Just out from OpTex: A .65x wide angle converter with a bayonet mount made for the Sony VX2000, PD150 and DSR250. $299. The bayonet mount allows you to place and remove the unit more quickly - no screw threads to wear out from use. Increases coverage by about 35%. Available from ZGC. Say the Watchdog sent you and get a free ZGC t-shirt with purchase of the unit. (Okay, it says Canon DV discreetly on it too, but hey it's clothing, it looks great, it's free and it washes well.)

Cheers,
Barbara Lowry
ZGC, Inc.
www.zgc.com
Watchdog Sponsor

Now available! The OpTex Anamorphic Attachment for the XL-1 and XL-1S. From ZGC for $865. Details can be found at www.zgc.com. Say the Watchdog sent you and we'll send a free gift with your purchase effective through January 31, 2002.

Happy New Year!

Chris or anyone,

I received the XL-1s package I bought from ZGC yesterday afternoon as promised . I'm very happy with the camera and all the assessories I bought along with it. The Varizoom Stealth is worth the price. I've spent most of today, Saturday, putting the camera through its paces. Great piece of gear BUT I've discovered a bad pixel (at least that what I'm calling it - it's a white dot left of center screen.) It's not too obvious when looking through the EVF but it's quite obvious on a CRT monitor.

Here's my question - I've left very little margin for error in all my planning and I can hardly afford to be without the camera. I have a lighting and screen test on Tuesday (actors and lighting director involved and the client needs to see the results ASAP - like Wednesday.) What's the best way to go, or at least, what can I expect. Should I expect ZGC to send me a replacement body and I'll send this one back? Or do I need to deal with Canon? The camera is yet to be registered and even a five day turn around is too long. (They are also out of mailing boxes by the way.)

ZGC has been a great dealer to do busines with and I have my fingers crossed Christine will agree to mail me a replacement body. I've already sent her an email message to this effect.

The XL-1s is a big improvement, at least operationally, over the XL-1. I've found the menus and controls much easier to deal with. I've yet to run picture tests with it. That's part of what I have scheduled for Tuesday.

Thank you for any advise you might have.

Ozzie, I think your best bet is to call ZGC first thing Monday morning. They can probably overnight a replacement body to you. It's too bad you received on Saturday, because if this was a business day you could call 'em up. As it is, Monday morning is the earliest you'll be able to make contact. If you explain your situation to Christine (or the owners, Les Zellan and his wife, Barb Lowry), they should be able to accomodate an expedited replacement. Tell 'em I said I knew they'll take care of ya. Hope this helps,

Chris,

Thank you for the advice. I'll be calling them first thing Monday AM (is Monday a holiday?? MLK?) and you can be sure your ears will be ringing.

I actually received the camera Friday afternoon but didn't notice the bad pixel until today. I taped a few minutes worth of material as soon as I unpacked it. Played it back today to assure myself the pixel was bad from the start and sure enough - there it was.

The only assessory I'm not too crazy about is the CH-910 dual battery charger/holder. Although it functions fine it's construction and design seem a little flimsy. I have it mounted with the belt clip it comes with on to the M-100 plate. I haven't found a way to make it fit solidly. Maybe someone here has some suggestion on a better way to mount it? The only way to hook the CH-910 to the M-100 plate is via the belt clip since that's then only part that has mounting holes to fit the plates.

A while back I was asking if anyone had a better way to power the XL-1 but I got few or no answers.

Ozzie,

MLK Day is a banker's holiday and a state or federal employee's holiday. I've never known it to be a business holiday. They should be there first thing in the morning.

I wish I had known or noticed that you were ordering the CH-910; I would have tried to talk you out of it. A couple of high-capacity BP-945 batteries would have been better use of the money.

The best power option I've seen for the XL1 is an Anton Bauer Gold battery adapter... by far the best, but also expensive. You get what you pay for.

Well, NOW you tell me. I had looked at the Bauer unit but couldn't find anyone who had used them and who could give me some first hand comments. I believe there was an article in Watchdog a while back that talked about a hefty battery for the XL-1 but I couldn't locate it. I think it also talked about a better DC power supply for the XL. That's something else I could use since much of the shooting will be indoors with two XLs running. The AC adapter that Canon supplies are not up to par in any way. Any ideas?

Not a big loss. I also bought 4 CP-945 batteries. At least the 910 allows me to charge two batteries. The bad thing is that it doesn't do them in tandem. First it recharges one and then the other. On second thought, it was a waste. About all it does it makes the client think I'm using a bigger camera. ;-)

In case you're wondering why I didn't buy Lenmar - just ask Christine. I don't think they carry them and she gently and politely steered me toward Canon. Hey, they are good folks and I wasn't about to haggle over batteries. She was baffled why I was buying 4. It's because I trust the batteries more than the flimsy AC adapter.

By the way the Fire Wire control of an external machine is a great addition. I can make a backup as I go. I guess that's also how you're backing up to hard drive?

Ozzie, Monday has now come and gone. What happened with your camera?

Chris,

Drove out to ZGC - an easy 40 minute drive from home - met Christine. I handed her the defective body and she handed me a new one. No questions asked. No hassles. I asked to try out the new body and she supplied me with a EVF. It went so smoothly there's little to report. I think I might have run into Les Zellan and Barb Lowry. It's a small place and there were only three people there that I could see. A small but smooth operation. Maybe these are the best.

I must say I'm very happy with ZGC and hope to keep doing business with them. Their prices are not the lowest, at least not in NYC, but the personal attention is well worth it.

BTW - the new body is working perfectly. I might have more to say after I run some tests tomorrow.

ZGC SPECIALS

Canon XL1 PAL version camera body kits (no lens), prepackaged by Canon:

with Color Viewfinder, NOW $2,400

with Black/White Viewfinder, NOW $3,200

Free with each camera purchase, your choice of either:
A heather grey cotton ZGC/Canon DV t-shirt or
ZGC/Canon DV cotton khaki bucket hat

Questions? Contact
Christine at chris @zgc.com, or
Mizell at mizell@zgc.com.

ZGC's Christine Brnic, Mizell Wilson, Patty Schnabel and Les Zellan will be at NAB, Las Vegas Convention Center, April 8 through 11 in the Canon Booth #L10600 and the OpTex section of the Tiffen Booth #L9557 demonstrating the P+S Technik Mini 35 Digital Adapter.

Test footage showing the effects of the Mini 35 will be shown from a DVD on a large monitor in the Canon booth.

High quality (would we have it any other way?) ZGC/Canon DV baseball caps, bucket hats and t-shirts will be on sale for a nominal price.

Yours truly will be back at home base helping to hold down the fort.

The brand new P+S Technik Mini 35 Digital Adapter for the Sony PD150 will be shown for the first time at NAB in Las Vegas, April 8 through 11, Booth #L9557 (OpTex section of the Tiffen booth).

Come and see the demonstration.

Well I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive when I was placing my order with ZGC. With the company being back east, there was no telling what kind of service I would get. My first thought was of the thieving slugs who sell photo equipment (you see thier sleazy ads in magazines).

So based on the fact that they were a forum sponsor, I took the chance and ordered my XL1s. Of course with Chris Hurd being a Texas dude that helped (just kidding all you "non-Texans") my level of comfort. I ordered the following from them:

- XL1s Body Kit
- 16x Manual Servo Lens
- FU-500 Color Viewfinder (should have gone with the B/W model)
- Kata CCC-10 Case
- Canon BP-945 battery

Was very happy with the price, as I felt it was a fair deal. Mizell threw in a sweet looking ski jacket and baseball cap. All that just for placing the order. If I recall Mizell actually drove my order to the airport so that it would ship same day. Now that is service!

Everything came as promised and I could not be happier. Give these guys a strong look when making your next Canon purchase.

Mizell is one hell of a hard working dude.

<<<-- Originally posted by Justin Chin : Mizell is one hell of a hard working dude. -->>>

I could not agree more. He was very polite, friendly, and took care of business. What more could you ask for from a mail order vendor. I am looking forward to doing business with him in the future.

Might anyone know if they (ZGC) have GL2's in stock- I hear they're already hard to find?
My buddy is looking to purchase but can't find one. Thanks

(I know I should email them personally- just wondering if anyone here knows..)

Steve,

Yes they do, as I spoke with Mizell about it today. They have just about the best price around. Give them a call tomorrow as I only think that they have two left.

Thanks- will do

Mizell is a hell of a great guy. You should see him work a trade show. At DV Expo a couple weeks ago, he single-handedly ran the P+S Technik 35mm adapter demo at the Canon booth, both days back-to-back non-stop. I think I covered for him for all of fifteen minutes when he went outside to smoke a cigarette. That was his "lunch break." Plus he brought everything in by hand, walked it down to Javits from across Manhattan and carted it all out again. You can't stop that guy. He's just on all the time. Then at night you join him for a few drinks in the bar, and he's still talking business with customers. I'd like to buy Mizell a vacation but you'd have a hard time convincing him to take it.

At MacWorld last week, Adam Brooks and I took Mizell with us to dinner in Chinatown with Dan and Don Berube, and it felt good to just sit down and relax for a change. But of course we were still talking shop!

Hi Everyone,

ZGC, Inc. is offering new pricing on the OpTex Anamorphic Attachment for the Canon XL1/XL1S: Was $865 complete with adapter ring, now only $720. They're in stock and ready to ship.

Check out www.zgc.com to learn about using the adapter.

Cheers,
Barbara Lowry
ZGC, Inc.
Watchdog Sponsor

Since I live overseas, I tend to stick with just a few companies that I order from since retailers tend to make you jump through so many hoops in order to be deemed trustworthy enough to send equipment to.

BUT...I just made my first purchase from ZGC and that wasn't the case at all. Nary a hoop was presented. They were fast, professional, gave great advice, and didn't blink when I told them I lived overseas. In fact, when I told Chris, the salesperson, that I lived overseas, she kicked into overdrive to weigh my different shipping options to find the fastest vs. most inexpensive choice.

I'll be doing a LOT of business with ZGC from now on. I'm thoroughly impressed.

P.S. Other retailers should take note of this.

I 2nd that,,,,Chris is great to work with.

What impressed me about them is when they send your order they also send a "Thank You," and a little pad of sticky notes.

It kind of reminded me of the old days when a mechanic would wash your car and vacuum it after he worked on it.

I also enjoy ZGC's business ethics. I haven't purchased anything major since my last order in August from them, but will do so again when finances permit. I got a t-shirt last time :) I wonder what they'll throw in with a 16x manual, and ME66...

Just a clarification of what ZGC has to offer - yes, Canon is our mainstay, but there is quite a bit of manufacturer crossover with our DV products. Certainly, the matte boxes, wide angle converters and anamorphic attachments and some of the other goodies work on DV cameras other than Canon. The P+S Technik Mini35 Digital adapter, for instance, has a version for the Sony PD150 and VX2000 -- but we won't labor that point on the Watchdog!

AND -- I'll take this opportunity to thank Chris Hurd for being the knowledgeable and cool guy that he is and thank all of you tapping into the Watchdog for your support of ZGC this past year. Chris, Mizell, Patty, Guy, Les and myself wish you all a very happy holiday and successful beginning to the new year!

Barbara:

SOme months back I placed a small order with ZGC. I was given a fair price, the items were shiped promptly and undamaged, and they functioned flawlessly once employed. I will continue to do business with you because of those things, and also because you folks thought enough of my piddling little order to send me a Thank You note. Class act.

If ZGC ever decides to venture into production, I have several comercial feature pieces I'd like to toss out of the bag and join forces with you on a producing team.

Charles
http://www.centralcolorado.com/newcomb

Barbara,

Do you have a walk-in retail location where I could actually see and try some of your products, or are you strictly mail order?

Sorry for the delay in responding to your postings. I was away in Mexico for 15 days attempting to learn Spanish at a great school in Cuernavaca called Cemanahuac. That being said: thanks for the kind words about our service at ZGC. Charles, feel free to contact me directly at barb@zgc.com. Boyd, we do have visitors to our location at 264 Morris Avenue, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, but our primary method of doing business is phone, internet, FedEx and UPS. If you would like to come, please give us a call to be sure that the specific equipment you want to see is currently in inventory before you arrive -- and so we can give you directions!

Anyone going to NAB in Las Vegas this week?

Cheers,
Barbara Lowry

Hi Everyone!

For those of you in the market for a new XL1S: Now available from ZGC, Inc., contented Watchdog sponsor, are standard XL1S camera packages with a 2 year extended Canon warranty, if purchased through June 30, 2003.

Give us a call at 973-335-4460 Eastern Standard Time and ask for Christine or Mizell.

Cheers,

Hey all,

Some great new items to check out our website, www.zgc.com:

** New Chrosziel DV Follow Focus - Chrosziel's world renowed engineering and manufacturing, in a reasonable DV price. Units starting from $1,300. Combine this with a Zoe zoom controller and you have the perfect combination for Hollywood smooth lens moves. (www.16x9inc.com)

** Indie Dolly - Professional Dolly moves with a garage sale price. This hand crafted dolly is perfect for getting those silky smooth moves without having to pay to milk the worms. Basic kits start at $699

** Mini35Digital adapter 400 Series for Canon XL1s, Sony PD150, and starting in October, the Panasonic DVX100 - The Mini35 has revolutionized the MiniDV world, bringing true 35mm filmic cinematography to the 1/3" CCD platform. Stun and amaze your friends, family, and, most importantly, your customers by capturing breathtaking images cheaper and faster then film, without all the hassles. Taking deposits now on 400 Series units. Secure your unit before the price increase this fall. **SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY** -- While supplies last, those users sticking strictly to the XL1s can save 15% on the remaining 300 Series units. $7,200 gets you out the door and in the streets!

As always, we have a full line of MiniDV accesories for all your favorite cameras. Come check us out or give Chris and I a call.

Best Regards,

Mizell

In expectation of the release of the Mini35 for the DVX100, ZGC now has limited availability of the Panasonic DVX100 and a few of it's accessories, including the 16:9 anamorphic adapter.

Give us a call or send an e-mail to sales@zgc.com for more info.

Effective while stock lasts, ZGC is offering the Panasonic AG- DVX100 at blowout prices.

Units start at $2,800. No reasonable offer will be refused.

These ARE NOT grey market units.

These units are North American factory direct from an authorised Panasonic dealer and carry the full US warranty. They are unopened, new units.

Give us a call for more info and to check availability.

This offer is only valid while supplies last.

Cheers.

I was on my way to New York City for a production seminar and I needed a new tripod. ZGC, a sponsor of this forum, is just off I80 and on the way, so I thought I would drop in and have a look at the tripods they had for sale.

I followed the driving directions on the ZGC website (very clear), found them in a semi-residential neighbourhood, and walked on in. ZGC does most of its business via the web and phone, so I don't think they are expecting to see many customers in the flesh.

Nevertheless they were very helpful, brought stock up for me to look at etc. A good experience that I can now reccomend. Bought the Cartoni Focus head with the A304 sticks. All very nice.