Got one right here, and the answer is no, the HD incompatible message does not appear when the camera is in SD mode using the 3x or any other standard definition XL lens. Hope this helps,

Well that answers my question. So we can say that in response to Meryem's original post that Canon is marketing these lenses as usable on the H1 when it's in SD mode. Wouldn't you agree, Chris?

-gb-

Absolutely right Greg. Plus, despite the brief "HD incompatible lens" warning, many shooters are finding these standard definition lenses to be adequate for HD (and plenty of other threads around here already discuss this point already). As usual, since it's strictly a personal preference, "your mileage may vary" certainly applies here. Some folks may find the SD lenses to be adequate for HD... others may not.

You might be interested in 2 articles about Taylor Wigton and Rodney Charters (DPs for Fox's 24) and their tests with among others, the Canon H1. Even the big guys are looking into the future of these cameras for TV production. The H1 fared well, but none of the lenses measured up for Drama production. They did point out they were fine for documentaries but due to the huge depth of field and spongyness of the lens, or as they say "..it breathes when you try to focus." meaning you can't ever do a proper rack focus, these lenses are useless for drama. They didn't mention sharpness, and I guess that is because the above put them immediately out of the game.

Here are the links and it is really interesting reading.

Part 1
http://www.showreel.org/memberarea/article.php?141

Part 2

http://www.showreel.org/memberarea/article.php?172

Handgrips
 

Hi Chris

Yes of course I knew about the hand grip situation - I never shoot wide angle and would have been quite willing to give up some functioning to get a lens that worked perfectly with the camera. As you say Canon Broadcast need to get together with their counterparts producing the XLH1 and make a range of compatible lenses.

You are saying that things can't happen overnight, but the price hike of £3000 did, and just what has been included in the new package to justify it.

Rod C

Uh, true HD CCDs, HD recording, HD-SDI output.

Goodies
 

Not enough - we want Canon to commit - like the slogan: Canon can...


Rod C

Rodney, it sounds like the XL H1 isn't the camera for you. Perhaps your expectations are more in the $30K+ range? Many of us quite like what we get for less than $9000 in a camera system using a 1/3" HD CCD, interchangeable lenses (including 16x manual results quite acceptable to most who've actually tried it), nearly infinite image control, HD-SDI out, etc, etc.

If Canon do eventually decide to release an HD true manual lens for the XL series, lots of people will be happy to buy it. But in the meantime, it is a personal judgment about whether the XL H1 is worth its price, and many of us who are getting great results with it couldn't disagree with you more. It's personal opinion based on personal needs and wants vs what else is available at the price point. So I find it rather pointless to gripe about whether the camera is worth its cost, especially in a thread about manual lenses.

On the other hand, if there are further constructive suggestions about what folks would like to see in future XL-mount lenses, let's hear 'em. I'm sure all the manufacturers, including Canon, do keep their ear to the ground.

For all those that might be interested, and I don't really know why anyone would be, I have placed an order for another 16x lens from ZGC this morning...

As you may recall, I had one but sold it with my XL2... I have grown used to some of the "oddities" of the 20x, and will still use it occasionally, but for the majority of my documentary work, I will use the 16x.

By the way, I build "data rings" for this type lens. In the early days of working with the Angenieux 12-120 they had these nice rings that clamped on the lens so you could see your footage (and aperature in that case) without taking your eye away from the viewfinder.. Too bad no one makes them now because they're almost essential with HDV - I make them out of plastic I buy from a hobby store and have an artist friend paint the scale for me... Steve Rosen

Dear Steve,

I would like to see a photo of your "Data Rings". This sounds like a good idea.

I'll send you a pic after I receive the lens and make a new ring (about 2 weeks)... I don't have a place to post it though...

Dear Steve,

Thank you.

You may email me the photo privately, if you wish.

It may be possible to post it on this site.

Steve,

If you can share it, I'm sure we'd all like to see it.

When I get it done in a couple of weeks I'll email a pic to one of you and you can post it..

It's pretty simple, really..

cut a clean circle in a piece of the white plastic that you can buy at hobie (hobby, sorry, I used to race Hobie Cats)stores, thicker the better... it needs to be about 1/2 inch more in radius than the lens - i.e. an inch bigger in diameter (in the past I have used a compass with a sharp pointer on both ends so the point scribes the plastic, then you break it)...

then cut a clean hole in the center of your circle the exact diameter of the rotating lens barrel at the place you want to mount it.

cut this donut you have made in one place so you can put it on the lens and make sure it's a snug fit.

Make a mark where you can see it from the viewfinder on the back of your matte box or lens hood. I have cut a triangle from white gaffers tape or from the same plastic.. this is the pointer..

with your eye at the viewfinder mark dots with a pencil on the donut at the places you want to mark footage - either use the lens scale, or be really precise and measure distances and manually focus the lens.

remove the donut and apply the footage numbers.. you can use the rub-on numbers available at electronics stores, you can just write them on with a Pentel marker (although that fades quickly), or you can paint them on if you're good at that sort of thing..

The biggest problem is devising how to fix the donut permantly on the lens. In the past I've just used a narrow wrap (1/4") of black camera tape in front and in back of the donut, going round the lens enough times so it's thick enough to hold it solid.. this tape will stick to itself nicely but won't gum up the lens surface (not too much anyway).

clamping is the best, though, and with this one, if I have time, I may make the donut out of aluminum and design it so I can tighten it with a screwdriver.. more labor intensive, but I have a friend who teaches metal shop and I may call in a favor...