DV Info Net - New camera in a few weeks, XL2 users, why did you choose the XL2

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- Canon XL and GL Series DV Camcorders (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xl-gl-series-dv-camcorders/)

- - New camera in a few weeks, XL2 users, why did you choose the XL2 (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xl-gl-series-dv-camcorders/54328-new-camera-few-weeks-xl2-users-why-did-you-choose-xl2.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frederic Segard

Yeah! I sort of thought this was going slightly off topic. But hey, had I the money, for a DSR450, I'd probably go with 4:2:2 capable beast instead of an overgrown DV camcorder.

Ironically, DVCAM is still 4:1:1 and the same compression as regular DV. All that notwithstanding, the Sony DSR series produce some beautiful video.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frederic Segard

Yeah! I sort of thought this was going slightly off topic. But hey, had I the money, for a DSR450, I'd probably go with 4:2:2 capable beast instead of an overgrown DV camcorder. Anyway, many thanks for your opinions on the XL2. It has helped me a lot.

I think now the last thing that bugs me about the XL2 is the unrepeatable infinite zoom and focus rings on the stock lens. Perhaps the manual lens is in order, but then I loose OIS. How have you overcome this problem? I suppose the FU1000 V/F is probably in order for more accurate focusing?

Hey, Frederic. Yes, the manual would be nice. But after getting a good feel for the 20x on my XL2. I have no problems with it whatsoever. I can do a rack focus without problem. The infinite rings are not even an issue with me now. I don't know if you use a Wacom tablet when you use Photoshop, (if you use Photoshop) but it's kind of like using one of those for the first time.
Kind of strange feeling at first, but after repeated attempts it becomes a great tool in practiced hands.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Brown

You are right Eric, if you practice you can get good at it. The only problem then is that you can't accurately pull focus or zoom in a calibrated fashion, or use a focus puller to choreograph complicated moves. I have done it, but it takes more time and "takes", it is obviously better to just run the numbers on a manual lens.

Hi,

I'm looking to buy my first camera for a documentary on horses. It sounds like the DSR450 beats the XL2, but how does the DSR-250 compare?

Thanks,
Adrienne

For sure the DSR450 beats both XL2 and DSR250. For starters, the 450 has 2/3" CCDs, and the XL2 and 250 has 1/3" CCDs. The already very old DSR-250 is nothing more then a shoulder mount PD150 with the ability to record on large DVCAM tapes.

If all you need is 60i 4:3, then you're better off with the much cheaper and smaller PD170. You'll have better low light capabilities over the 250. Of course, if you want to show off, then the DSR-250 will amaze all but the pros.

If you want 24p and/or 16x9 SD, then the XL2 is your only choice.

In the light of all the work that has been done with the Canon XL series, I think to say that "Canon does not make a professional product" is just silly. There have been full length features shot with the XL1/XL1s. You really have to question how valid someone's advice is when its so obviously biased.

A "professional" is simply this: someone who is paid to do the work. When we say "that was unprofessional" or "they are not professional" we're often actually saying "they did a poor job for someone who is getting paid."

This thread got totally hijacked. John, please, read the intial post: "My question to all you XL2 users and gurus: Aside from 16x9 and the 20x zoom lens, what made you go with the XL2?"

The Canon XL series has been a very successful line, and obviously a lot of great work has been done with it. If someone has had remarkedly poor results using an XL2, I don't think it is necessarily the camera's fault (don't blame the equipment).