New guy looking for info
 

I'm about to buy an xl-h1 but I have questions that maybe some of you guys can answer; how inportant is the image stabilization lens? I found a place that sells the xl-h1 without that lens and makes the camera much more afordable to me.
And I think ive read somwhere that the xl-h1 isn't able to work with final cut pro.How can you get it to work? Thanks guys!

Hi Neil,

The stock 20x image-stabilised lens normally included with the XL H1 is the *least expensive* HD lens available for that camera. Plus, if you buy the camera without a lens, how are you going to be able to shoot with it? There isn't much you can do with a camera body that doesn't have a lens.

The most recent version of Final Cut Pro is fully compatible with the XL H1 and other Canon HDV camcorders. Hope this helps,

The 1299.95 16x Manual is not a bad choice either,
although it is not a "real" HD lens according to Canon.

-will

Chris is pretty much dead on. Buying the16x manual lens that works pretty darn well with the H1 despite it technically not being rated for HD is the only other realistic option if you are trying to save money. I have never seen the XL-H1 body only kit or the HD 20x lens only to have a gauge as to their individual prices. How much can you get the H1 body for by itself?

The 16x manual lens can usually be found used for under $900 and sometimes as low as $700-$750. Anybody know what the 20x HD lens is priced out by itself?

Zotz Digital sells both.

Sorry I made it sound as if they are selling it without any lens.It is the non-image stabilized lens that it comes with and I would like to know if its somthing that is nessesary with this camera. I plan on getting a stedi-cam to go with the xl-h1 so would the image stabilizer just be redundent?

here is the url for the site that is selling the camra [Moderator note: non-sponsor link removed].

Please please do not try to buy from these sites. I can almost assure you that this is a ripoff.

See this forums sponsers, B&H etc......

Mike

What Are Some Things I Should Be Aware Of When Buying From A Site Like This.because They Have A Teliphone Nuber On The Site, Contact Info And A Posted Returns Policy.what Kind Of Rip-off Do You Think This Is?

Incomplete units, grey market cameras with no warranties, very high shipping rates, credit card fraud, no camera shipped--------It goes on and on.

If it sounds to good to be true----------!

Mike

YEAH AFTER READING YOUR WARNING I LOOKED INTO THEM AND READ WHAT OTHERS HAVE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEM [Moderator note: nonsponsor reference removed] THANKS MIKE!

Last time I checked, B&H had a used one in stock for about $7,500. About as good as you can do.

Mike

Just a friendly reminder that in addition to all the good, practical reasons mentioned already to be cautious about where to shop online, that sponsorship by handpicked companies makes DVinfo possible. So as stated in the policy page, we in turn limit our referrals and discussion of "where to buy" to those sponsors.

As an indirect plug for a fellow DVinfo member, I think Steven Dempsey is selling his H1 at a very good rate. I know of one other person who was looking to sell theirs but I do not want to post without talking to them first. If you are interested shoot me an email....I could put you in contact with them. They are both very reputable people on these boards.


Peace!

Good point, Marty. To any newcomers here, if you can't afford to buy new from our sponsors, then consider buying used from our members. Our private classifieds forum becomes visible after your registration with us has been active for 30 days.

Oops! I didn't realize that new members could not even see the classified section for 30 days! My bad!

Hey Chris.....have figured out how to stop Christmas from coming yet?

Just don't pay your credit card bill! :)

Mike

My credit card is in sad shape because of Christmas! It's the bill in January that I won't be able to pay!

Isn't this a great way we have come to ring in the New Year! Classifieds and ebay here I come, time to unload.

Mike

Hi,

Just wondering if it's 30 days exact to see the classifieds? I see no section yet. I'm looking to buy, not sell anything. Can't remember my exact "join date". Thanks.
MB

Mike, your profile shows a join date of 1 Nov 2006, so you SHOULD be able to see the Private Classified section. I'm not sure if access is granted automatically or has to be done manually. No doubt Chris will check into it shortly.

If a H1 is too much money, then get a G1 for $1500 or so less

Jim Martin

Yeah Im Thinking About Doing Just That But Im Also Thinking Twice About If I Really Need The Pro Jack Pack, I Dont Know If Its Somthing I Really Need. Any Thoughts?

G1 Jackpack gives you 3 potentially important benefits depending on your needs:

1. HD/SD - SDI output WITH embedded Timecode & Audio (timecode and audio are missing in big brother H1 unfortunately). This means you can record far higher quality than HDV compression to a Waffian or other HD deck.

2. Timecode synch for use in matching timecode with other cameras in a multi-cam shoot for ease of synching up cameras on the NLE timeline.

3. Genlock for multi-cam live studio type switching - there are some small regional stations setting up studios with multiple H1's - don't see why the same wouldn't work for the G1.

Also keep in mind you could get a used H1 for around the cost of a new G1. Then you have intechangable lenses too....and what I feel is a better form factor. I use the 20x lens and the 16x manual about 50/50. If I had the 6x WA I'd be using that too!

Just something to consider. I sold my H1 in early November, got an A1 and hated it! Not because it was a bad camera or anything, but because I do not prefer the "handycam" body style. I could not hold it steady handheld and make tweaks and adjust things without jiggling or moving the camera. I know there are options to mount it on shoulder style rigs....but they weren't for me.

I returned it and bought a used H1 again! I lost some serious cash in the process but I am back to a camera I love and I have to consider the cash lost an expense to learn my lesson. And I have a manual lens again too. And I am finally shooting and not worrying about the "next great thing".

The A1/G1 may be ok for you if you like that style of camera. The A1 in particular is great for the price. But the H1 is my first choice. I will add an A1 to my arsenal alter this year if workload and pay permits. Hopefully it will!