XL2 color LCD viewfinder

Richard Alvarez · February 2nd, 2007, 10:15 AM

Right, if color isn't an issue, than sure, any television will show you the frame, provided you're NOT shooting 16:9. If you are, then you'll need a better set,but then you're back to looking at pro monitors.

For what it's worth, I like the sony PVM-14N6u. You can find them used on ebay, for 100 to 200. (I saw I place in Canada selling them for fifty bucks, but then another 80 for shipping and more for customs...) The PVM-14N6u is small enough to haul onset,(17x17x19) but it is HEAVY. Good colors, resolution and 16:9. Takes composite, S and RGB, accepts NTSC, PAL and Seacam.

Lou Bruno · February 2nd, 2007, 06:44 PM

Any of the 16:9 DVD players with Inputs will work fine. I do it all the time.

Jayson Rahmlow · February 3rd, 2007, 10:05 AM

thanks for the suggestions guys. I checked out the sony monitor, it looks perfect (since I shoot almost everything in 16x9.) I got some birthday money coming so maybe I'll pick one up. Till then I'll keep using the 7" portable dvd player i've got despite it's limitations. (2.5' video cable. broken position springs, horribly narrow viewable angle.) Does anyone get as frustrated with cannon's xl camera's as I do for their not having the ability to frame a shot from in front of the camera? Or is it rare that people frame shots from in front of the camera?

jayson
www.oldchildprojects.com

Charles Papert · February 3rd, 2007, 10:10 AM

If you already have a pocket TV (like a little Casio type), you might be interested in something like this. You would be free to walk around your set and see the framing without having the monitor tied to the camera.

Richard Alvarez · February 3rd, 2007, 10:24 AM

Cool link Charles... thanks.

As to whether or not it's 'rare' to need to frame in front of the camera... I wouldn't say 'rare' but certainly not the primary concern.

Chris Sabold · April 1st, 2007, 04:06 PM

Good afternoon members. I recently bought a second XL2 on Ebay. Listed as new in box. I'm not so sure about that but the camera does appear to be like new except unlike my other XL2 I see a couple of white spots in the viewfinder. I assume these are bad pixels. Has anyone else seen anything like this and by chance did they ever go away ? Thank you, Chris..

David Lach · April 2nd, 2007, 11:06 AM

They might be dead pixels yes. I had some on my second XL2's viewfinder too (a couple red and one green). The bad news is no, they're not going to go away. The good news is, if they are bad pixels in your viewfinder's LCD screen only, and not on the CCD block, then it has no effect whatsoever on your final output. You might want to test that out.

It might be too annoying to you though, even if it turns out it's only in the viewfinder, in that case you'll have to contact a Canon repair facility and ask if it's covered under warranty (assuming you bought from a legit dealer and not grey market). I never bothered to have mine repaired, I was using a FU-1000 viewfinder anyway.

BTW, I know it'll sound stupid, but since you said it was white, make sure it isn't some dust stuck on your LCD or lens (front or back element) first. You already own one so you're probably aware of that, but just making sure.

Tyge Floyd · April 5th, 2007, 08:57 AM

Okay, I admit it. It's all my fault. After cleaning the plastic lenses on the viewfinder of my XL2 too many times in the field without the proper brushes and lens cloth, I've scratched the plastic to a point where I need to replace it.

I just got off the phone with the NJ service center and the girl there was at best clueless. Maybe I should have asked for someone else. She told me normal cleaning, adjustments and labor would run $240 plus parts but had no idea what the parts would cost, they would call me with a quote once they had the unit in hand.

Basically, all the plastic lenses on the flip up portion of the viewfinder need to be replaced.

Have any of you ever had this repair done by Canon? If so, what was the cost?

Thanks.

Chris Hurd · April 5th, 2007, 08:58 AM

I think the manufacturer's quality control insures that 99.97% of the viewfinder pixels are active. This means you should have no more than seven or eight dead pixels in the EVF. If you do, send it in to Canon factory service for repair.

Chris Hurd · April 5th, 2007, 09:00 AM

$240 or $250 is the usual charge, and it's a fair price. Once they have received your camera, they will contact you with an estimate on any costs over and above that amount. Please report back here when you find out what the actual cost is. Also try the Irvine CA repair facility. Good luck,

Tyge Floyd · April 5th, 2007, 09:06 AM

After reading my post I feel I should add I wasn't questioning the $240 quote, that's seems fair to me.

It was a little early to call the Irvine repair center but I am going to try them as well.

Thanks for the reply, Chris.

Chris Hurd · April 5th, 2007, 10:24 AM

Sorry, I should have implied that my comment about the $240 was intended for casual readers of this thread who might be unfamiliar with the service call process. The quality of work provided by the Jamesburg and Irvine facilities should be on par with each other.

Stephen A. Dolphin · April 6th, 2007, 04:45 PM

I can't see paying a minimum of $240 bucks for a piece of plastic.....mine has the same problem and I would like an alternative solution to $240.00.

Chris Hurd · April 6th, 2007, 05:42 PM

The $240 is the minimum price for a service call and it is in fact a fair price. That amount is not paid for just "a piece of plastic." It's the cost for the time and services of the lab tech to crack the camera open, clean and tweak the camera inside and out, upgrade firmware if required, and to generally perform whatever basic maintainence is required to bring the camera back to a like-new condition.

That cost is consistent throughout the industry for similar camcorders from other manufacturers, and it's perfectly reasonable. It's a small amount to pay in order to service a sensitive and delicate $4000 camcorder. Hope this helps,

Stephen A. Dolphin · April 6th, 2007, 06:17 PM

I just got off of the phone with the Canon Rep and they told me that if that's the only thing wrong with the camera then it should be around $80.00 to repair. CH, is correct in stating that the $240 is a good price to pay for the complete check-up of your valuable camera.
I just ordered the outter lense piece and I should be receiving it on Wed. I'll let you know how it went when I attempt to swap out this piece.
For you own ref. the part # is: YN1-3114-000 (CVF-G3-LENSE) and it cost $20.80 the rest will be labor charges. Now if you are a XL2 club member the cost is a lot less to get it repaired and you will garanteed to have your camera back in 5 days or they will give you a loaner. They will even save your settings and restore it once the camera is ready. Once again value added!!!

February 2nd, 2007, 06:44 PM	#212
Lou Bruno Go Cycle Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntington, NY Posts: 815	Any of the 16:9 DVD players with Inputs will work fine. I do it all the time. __________________ Lou Bruno

February 3rd, 2007, 10:05 AM	#213
Jayson Rahmlow New Boot Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: brooklyn, ny Posts: 6	thanks thanks for the suggestions guys. I checked out the sony monitor, it looks perfect (since I shoot almost everything in 16x9.) I got some birthday money coming so maybe I'll pick one up. Till then I'll keep using the 7" portable dvd player i've got despite it's limitations. (2.5' video cable. broken position springs, horribly narrow viewable angle.) Does anyone get as frustrated with cannon's xl camera's as I do for their not having the ability to frame a shot from in front of the camera? Or is it rare that people frame shots from in front of the camera? jayson www.oldchildprojects.com

February 3rd, 2007, 10:10 AM	#214
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	If you already have a pocket TV (like a little Casio type), you might be interested in something like this. You would be free to walk around your set and see the framing without having the monitor tied to the camera. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

April 1st, 2007, 04:06 PM	#216
Chris Sabold New Boot Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 9	Dead pixels in LCD Viewfinder ? Good afternoon members. I recently bought a second XL2 on Ebay. Listed as new in box. I'm not so sure about that but the camera does appear to be like new except unlike my other XL2 I see a couple of white spots in the viewfinder. I assume these are bad pixels. Has anyone else seen anything like this and by chance did they ever go away ? Thank you, Chris..

April 5th, 2007, 08:57 AM	#218
Tyge Floyd Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas Posts: 287	Scratched XL2 viewfinder repair? Okay, I admit it. It's all my fault. After cleaning the plastic lenses on the viewfinder of my XL2 too many times in the field without the proper brushes and lens cloth, I've scratched the plastic to a point where I need to replace it. I just got off the phone with the NJ service center and the girl there was at best clueless. Maybe I should have asked for someone else. She told me normal cleaning, adjustments and labor would run $240 plus parts but had no idea what the parts would cost, they would call me with a quote once they had the unit in hand. Basically, all the plastic lenses on the flip up portion of the viewfinder need to be replaced. Have any of you ever had this repair done by Canon? If so, what was the cost? Thanks. __________________ At full draw, Tyge Floyd

February 2nd, 2007, 10:15 AM	#211
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Right, if color isn't an issue, than sure, any television will show you the frame, provided you're NOT shooting 16:9. If you are, then you'll need a better set,but then you're back to looking at pro monitors. For what it's worth, I like the sony PVM-14N6u. You can find them used on ebay, for 100 to 200. (I saw I place in Canada selling them for fifty bucks, but then another 80 for shipping and more for customs...) The PVM-14N6u is small enough to haul onset,(17x17x19) but it is HEAVY. Good colors, resolution and 16:9. Takes composite, S and RGB, accepts NTSC, PAL and Seacam.

February 3rd, 2007, 10:24 AM	#215
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Cool link Charles... thanks. As to whether or not it's 'rare' to need to frame in front of the camera... I wouldn't say 'rare' but certainly not the primary concern.

April 2nd, 2007, 11:06 AM	#217
David Lach Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Montreal, QC, Canada Posts: 570	They might be dead pixels yes. I had some on my second XL2's viewfinder too (a couple red and one green). The bad news is no, they're not going to go away. The good news is, if they are bad pixels in your viewfinder's LCD screen only, and not on the CCD block, then it has no effect whatsoever on your final output. You might want to test that out. It might be too annoying to you though, even if it turns out it's only in the viewfinder, in that case you'll have to contact a Canon repair facility and ask if it's covered under warranty (assuming you bought from a legit dealer and not grey market). I never bothered to have mine repaired, I was using a FU-1000 viewfinder anyway. BTW, I know it'll sound stupid, but since you said it was white, make sure it isn't some dust stuck on your LCD or lens (front or back element) first. You already own one so you're probably aware of that, but just making sure.

April 5th, 2007, 08:58 AM	#219
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	I think the manufacturer's quality control insures that 99.97% of the viewfinder pixels are active. This means you should have no more than seven or eight dead pixels in the EVF. If you do, send it in to Canon factory service for repair. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 5th, 2007, 09:00 AM	#220
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	$240 or $250 is the usual charge, and it's a fair price. Once they have received your camera, they will contact you with an estimate on any costs over and above that amount. Please report back here when you find out what the actual cost is. Also try the Irvine CA repair facility. Good luck, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 5th, 2007, 09:06 AM	#221
Tyge Floyd Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas Posts: 287	After reading my post I feel I should add I wasn't questioning the $240 quote, that's seems fair to me. It was a little early to call the Irvine repair center but I am going to try them as well. Thanks for the reply, Chris. __________________ At full draw, Tyge Floyd

April 5th, 2007, 10:24 AM	#222
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Sorry, I should have implied that my comment about the $240 was intended for casual readers of this thread who might be unfamiliar with the service call process. The quality of work provided by the Jamesburg and Irvine facilities should be on par with each other. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 6th, 2007, 04:45 PM	#223
Stephen A. Dolphin New Boot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Anaheim, Ca Posts: 20	Scratched Outer Viewfinder I can't see paying a minimum of $240 bucks for a piece of plastic.....mine has the same problem and I would like an alternative solution to $240.00.

April 6th, 2007, 05:42 PM	#224
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	The $240 is the minimum price for a service call and it is in fact a fair price. That amount is not paid for just "a piece of plastic." It's the cost for the time and services of the lab tech to crack the camera open, clean and tweak the camera inside and out, upgrade firmware if required, and to generally perform whatever basic maintainence is required to bring the camera back to a like-new condition. That cost is consistent throughout the industry for similar camcorders from other manufacturers, and it's perfectly reasonable. It's a small amount to pay in order to service a sensitive and delicate $4000 camcorder. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 6th, 2007, 06:17 PM	#225
Stephen A. Dolphin New Boot Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Anaheim, Ca Posts: 20	View Finder I just got off of the phone with the Canon Rep and they told me that if that's the only thing wrong with the camera then it should be around $80.00 to repair. CH, is correct in stating that the $240 is a good price to pay for the complete check-up of your valuable camera. I just ordered the outter lense piece and I should be receiving it on Wed. I'll let you know how it went when I attempt to swap out this piece. For you own ref. the part # is: YN1-3114-000 (CVF-G3-LENSE) and it cost $20.80 the rest will be labor charges. Now if you are a XL2 club member the cost is a lot less to get it repaired and you will garanteed to have your camera back in 5 days or they will give you a loaner. They will even save your settings and restore it once the camera is ready. Once again value added!!!