you appear at NAB again? I feel another beer calling. Nominating the same bar,

Hey there Chris,

I really want to make it, but my immediate boss has *many* other plans
for me. Lots of projects and performances that need attention
at The Media Union, BUT
the head of U of Mich. TV wants me to check out MPEG2 solutions
(a large project with U of Indiana to archive ethnic and cultural
music from around the world) for him.

Christi also wants me to go and show the marztech.com
flag.

IF I make it, I owe YOU a few.

So, are you working for Canopus or Canon this year?

Understood Jacques... I'll be flying the Canon flag this year, over in the LVCC.

...
 

We are a video production company. We have a Canon XL1 camera and a G4 equiped with Final Cut Pro 1.2.5 for the editing. We would some infos about Canon 3D zoom lens: in particulare we would to know if someone knows the lens features, if it is necessary a dedicated editing software, if it is necessary to have special glasses to see the video. Better, we would to know if exists and where we can find an handbook for this lens.

Thanks in advance

Alessio Furlan
Zot Videoproduzioni

As I understand it the quality was not too good for this lens. I
also think it has been discontinued. Perhaps it might be
interesting to use two cameras for a 3D view of things? It might
be a tricky thing with zoom etc. though. Maybe you can feed
a LANC controller to both cameras to get the same zoom?

Anyone as any other ideas?

Canon XL1s 3D Lens WANTED!
 

I know that this is a little late in the game. But I am looking for the Canon XL1s 3D Imaging Lens to purchase. I know they were made. I have talked to Canon, B&H photo video (in New York) and many others online. B&H were very pleasent to talk to and suggested to try user groups and so here I am! I am into 3-D video and was hoping to get my hands on the lens for my XL1s. I do have the Nu-view 3-D lens adapter which works but the aperture of the adapter really cuts down on the quality that I can achieve because I have to zoom through just to get rid of the ring around the image. Well if anyone has any leads that would be great. Used is fine as long as it still does what it is supposed to do. Thank you for your time!

Hi Robert,

Sorry, but it will not be possible to obtain the XL 3D lens. Only a handful of working prototypes were ever made and none were ever released to the public. There are none in private ownership. The concept was cancelled before production ever began, and if there is one in the United States (which is doubtful), it is locked up at Canon USA corporate headquarters in New York. The very few 3D lenses in existence are destined for the Canon camera museum in Japan, if they're not there already. Sorry to bear the bad news, but this is the truth of the matter. Hope this helps,

There was some 3D marketing material shot with the lens shown at the AIIM show in NYC over a year ago. Interesting. But sadly, they used relatively now resolution 3D LED goggles for individual viewing, so it was not demoed to its potential. Surprised that the adult video industry did not take advantage of this lens and create a market for it.

Actually Don, the adult video industry as well as the medical imaging market wanted the 3D lens badly... there were many orders placed... it seemed Canon would have no trouble selling the lens at $8K apiece. However, the project was cancelled before production ever began due to a manufacturing problem with a certain outsourced component, which would have adversely affected quality control. So the whole idea was dropped... that's the story I heard, anyway.

Then it might come back someday when the problem can be addressed, but perhaps in HD mode where 3D could really sing. I gather that Canon did not want their name on a problem lens.

"canon did not want their name on a problem lens"
Don

---and the original xl1 lens isnt :)

There isn't really anything wrong with the original XL lens. In 90% of cases the original lens is great for general use. It's where people want a full manual lens, ie those coming from or using the camera for ENG work, that the lens isn't up to par. Remember this is a sub $5000 camera including a lens. It is basically the best lens you are going to get on a camera in this price range.

Adrian's right, the original 16x auto lens was fine for what it was intended... hand-held running and gunning, on auto-focus, with image stabilisation. It's not a good choice for tripods-mounted work; for that, any of the three manual lenses would be much better.

Too bad the never released a manual 3x lens. Sigh