With all due respect, but if you are asking whether the XL1s
has an LCD screen I think you might not have done your home-
work well enough to buy one. It is an expensive piece of gear
and you must make sure that it is suited to your needs! Make
sure that it does.

There have been a lot of threads on this topic and there is even
one at the top of this forum.

Also where not to buy.

Personally I have set the zebra at 90 instead of 100 (and in
case with your IRE levels in NTSC land I'd drop that to 80) to
make sure I have a little bit more room before it blows out.

My viewfinder seems to make things darker then they are,
perhaps yours does it the other way around? I've learned
the most on how to judge my image in the viewfinder when
I hooked it up to a TV and compared the two. I suggest you
do the same. That way you can expirement more easily and
see what works and doesn't. I'd definitely lower the zebra
level though! It is only an indicator and it can better warn
you before you are about to clip instead of that it is already
clipping (which it does when you set it at 100).

Hope this explained it a bit!

cheap mics
 

I want to buy a couple of cheap mics. I want the clip on mics. Where is a good place to buy them. I would also like get a mixer. I don't want junk, but I'm on a tight budget right now.

Radio Shack. They have some decent lavs.

Yes, I would recommend that you read further both at the Canon site and the web. The XL-1S is not for everyone, but is quite a machine. Be sure it is the cam for you! Be like Goldilocks and make sure it is 'just right' for you.

The best suggestions of where to buy from are from sponsors of this site. These vendors know how to support users of these systems while cheaper outlets do not.

Shared timecode
 

I am accustomed to linking the Timecode Out of one Betacam to the Timecode In of another so different angles of the same images have the same timecode. It is great for posting a multi-cam shoot.
Now my primary location cameras are an XL-1 and an XL-1s. Is there a way to have them share timecode?

No, the timecode that DV uses is not true SMPTE timecode. You can't jam sync or slave the timecode so they lock together. However, it is digital and the servo's are extremely accurate, so generally no slippage occurs. Most people who need to match frame multiple cameras do so visually. The use of an electronic flash (fired at the cameras while recording) will cause only one frame to be completely white. The common white frame is then used to match all the cameras in post.

Black Diffusion FX / Soft FX Filters
 

Hey All,

Thought I'd post my experience of shooting with Tiffen's 1/2 Black Diffusion FX for interior interviews and the 1 Soft FX for exteriors with on camera talent. In short, I really like both filters for their respective abilities to smooth and control highlights without losing any crispness in the shot. Very subtle diffusion and in all the right places. I used the Manual 14x lens for both of these tests/

I first learned about these filters in the VideoSystems December 2002 article by Barry Braverman (who also took time to respond to my email. ) Barry had recommended the 1/2 Soft FX, but for the look I need, I chose the Grade 1 after testing both versions.

The 1/2 BDFX used with an XL-1 and an Arri Fresnel 650 / 300 light kit made my talent look even better on camera. Subtle lines / blemishes were eliminated without losing any crispness in the shot. Works just as advertised!

For the 1 Soft FX used with a Tiffen ND 6 and B+W UV filter (tested at 1pm in bright LA sunlight) the Soft FX created a half step loss in exposure which brought me down to skinny f4 at a shutter speed of 120. Changing the shutter speed also gave me more exposure control, which now ranged from a skinny f4 to a skinny f5.6 Up to now, exposure had always been an issue when shooting in very sunny conditions with no scrims / diffusion for talent.

For those considering these 2 filters, I for one am very happy with my investment. Rent them for a day and see if you like the results. I sure did!

Philip Rebentisch
Wine Table Media
Digital Video For Marketing and Public Relations

Varizoonm 'drifting' problem.
 

OK, I'm at a big soccer match and using my new Varizoom Pro-L and its great. Then all of a sudden it starts zooming out and the record button won't work to 'pause' until its fully zoomed out. Then it settles down for 15 minutes and then it goes again. Not all the way out, but definitely moving without being touched.

After a while its behaving itself pretty well and for the last hour of a two hour shoot there's no problem.

Have I got a dud? Anyone got any ideas?

That sounds like a defective unit. Contact Tom Smith at VariZoom, at www.varizoom.com

xl1s purchase Local Retail vs Long Distance
 

I am about to purchase a XL1s. My question is what is the benefit of purchasing it locally, say from a Wolf Camera shop vs purchasing it over the phone from say B&H Photo. Besides the $500 price difference wouldn't they both have to send it back to Canon to get it repaired.

Initially, if the camera didn't work right out of the box, you could easily exchange it. Beyond that, though, there is little (or no) advantage. Warranty & routine maintenance work needs to done by Canon.

B&H is one of the "Gold Standards" for service & dependability. However, ZGC is one of this forum's sponsors, and everyone that deals with them raves. Most are repeat customers. Don't let the bottom line be your only criterion. Read the threads about ZGC in the Community Marketplace section on this board.

Also depends on the local outlet too. If your Wolf outlet is like ours, it will not be of much help beyond warranty problems.

ZGC gets its money by being a real videographer outlet.

C.Sharpness on XL1?
 

I've had a GL1 for a couple of years - just added an XL1 to my arsenal, and I'm still learning my way around the 'X'.

On my GL1, when in camera mode, there is a function in the menu called 'C.Sharpness' that allows you to turn the sharpness all the way up or all the way down (that, coupled with Frame Mode makes for a nice cinematic look)

Does any such menu option exist somewhere on the XL1 as well?

Scott,
No, the XL1 does not feature a Sharpness adustment. That was a feature added with the XL1s.

Two mono 3.5mm jacks to one stereo 3.5mm jack adaptor?
 

I have two sony micorphones for recording ambient location sound. However they are both mono and I wish to combine to signal to make a stereo signal. This will enable me to place the two mics wide apart so I can obtain a cool ambiant sound. My question is where can I get an adaptor that combines two mono signals and creates a stereo signal, placing one mono signal in each of the stereo channels. Also what would such a device be called. Hope someone can help!

You might want to try www.equipmentemporium.com. They manufacture and sell a variety of connectors, and can probably make what you want, if they don't have it already...they also have a wealth of info on their site regarding sound for video. Nice guys, quality and service are exceptional, and their prices are reasonable.

Barry

capturing footage / cropping
 

Hey All,

No matter what NLE system I use, I've noticed that when capturing footage via Firewire from my Xl-1, there are always black bars on the left and right frame. They are only seen on RGB monitors, NTSC output is fine.

They are 2 pixels wide and I've always removed them in Cleaner by cropping, but has anyone else noticed this?

Philip

So in light of this.....
 

....the logical step to reproduce this look would simply be
to let the focus ring be just slightly out of focus ?
(In your opinion?)

This issue of black bars has been seen before and noted by many. Depending on what your needs and output medium is, it may or may not, be an issue for you.

you're right
 

Jeff,

I first did a search for black bars and saw most of the threads were for the black bars at the bottom of the frame. I should have checked some of the other pages which refer to the vertical lines I'm experiencing.

Using Cleaner, I crop off the the pixels without fear, because 90 % of my projects are for 320 X 240 for streaming and CD delivery.

Up til now it's never been an issue. But now that I'm moving into the DVD space as well, there could be a JVC 5000u in my future.

Where to buy a Pal XL1s in Hong Kong
 

I live in Australia and have a friend who is passing through Hong Kong in a week. I know if I buy a Canon XL1s there I can save a lot of money. BUT!!! I know that there are many "shonky" camera dealers there. Can anyone give me info on where to buy my camera in Hong Kong, I need to find someone I can trust..

Thanking you in advance

Tony Morrison

XL1 Owners Club Phone Number
 

Does anyone know the Canon XL1 Owners Club Hotline Number?
I searched for it everywhere and no luck. Thanks!

They keep this number guarded so that "only Club members may call," but if you dial 1-800-OK-CANON and cycle through the automated menu, you'll eventually drill down far enough to reach a live human being who will assist you in getting that phone number. Hope this helps,

starvision 7"
 

hello,
for anyone using one of these, how do you like it? i did a search and there was only a couple threads just mentioning it in passing more or less. for a 7" lcd they seem pretty darn cheap (price-wise). thank you for any personal experiences with this display.

matt

I bought my XL1s in Hong Kong in Times Square (a shopping center with a floor devoted to electronics) at one of the broadway electronics stores about a year and a half ago for HK$32,000. However they likely do not carry in stock, and at that time i had to order.

However I just helped a friend buy ian XL1s in Pacific Place (another shopping center, located in Admiralty) for under HK$28,000 (could have been even less, I can't remember off hand) at one of two electronics/camera shops on the lowest floor. I know they usually have the XL1s in stock and also offer lenses and some other equipment.

I would recommend the Pacific Place electronics store (i cant remember the name either, but I believe they still have an XL1s in the window). Just make sure to go in know how much you want to pay. I've gotten wildly different quotes from them on occasion.

Not a resident and not being familiar with the ins and outs of Hong Kong, I can only offer this as a visitor:

Most tourists' exposure to Hong Kong shopping is primarily with the main arterial road in the TsimShaTsui district; Nathan Road. The shopkeeps that line the street all know it and price their wares accordingly whether it be a GL2 or a Rolex. "Smoke & Mirrors" at it's finest. Don't know about the Austrialian dollar, but partly due to the economic slump in HK, there's a favorable USD to HKD condition (1:7.7). Despite this, a number of electronic & computer goods aren't much cheaper than if purchased in the US. If anything, I'd blame it on improved worldwide distribution & internet shopping.

Another shopping district further north along Nathan road has less of a reputation of being a Tourist trap: MongKok. Here, approximately 20 square blocks host a beehive of activity east of Nathan Road, south of Argyle. Of sideline interest, there is a HUGE cellphone megaplex and computer megaplex in this area. One or two arcadia shops in the computer building specializes in NLE, but from what I glimpsed, only consumer-level items.

Passing through MongKok today, one of the electronics vendors had a XL1s and GL2 in the window. GL2 wasn't priced, but the XL1s was tagged at $20680hkd. Didn't look further into it as I wasn't in the area to shop for either. I would hedge bets that both were NTSC models (HK uses PAL) since the locals aren't avid videomakers and certainly not the ones who would be buying "large" camcorders. Based on that pricetag, I would extrapolate further that it might be for the body-only and stripped of every/any accessory. There's also a good chance it's gray market stock with no warranties attached. These are the things that have to be explicitly checked when negotiating a sale in HK.

If taking the MTR subway, the MongKok station exit at E2 Bank Centre leads into the hotzone in question. Use www.centamap.com for clarification.

window dubs
 

I'm aware it's possible to use the XL1S to make time/date window burms which are useful for legal depositions. Can these window burns be used to reference source video similar to time code window dubs?

They should be, yes. The indicated time/frame number on the screen should precisely match the actual frame number of the video, if that's what you're asking. I use this method frequently by making VHS dubs of my DV originals, to review in the comfort of my living room (ahh, lying on the couch is so comfortable). Tape logging is pretty easy that way (the couch, plus the TC window). Hope this helps,

AKG
 

The AKG is an excellent mic...too bad it wont mount directly on the camera mic mount that comes with the XL-1.....if anyone has a fix, please let me know......as far as sound quality, the mic would be good for:
booming as a second mic, along with a lav.
booming for nats.
camera mounted nat sound mic.
voice over mic.
The presence and super - cardioid adapters may be usefull. This is a very sensitive and awesome sounding mic...I got one last week for $179 at Guitar Center, and obviously, it can do an awful lot...

Is the ME 64 a good mike?
 

I already have a Sennheiser ME 66 and I love it. I'm thinking about getting an ME 64 as well and using it as an on-camera mike for safety. Does anyone have strong feelings about this mike for or against? I'm attracted to the small size and the specs look similar to the ME 66. I assume its not as directional, but that might not be such a bad thing for my purposes. Would I be better off just getting another ME 66? It's kind of bulky when its mounted on the camera.

I was recently looking for a 7" lcd monitor for mounting on my steadicam. The models I was looking at were the Lilliput 218GL-70TV, Starvision TM-SVT718M, Digimedia LT-070S, and the Pheonix digital PD-180. I narrowed it down to the Digimedia and the starvision. The starvision has better resolution but the digimedia has an s-video input. I went with the digimedia. The pheonix digital also has an s-video input but i couldn't find much information on it.

You have to be careful when buying LCD monitors from unreputable dealers or ebay. Some of them have old screens that have been recharged and placed into new housings, then sold as new!

hi Jesse,
thank you for the info. i'll look at those models too. i was looking at varizoom's too, which is still priced pretty good. thank you again for the tip about lcd displays. i guess people will try to make a quick buck any way they can now-a-days :/ thanks again, i appreciate your response.

matt

Water/Snow on Lens
 

I just got some light water on my lens.
What would you do? Just mop it up gentlely with lens tissue?

Yup. Just mop it up gentlely with lens tissue or lens cleaning cloth. Then let it sit and dry. Hopefully, no water got into the lens---then you'll really be screwed.

Audio LIKE FILM ?
 

Dear All,

I wonder if this is the right place for me to post this?
I have an XL1s and i want to use it for documentry like production, or personal film like production, and my question is are there and PRODUCTION phase recording tips for getting the sound like FILM sound, and are there and POST-PRODUCTION links you can provid for sound EQ/EDITING !

Thanks,
Amr

Welcome Amr
Your question is not a simple one to answer. Acquiring and producing good sound is a science and large skill-set all its own, far too large to adequately cover in a post here. The "audio like film" is the product of some very elaborate professional skills and equipment.

Rather than attempting a tutorial here, the best advice I could pass to you is to point you towards two books by Jay Rose that will give you a wealth of information.

"Producing Great Sound for Digital Video"
and
"Audio Postproduction for Digital Video"

I've provided links to Amazon.com for your reference. Hopefully you'll have a way to get these books in Amman.

thanks alot Ken,

For your valuable links :)

It really helped,

I think yes i can order on-line from AMAZON, i've done it before :)

Regards,
Amr

Pass through
 

Hello,

I am new to this forum and am getting close to buying either an XL1s or a SonyVX2000 or PD150

My Question relates to the XL1S.

On Sony Cameras you can use them as A/D or D/A coverters without having to record onto DV tape. For example you can take a VHS recoder connect this to the camera, the camera connected to the computer and the camera acts as an Analog to digital converter. With the Sony you can go striaght through without having to record on the DV tape. It also works the other way round. If you want to take your video from the computer and record onto VHS the camera provides a striaght through for this. The camera being a digital to analog converter without recording to DV tape.

Can yo do this with the Canon XL1s? Some people say you can, others say you have to first record to the DV tape.


Thanks for any help you can give.

You will have to record it to tape first. As soon as you plug in the
firewire cable the XL1s will not look at your analog input anymore.
So first record it, then put it in the computer.