One more thing

Would you guys please, please make Mac software? The Software Developer's kit was bad enough being just for PC, now you release the console software and once again, no Mac version.
Canon always talks of how compatible its camcorders are with the Mac, please don't half-step.
Do something about the software!
Do you have any idea how many people use FCP? I think it goes without saying.
Sorry, that was my rant for the day.

[QUOTE=Michael Wisniewski]1. From the Canon people on the floor there will be a special HDV version of the Firestore.

2. XL H1 viewfinder/LCD display differs from the XL2
- Color LCD: 2.4" vs 2.0"
- Pixels: 215,000 pixels vs 200,000


Any idea if this is backwards compatible with the XL2?

I got a question if it's not too late...

Is there a companion deck forthcoming for this camera, or will the footage work with any previous decks? DV used to be so easy... any DVCAM/DVCPRO 50 deck would play just about anything from anyone... But now, every camera changes the HDV standard just a little and no ones decks work... Grr Arg.

Some subtle, but excellent changes to the viewfinder also:

-Black and white switch
-Flip switch (for 35mm lens adaptor setups)

Great news that they've added some more things. At first, I thought this was a bit lazy using so much of the XL2. But they have definitely added some nice features. $9000 worth? Well...we'll see.

KW

Re: the Control Software

It works with one camcorder at a time. They weren't sure if you could run multiple copies on the same computer. But from what I saw, running more than one copy, would be pretty taxing on the computer.

You can transfer identical settings to multiple H1s wirelessly (10 feet or less) or via the SD card. I imagine we'll see multiple camera operators gathering together to synchronize their H1s before heading out on a mission. (okay everyone synchronize your H1s).

Genlock of course works with multiple cams.

Yes, it will be backward compatible.

I think he was asking of the viewfinder. Is that backwards compatible? Becaus ethe 2.0" one is really more like 1.5" when in 16x9. The new EVF looks to be 16x9 native which means a much larger image.

I'm not quite sure I get what this is... can anyone explain?

I think they're talking about running those mini35 rigs that, while letting you use great lenses, flips the video so that it appears upside down in the viewfinder. Easy to fix in the editing suite, but would admittedly be inconvenient while shooting.

I'm sure someone will chime in with an actual technical explanation.

In any event, its definitely interesting that canon added the feature.

Philip Williams
www.philipwilliams.com

Yes that's exactly what I was mentioning. I've stayed away from these 35mm adapter units so far to see which one emerges as the best unit. But one thing I could not get over was the fact that the image was upside down. Yes, you can buy LCD's that had a "flip" feature, but I already own a monitor and an LCD monitor. I don't want to buy another! So, not only do I like the feature from Canon, but I LOVE what it represents: that these guys are watching what's popular in the marketplace and are trying their best to deliver.

Kevin

Anothe subtle change I noticed. Look at the vf in the image gallery from the backside. You'll see that they have improved the microphone holder as well. I presume to help with noise isolation. It's definitely different than my XL2 mic holders.

-gb-

AUDIO!

Are we still stuck with that half past built in mike system? Are they finally going 'lagit, and using mini XLR? No more 1/8th inch connector's PLEASE!!

I don't know if has been mentioned or confirmed but the iris control seems to have gone back to a more traditional wheel. Which is great but it leaves the hybrid iris switch/wheel on the XL2 as the lone XL series camera to have this. Almost like a bad experiment that went wrong. Remember New Coke? There wheel system is ideal. After a full year this thing is still a pain to use if you have to open close iris fast.

Is the Iris still "stepped" though rather than truly variable? Man, that does scream pro-sumer. I hope the answer is that they changed it and thus the switch from switch/wheel to wheel.

Fingers are crossed.

Kevin

Sorry, no, it is still stepped. It is not an analog wheel.