Low sensitivity on AT815b and GL-2
 

I just purchased this mic and it won't pick up sounds once you get 5 ft away. The onboard mic pics these sounds up very well although a bit noisy. The xlr to mini plug adapter looks like a stereo. I thought shotgun mics were mono? should the mini plug be a single mono type? If thats not the answer Maybe I'm missing something in the settings that I don't know about. Any tips on how to get this working right? It sounds great when you speak directly into it, such as a voice over narration though.

The mic is balanced, thus the three conductors - one is +, one is -, and the other is ground. It is mono (but you can buy a "stereo" shotgun AT815 series mic).

The adapter cable you have could be one of several configurations - it could be balanced which can cause some issues if used with the mic adapter (out of phase channels); it could adapt the balanced to unbalanced and feed the same signal to each channel of the GL2 and that should be OK, or it could do something else.

Could you describe the setting you are using, and details as to the sound close and at a nominal distance. If it works well close, moving out should not cause sudden problems.

Outside Audio........Shotgun
 

Most of my shoots are outside, and some of our best footage have come from on the fly questions with people, with just the on camera mic. Which we realize later is usually terrible and can't even use it because you can't really hear what they are saying.

I have a shotgun, but hooking it up quickly is hard, so I bought a wireless plug-in for it and I am hoping this will allow me to roam with the mic and get the best audio. We have been using it, but it would be pluged into the adapter with the XLR wires and we would always have to people connected to each other with the wires.

I think the wireless will help but can anyone think of any other ways of getting better audio on the fly outside.

When using a shotgun, make sure you haven't got any solid walls directly behind the subject; the subject doesn't have anything noisy behind; have the subject stand in front of non-reflective surface - leaves, foliage, soft drapes, soft partition wall, try and use the subject as a "baffle" for sound . . . can't think of anything else at present.

Grazie

Usually it isn't a situation where I can place the person in a certain spot and be sure to have everything just right. I am usually standing next to the person as they are in the middle of something, or waiting to do something. So trying to get the best sound in diverse situations is what I am looking for.

Thanks

news
 

I don't know if this has already been posted here or if this is trustable info, but I found this page interesting:

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/7385/dvheadlines.htm

A month ago:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=11605
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=11628

So it was trustable info but old info.
Sorry...

Pics from my film
 

Took a couple pics from my film, A Matrix fan film, and decided to post em up. Anyways, I used the GL2, and I absolutely love it! I am Smith, and I am also the one flipping...

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4289454465

I have one more, just click next on the lower right hand corner. Let me know what you think. This film will be my first GL2 project...

I'd like to see the movie of it, can you post it somewhere?

-Bo

Oh, the film isn't done.

The animator just wanted to make a poster...

GL2 vs. TRV900
 

Anybody have any experience with both of these cams? I would like to shoot a couple/few feature indie films. Which would be "better" for this purpose? Thank you.

I have a GL2 and a fellow filmmaker of mine has the trv-900. If cost isn't the issue, I can't see any reason why you'd want a trv-900 over the GL2.

Color and balance settings, low light capability, audio capabilities... all seem way better on the GL2. But of course, the GL2 costs more. But well worth the extra money!

I'm sure someone out there will have issues with these statements. ;)

I will add though, that when handled well, the trv-900 can produce very good footage. There was a music video posted around here somewhere not too long ago, which although was tweaked alot in post, the video did look great. For anyone else that might remember, it was the one with the people doing the nasty in bed while some cute girl sings. I can't find it right now for some reason. The individual who made it said it was playing in taxicabs in New York.

Damn the dead
 

Bought my XM2 and I got a dead pixel on the Lcd, nice bright blue one. But that's okay says the manual. And worse, a spot on every photo and in all the footage, sometimes red sometimes white, might even be a cluster of pixels. So that's a dead pixel on the CDD I would say. Anyone have this fixed and how long long did it take?

I live in the Netherlands.

Erwin.

Eh, welcome to the forum...

Eh, yes it sounds like it's a dead CCD pixel(s)... Call up Canon, they will fix it for free, obviously, since you just got it, but I can't really say how long it will take. It shouldn't be all that long, i'd say 3 weeks at the most...

Your best bet though, is to take (send) it back to the place you bought it and have then exchange it, since you just got it (i'm assuming)...

What Alex says. Return it to where you bought it from or contact Canon.

(What's the deal with these dead CCD pixels all the time?)

Will Warranty cover this?
 

Recently I've been wondering about something. I use my Gl2 to upload all my footage onto my pc even though I don't want to. (I haven't gotten another mini dv cam yet to do it) I have a 3 year MACK warranty I purchased for the camera when I got it. If the heads start to go bad and the motor starts to wear out eventually, will my warranty cover this. As long as I don't screw anything up on the camera. So far everything is working fine and I love the camera. It's just everytime I hit play, rewind, fast forward, etc. I get scared about the day it will fail on me. Any answers would be great!

I don't know the terms of the MACK warranty, so I do not know the answer. But I'm going to guess that you would be covered.

Head wear (not to be confused with head breakage) may or may not be covered. Check the fine print and call them to verify. Head replacement is a normal maintenance item for camcorders and VTRs, typically around the 2000 hour point, give or take.

I'm getting the GL2, now what?
 

I decided on the GL2. Now I have all the standard questions of someone who has done a lot of digital photgraphy (Canon Pro90), but has not done any DV -- and no video for a long time.
I've browsed through the postings and found bits and pieces of info., but wonder if there is a single site/resource/posting which answers many of the standard questions:
I want to make (non-commercial) nature films to put on DVD, what accessories should I get, besides extra batteries, media, etc? I think I'll need a wide converter and a raincover (KATA?), possibly the DM-50 microphone?
But my big question is about the software. What editing and browsing S/W comes with the GL2? Do you recommend something better for the more serious prosumer? (everybody who got the Pro90 preferred another browser, and most recommended the full Photoshop).
Would appreciate getting pointed in the right direction. I'd like to get most everything I need up front, if possible.
Thanks a bunch.

What type of nature flms? Would it be about all things in nature, or more about animals or more about plants?

Have you ever shot out in nature before? If you are planning on shooting animals, you'll love the 20X optical on the GL2, but you'll still need more reach. Sssshhhhh! Don't let those hungry bears see you...
http://www.centuryoptics.com/products/dv/2x_tc/2xtc.htm.
Normally I would recommend KATA - but in this case, I suggest you blend,,,
http://www.camkote.com/gl1.htm

If you are planning on focusing more on plants and flowers, then perhaps you will want to get real close
http://www.centuryoptics.com/product...s/diopters.htm

Will you be out and about solo?

Tell us more about your goals please.

- don

Thanks for the response, Don.
I'm just finishing a field guide to the plants of a private nature preserve. But plants are relatively easy; they don't move much. I expect to be out by myself taking lots of DV (scenics/animals/plants) then blending them in with the stills I already have and adding sound in editing (a la Burns).
Now I'll look at some of your links.
Thanks again.
Roland

GL2 and USB Memory Drives
 

Has anyone had any luck (or know if it is possible) to use a USB Memory Drive to extract stills from the GL2's SD/MultiMedia card without using a computer?

For example, would you be able to stick a USB Memory Drive (for example: http://www.drivebuddy.com) directly into the GL2's USB port and extract the stills, rather than downloading to a computer?

My interest is because I will be traveling extensively with the GL2, but do not want to bring the laptop with me to download the stills. And I'd rather use the SD memory card than capturing stills to tape. A small USB Memory Drive would be much more practical to keep large numbers of high-quality stills.

Thanks...

GL2 Color Bar
 

Hello, everyone!

First off, I am a new member but have been lurking around here for some time. I must say that this site is very informative and I have learned alot during the relatively short time that I have lurked here

Posters here have been very helpful in answering questions and the threads do not degenerate to heated discussions and hurling of unprintables at each other.

Having observed all this, I thought this is a safe place for me to hang around and learn about videography which is my hobby along with digital photography. Along the way, I hope to be able to contribute but for now I just want to learn from you folks.

My first question: I have been enjoying my newly-purchased GL2 and I have read from the manual that it has color bar. Of what use is it? Is it used to set up your monitor to make sure it shows accurate color? If so, how do you do it?

Thank you in advance to anyone who would bother to answer.

Sam

Take a look here:
http://www.videouniversity.com/tvbars2.htm

It explains just what you wanted to know.

Depth of Field question
 

Ok, what are tips on making a shallow depth of field besides zooming full in from far away? I noticed Hollywood flicks use very shallow DOF alot. I like using wide angle lenses but every now and then I'd like a nice and shallow DOF.

Open up the iris and zoom in from afar. That should work a little with small CCDs. How much? Don't know. With my 1/3" CCD cam I can get a shallow depth of field with this method (zoom in with ND 6 in sunlight). I shoot a lot of birds (with the cam).

This is an extremely well-covered topic. See Jeff Donald's article for a technical discussion. There are also at least two really long threads on the topic around here. Use Search to locate them.

DIY very Wide Angle Lens- $40
 

I like to post this once in a while-

Edmond Company has made another lens available for this project, so the page is now updated

See
http://www.neilslade.com/lens.html

Thanks for the link, Gary. That site is resource-rich.

I think I can figure out how to use the SMPTE color bar to tweak my TV set. How about my computer monitor, how do I do this?

Sam

For a monitor you should really get a monitor calibration device. I use the Spyder device from ColorVision.

http://www.colorvision.com/home.html

GL2 and Pinnacle Studio 8
 

Just ordered my GL2 (from Buydig, who had a good price and I trusted hem since I had bought something from them before).
I decided to start with Pinnacle Studio 8 as an editor and am trying to learn it now. Maybe I'm missing something, but shouldn't one of the first steps in editing be to carefully review -- in as large a format as possible -- my "take" for that day/event? Pinnacle does not seem to have that capability -- unless I missed it. I would want to check if the clips are in crisp focus and for other flaws, at full screen, and ideally as large the eventual output medium. What am I missing?
Thanks.
Roland

Send GL-2 back to Jamesburg,NJ ??????
 

I'll try to be a clear and precise as possible.Please bear with me as I'm no expert,but a hobbyist.In card mode my unit performs,(in my opinion)very poorly as directly compared to tape mode,even when all the settings are identical to the extent possible. possible.This post will specifically refer to the scenario when one directly compares what one sees in one mode to the other by simply just flipping the selector back and forth.

In card mode:

1)Scrolling the wheel to reset the AE settings in either direction,(postive or negative)has no effect,it does no change the amount of light being displayed on either the LCD screen or viewfinder. This holds true in auto,manual or easy modes.Anotherwords, what's there when you power on is all there is and it does not get any brighter,nor is it alterable and is "fixed".Should'nt this be adjustable?

2)The image is very dark compared to the same exact shot in card mode which makes it almost useless for digital photography shots indoors.Yes,I'm aware this is not a digital camera but a mini dv camcorder.Why is the amount of light displayed so dismal?

Even in bright,office lighting results are mediocre at best.When you throw the switch over to tape mode,voila,the change is so dramatic,it's like you just pointed the lens at the sun as there's a great burst of light and now your exposure is way too bright as opposed to formerly being dark and almost unusuable.

3)The image consistently takes on a reddish,pink,brownish hue.Throw the switch back to tape mode and its almost perfect color.Go figure.This is driving me nuts.I've sent this back to the factory before and they said it is full up to factory specs.BTW,this condition is achieved and present after a full/fresh white balancing,that's already factored into the equation.

Anyone in the group experience anything even remotely similiar and what did you do?

Please:comments,opinions,user experiences and suggestions wanted.I don't think my unit is 100% operational,and the warranty is about to run out as I did not opt for purchasing multi-year coverage.Also,is it too late to get more insurance at a reasonable rate going forward?Where would that be obtained?
Any of your live in eastern or central Massachusetts?
Can't find a store reasonable close that stocks one of these so I can see what another unit does.Thanks everyone for your input and advice.

Bruce

Cokin filters
 

Was going through some of my old still camera stuff the other day and came across a bag full of Cokin filters. I know they will fit on the camera fine (just need a connector with the proper filter size). Looks like some of the split density filters will give some interesting effects.

I'll be giving these a try this fall. Has anyone else played with Cokins on their GL1/2s?

I really would like to get some feedback from you regarding your experiments later this fall.

I have a Cokin Sunsoft (warming) filter that I have used on my GL2, to good effect. I also have a gradual ND, ND2, & Blue Cokin filters. These were originally purchased with a 37 -> 52 step up, because I was using a Sony TRV-120 (Digital8) camera, but with a 58mm adapter, they fit my GL2.

Same here. I have a Sunsoft in the 43mm size, as well as others. The Cokin filters with the adaptor offers a great filter solution on the cheap. It's like a mini matte box. I have a good Cokin users link at:

http://www.dvfreak.com/filters.htm

Bruce

All I can tell you is that in my opinion there's most likely nothing wrong with your GL2. You're just seeing the stark differences between tape mode and card mode. Many of the camera's parameters including exposure, etc. are seriously limited in card mode. Why this is I don't know, but your manual will clearly spell out what the limitations of card mode are. Card mode is definitely not suited for indoor low-light situations, that's for sure. Hope this helps,

Ok,l'll hone down this query.....
 

1)In card mode what can you do to adjust the level of light and what page of the manual should I be looking at?

2)Is there a source where I can reasonably extend my warranty beyond the initial term backed up by Canon without possibly getting gouged?

Thanks.....

Bruce

Dark edges on video shot with GL2...
 

I think I have an idea on what caused the problem, but not really.

Not too long ago I was in dying need of tapes and had to purchase 2 Sony premiums(Have used nothing but Panasonic ever since I picked my camera up until now). After I used the two tapes I notice that my captured footage had dark edges on all four corners of the piture. It kind of forms a gradient from black to transparent and disappears into the picture. It isn't big, but deifnately noticeable. It doesn't show up when I'm filming with the camera, only when captured. I also noticed that when I zoomed in the picture got even darker, so it kind of covered the picture more and more when I zoomed in and got brighter while I zoomed out. Is there a problem with the camera or do I jsut need to run a head cleaner through it?

I am going to pick up a head cleaner tomorrow since I am pretty sure that this will solve the problem, but I'm not sure which kind of cleaner I should get. Wet or dry, which brand?

PS: There wasn't a lens on at the time, so it isn't vignetting.