I am a little new to Digital and had a big question. I just purchased a XL-1s and I know using it as a deck to import to a NLE (My laptop through firewire) wears on the camera. So my question is should I buy a cheap miniDV camera with Firewire to use as a deck , and if so does it matter which one. I would love to buy a real player but they are a little out of my price range right know. Any suggestions thank you.

Hi Ed, and Welcome!

It depends on how much footage you plan on running through. I've had two XL1ss for quite a few years now and always used them for capture. Haven't had to replace the heads yet, although, my cameras see only moderate use.

As for a cheap camcorder for use as a deck, it doesn't matter which brand you buy. :)

I would advice you to buy a cheap mini dv camcorder, as Lorinda said, it doesn't matter which brand.

Because it's not only better for your heads, it's also much handyer, in some situations you can shoot AND capture at the same time, because you have 2 camera's.
And you, in that way, also have a reserve camera, even if it can't come close to an XL1s in image quality, it may be handy in a emergency situation.

Best regards,

I have one more question. As I was reading the tech specs on the xl1 it said you need a special 4pin IEEE connector. Where as the Xl2's tech specs said it is a standard 4pin IEEE. Is their really a special cable to connect the XL1. Ed

I use a normal Firewire, works perfect, so I don't know what they mean with that...