No, AFAIK you can't do this. There is no slr cam with an XL mount, and I am not aware of any adapter that allow this. (Technically, it should be feasible, but the focal length would not be really usable)

thanks for the response.

back to the drawing board!

filter help xl1s 3x lens
 

Hey guys, me again.

im using a 3x lens with some tiffen filters. when im full wide, the filter is way visible. the dots on the filter show up like a dirty lens. where can i read up on how to properly use these things?

heath

I've been using a XL1s and a Optura Xi for a concert. White balanced the two cameras as similar as possible. Clamped the Xi to a pillar for a wide total shot and moved arround with the Xl1s on a monopod. Since the lightning was all colored spots I had no trouble with any differencies in color between the cameras.

I had all picture controls (sharpness, color etc etc) on standard for both camera, in the hope that Canon sort of calibrates all their cameras to the same standard.

It worked like a charm. Only minimal corrections in post was needed. The differencies in picturequality between the two cameras is not very big, as long as the Xi is operating in "safe waters". Since the camera does not have full manual, and the lens is not up to Xl1s standard - but it is very good, you have to ensure that the automatic is not driven into a point, where picture quality suffers. That means sudden lightchanges, and lightning extremes.

But the Xi is a very good camera - if only they had put in a fully manual mode - sight!

Brocken Buil-In Microphone (What plug does it use?)
 

Hey, the microphone which came with my Canon XL1s doesn't work anymore. I think there is a malfunction in the plug. If i twist the plug a little it works until I let go.

So either I need to re-buy the microphone, or I could just put a new plug on the cable. The problem is, that I have no idea what kind of plug i need. The XL1s has this weird two plug system where one plug is smaller than the other. Kinda like they have on the airplanes.

Does anyone know if these plugs are available out there and if yes, where you can buy em and what they are called? Or is this a canon only system?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Good thing you're in L.A., just drive the camera down to Orange County:

Canon USA Factory Service
15955 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618-3616
tel: 949-753-4200

Hi Jos,

Thanks for the info on your setup. I have a friend that uses the Xi. Hopefully I can get him to work with me.

Thanks again,
Jerome

ZR-1000 (or) StealthZoom - zoom speeds - anyone know?
 

Hi.

So the Canon XL1 has 8 discreet zoom speeds.

The Canon ZR-1000 remote lens controller, and the VariZoom StealthZoom controller, both have 5 preset zoom speeds.

So. Does anyone know which 5 of the 8 zoom speeds available on the XL1 are accessible through the 5 preset speeds on either of these units?

In other words, is it like this (1 being slowest):

8 5
7
6 4
5
4 3
3
2 2
1 1

or like this:

8 5
7 4
6
5 3
4
3 2
2
1 1

or some other correspondance?

The reason it's important is because we make extensive use of the two slowest zoom speeds (1 and 2 on the 1-8 scale above) and I want to make sure I can zoom at these two speeds using a remote controller.

Thank you in advance for any info, technical analysis or anecdotal evidence, etc.

XL1s Rewind Problem
 

Hello Folks,
I am having problems with my rewind. When I try to rewind tape it does ok for about 5 min of tape then stops and in display a red EJECT TAPE appears in the viewfinder.I tried several tapes and same problem. Never had this problem before. The tape is SONY premium 60 Mini DV. Any help here would be appreciated....in time crunch as usual and it would really help if I could rewind my tapes.
Thanks for your help.
Brian

Sorry but it sounds like a trip to the service center:

Canon Factory Service
Attn: XL1 Service
100 Jamesburg Road
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
tel: 732-521-7007

Maybe you could borrow a camera in the meantime or pick up a DV cassette rewinder.

Help! My Beachtek DXA-4C makes my xl1 WHINE!
 

Hi All,

I'm not exactly new here, but I lost my old password and used a different email a few years back and haven't been around for a while, soooo ... I'm kinda new (again).

so... anyway ....

the good news: my xl1 isn't broken
the bad news: maybe my XDA-4C is????

I hope someone can help! Here's my problem:

When my DXA-4C is attached to the audio on the cam makes a high frequency (very annoying) hum that I hear thru the headphone.

Input is set to mic, 16 bit. DXA is set to mic and stereo). Changing settings (ie: mic input to ATT) didn't make any difference.

It happens as soon as I turn it on (even when not recording). And also happens even if no mic is attached.

It's not constant -- it even appears to fade the longer the cam is on, but that comes back loud and clear if I go into standby and turn it back on. And that may just be coincidence, since there's no real rhyme or reason.

It also gets recorded which, as you can guess, is really a bummer!!

When I disconnect the XDA-4C the sound goes away. When I use just use the standard canon mic all is good (well, except that I don't want to use that mic!! =).

I bought the XDA used from B&H about 3 years ago, so maybe it's just lived it's life?? But I'm looking for any input, ideas, similar experiences before I go shopping. I'd sure rather spend the $$ ona NEW toy -- not a replacement!

thanks in advance!!
deb

Thanks for the info chris
 

I ran a head cleaner tape and got the camera to rewind....once....The next time it ate the tape...chomp. Yes it looks like a trip to the service center.I am a XL1s club member so they said it would be a 3 day turn around ....should I have to pay for the shipping to New York?I have 2 shoots set up for Sunday/Monday this week. The camera seems to capture fine but it makes me a little uneasy as I will not be able to recreate these filming dates. Haveing a hard time finding another camera.Do you know a good rental company for XL1s?(North Carolina) They said at cannon that they ship out a loaner if they have it but have been unable to get anyone on the phone...just rings and rings. Thanks Chris for helping me navigate these waters and for your time.
Brian

are 16x IS II sold separately from XL1s packages?
 

i'm curious cause the lens guide from DVI states that it is worth $1,600 but after visiting our sponsors i can't seem to find that lens onsale.

I couldn't find anything either, perhaps call someone like ZGC?

Canon XL1S Zoom problems - please help!
 

When camera is turned on, the zoom usually won't work and on the rare occasion it does, any movement causes the viewfinder to fade to black. Tried trouble shooting with new lithium lens battery but no joy. Nothing in the manual troubleshooting to cover it. Suspect it might be to do with circuits. Camera bought new only a couple of months ago. (Will play back on VCR-no problems there) Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Welcome Anne.

Sorry to hear of your trouble. You must be pretty disappointed with your new camera. Unfortunately, this is clearly a manufacturing defect that you will not be able to fix for yourself. Send the camera to Canon Service as soon as possible, as it's still covered by warranty.

This should be a warranty repair in my opinion.

One quick note, sometimes problems like this can be caused inadvertantly by operator error (although please understand that I'm not at all claiming that this was the case here). The lens has a series of contacts along the back plate that connects to the camera head. If the camera is not switched off prior to removing the lens, then it's possible for those contacts to cross-connect around each other with power going through them during the act of removing a lens or putting one on. It's possible to short out some cicuitry that way. This is why it's crucial to power the camera down when changing lenses.

Regardless of the particular cause in this case, whether it's a manufacturing defect or operator error, it should be repaired free under warranty. Please let us know how it goes.

The stop-to-stop zoom speeds of the ZR-1000 are contained in an article on this site at:
http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/articles/article63.php

Thera also are reviews of sevaral of the VariZoom products among the articles.

The plugs are standard sizes (available even at Radio Shack), but the combination is unique to Canon, and has been since the L1/L2 days. The 3.5mm stereo plug is for the audio and carries the ground and audio output from the mic, and the 2.5 mm mono plug provides power to the mic.

The XDA-4C should be a passive device - meaning no amplifiers in it and thus nothing to generate noise, except perhaps for an open ground or pickup of stray electrical/magnetic fields in the area.

Is this a long-standing problem or has it just started? Have you tried the Beachtek on a different camcorder?

What else is connected to the camcorder?

What is the noise level and does the manual gain control effect the noise level?

How are you powering the XL1? If batteries, what brand and rating? Old or new?

Try different batteries and A/C power - see if that makes a difference.

I suggest this because I've noticed when using the MA100 that under some circumstances different batteries can induce a very low level, high pitched noise in the system. While the Beachtek is a different device, there might be something similar going on.

broken white door on camera
 

The door over the audio knobs on the back left of the Xl1 broke in a recent accident. I ordered the new part from Canon, however it appears that this is much more than just the door itself. The door and hinge is attached to the white piece of plastic that makes up the majority of the left side body of the camera.

Has anyone ever replaced this part before? How do you get that off to fix it?

Thanks!

Not recommended for the non-technician. It appears to be held on by a screw or two from the inside of the frame. A significant undertaking.

Canon XL FLANGE FOCAL DISTANCE
 

Hallo,

some one know the exact FLANGE FOCAL DISTANCE on the canon XL mount ???

thanks

PR

"sorry for my poor english"

XL1s Zeba pattern/ and broadcast safe
 

Hello folks and thanks so much for being out there. My question is When shooting with a XL1s you can set the Zebra pattern to show areas of overexposure with the settings of 80-95. I am trying to aquire video that will be broadcast safe (whites under 100) to save time in the editing process. While shooting recently I had my camera hooked up to a NTSC field monitor to get an acurate idea of picture quality. The image in the viewfinder looked a little milky as I stopped down to reduce Zebra in hot spots but looked fine on monitor. I used monitor for referance. I need information on how to set up XL1s to get the best quality picture for TV broadcast.I have not been able to find information on the operation of the camera in reguard to broadcast levels. Any good reference materials would be helpful.
thanks,
Brian

Broadcast save video signals involve luma and chroma combined levels. Unless you have a specific control monitor, like e.g. Barco's (today Scientific Atlanta) CVM 3000 monitor you cannot estimate on a monitor whether or not the signals are legal. If you keep the combined (composite) signal level below 120 IRE on a waveform monitor you will be safe

Eject does not work
 

The outer door will open but can not load tape . The carriage will not budge. No tape in camera.

Thanks
Tony B

xl1-s

You must send this camera in for service right away.

Canon Factory Service
100 Jamesburg Road
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
tel: (732) 521-7007

I think you need a service manual for that kind of information. I
don't think it has been discussed here before to that extend.

XLR Cable Length for XL1S/MA-100
 

I wish to use the Sennheiser ME-66 mounted to my XL1S (on a Lightwave MM-XL) connected to an MA-100. How long an XLR cable should I buy for this configuration? I imagine it will be fairly short.

XL1S Original Mic Cable!? Help!
 

Anyone knows where can I get just a cable (with two plugs) that connect original microphone with XL1S body? Inside the XL1S mic, cable is connected via small connector so I guess it is possible to change whole cable. Or is it only solution for me to buy another XL1S mic? Anyone knows where?

Please help!

Buying a new mic is an option. If you want to keep with stereo, consider the AT-822 as an alternative to the Canon mic. It is possible to fabricate a substitute cable - the jacks are available on the market. It may be possible to order on from Canon's parts outlet, but I don't know where that is in you area.

LCD screen for Canon XL1s
 

hello folks,

I have a JVC GR-d73U consumer camera. I recently bought a canon xl1s. Is it possible to use the LCD screen of the JVC for the canon Xl1. If yes, how?If not possible.Is it possible attach an LCD screen on a caonon XL1? help needed for the novice

You can use your JVC camcorder as an LCD monitor for your XL1S, but it's going to be a hassle. Turn on your JVC camcorder in VCR / playback mode. Run a video cable from one of the video outputs on the XL1S (either the RCA jack or S-video jack) to the video input on your JVC. Check the manual for your JVC camcorder for instructions about using the video inputs in VCR mode. That's pretty much all there is to it. So up to this point it's pretty easy. The hassle is, now you have two cameras to carry around. You could mount the JVC on top of the XL1S, but it'll be a heavy combination that isn't very practical. For tripod work, you'll need two tripods, one for each camera, also not very practical. So, you could do it, but it doesn't make much sense.

See also my article "Five Essential Items for Your XL1 / XL1S " for some recommendations on external LCD monitors.

Hi Jason,

You have probably sold your EW 100 ENG (Sennheiser) kit by now, but I might be intrerested if you haven't.

If you did sell it already, can you suggest a good deal elsewhere oin this kit?

Thanks!

I don't know or this will help, Harris, but a couple of days ago I mailed B&H to ask them if they knew with what cable I could extend the mic on the canon, because I want to get it on a boom.
They were so kindley to respond me a complete answer, I copy it here, I hope it is a help:

"Hi there

You will need the following two cables,

Model # HOSMMSMF25 $6.95 (out of stock)
Stereo Mini Male to Stereo Mini Female Cable - 25 ft

Model # VAVZEXTL20 $23.50 (in stock)
VZ-EXTL20 20' Extension Cable - for Control-L
(Lanc) Controllers

The only problem you may have is with space, since
they are very tight on the camera."

Hope it helps. Good luck!

Dropped frames/Dirty heads
 

Hello all, been a long time since I've needed your valued help.

Question: would dirty heads on my XL-1 cause dropped frames, jumpy capture in FCP 4HD?

Thanks again for the sage advice. This forum has saved my sanity and bank account more than once.

Michael

Yes, it is quite possible that clogged heads could cause frame
drops during record/capture. Get a cleaning tape? Could also
be other things like a bad firewire cable, failing harddisk or other
running programs for example.

Thanks Rob
 

Dear Rob, I do believe that you were the helpful soul who solved my last issue some months ago, too. Thank you kindly for the input.

Michael

Firewire Problems with XL1-S
 

My firewire stopped working, meaning stopped outputting any data from the camera. I took it to Canon here in Manila, and they said the motherboard in the camera was blown, that the firewire component was no longer working.

Luckily, they had a new motherboard in stock, and replaced my old one at the hefty cost. When I picked up the camera this afternoon, they connected the firewire to a Toshhiba laptop to demonstrate that the laptop did indeed detect the presence of the firewire data from my XL1-S.

I was satisfied, and came home and plugged everything in. They had made the point that the camera SHOULD NOT BE POWERED WHEN CONNECTING THE FIREWIRE. I had connected it in the past many times while the camera was on, but suffered no adverse effects. There is nothng in the users manual about connecting the firwire to a camera already powered.

Now, tonight, I mistakenly had the firewire connector (the 6-pin connector) in the computer upside down. I proceded to turn on my Mac G4 and the camera, but found that Final Cut Pro was still not detecting the firewire.

What is going on here? Is it possible that putting in the 6-pin connector wrong would or could blow the mother board in the camera?

Since the 6-pin connector's form factor is square on one side while pointed on the other, doesn't that prevent any disallowed contact between the wrong pins in the connector and the computer connector?

Collis

wired lav suggestion
 

Can't find a sennheiser Evolution 100 at the moment and I need a lav mic for a shoot. It will be a single speaker inside sitting at a desk (tying fishing flies) and I'd like a suggestion for a lower cost lav for my xl1s. I'm thinking I want a cardioid vs. an omnidirectional, but as I'm new to this, I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks