By virtue of the smaller size, lower weight, and additional attachment alternatives the 8415 may perform better on camera and be more convenient for field use. Performance spec (vibration damping) is rated the same by AT.

Hey that's tomorrow!

Hi.
I found useing about 20 cents woirth of black electrical tape works very well.
It is just soft enough to let the XL-1 (s) mic holding part grip it firmly.

Bruce

Mounting Bracket
 

I have need for some kind of a mounting bracket. I have
Canon XL1 with EF lens adapter and then Canon 100-400mm
telephoto lens. Problem is how to best mount this on a tripod.
Camera weighs about 4 pounds, lens about 5 pounds and
need something to balance them on the tripod. Hard to focus
on wildlife with constant adjustments to the tilt, then weight
of lens wants to pull setting down when camera is mounted
to tripod. I read a previous thread from U of M professor who
mentioned rigging some kind of a bracket. How to do this?
Dave

I had to make my own. Well, not me actually. I took my camera and lens (EOS EF 100-400 AF) to a machine shop and explained my situation. We discussed several possibilities and I left it up to him to design. He had me come down and discuss a few details and give him the quick release to my tripod (Vinton). The design was brilliant (probably because I didn't have much to do with it) and allows for the camera to adjust forward and back over a greater range. Stability is noticeably improved. The total cost was around $100 for the materials, design time and all.

Jeff

Jeff,

Thanks for the reply. I'll try that.

Dave

Free Sound FX
 

Is there a site out there that has a buttload of free sound FX for download? Or is there some collection I could get that isn't $500?

Try http://www.findsounds.com/ - it should have something to suit you I hope.


/Jon

Thank you sir.

Can you buy XL1 parts?
 

If you've read the thread below I have a busted viewfinder which upon inspection is an easiy fix. I want to just buy the part and fix it myself. Does anyone know if one can get parts from Canon? Does anyone have a list of parts with part numbers that I can use?

Thanks in advance

Rob

Parts can be ordered from canon. Call their 800 number and follow the prompts to parts.

What part of the veiwfinder is broken?

The pivot part broke because the attachment handle broke where the hand grip strap connects to the camera. Fell only two feet but that was enough.

Thanks for the info.

Rob

light for XL1S?
 

In the past I've used the panasonic DVC200, and I've used an external light that attaches to the camera with excellent results. Is there a light like this that I can purchase for the XL1S? As far as I've seen on the canon website, there isn't a light for the camera. If canon doesn't make one, does another company make one that could work (but may not be made for) the XL1S?

Welcome Becky!
 

Canon makes only one light to fit these cameras. It's a small 10 watt light (the VL-10i) that connects to the cam's shoe and is powered (separately) by the same model of batteries used for the camera. While it can be handy, it's not a very powerful light at all.

If you are looking for a powerful ENG-style on-camera light there are several brands available. Frezzi has perhaps the most popular model available for the XL1s. (Use the Search button at the top of this page to read more about Frezzi lights, since they have been discussed often.) Cool Lux is another brand often used. Be aware, however, that neither the Frezzi nor its competitors uses Canon batteries or power from the camera. They nearly all use professional-grade 12v batteries (such as Anton Bauer's) which are rather expensive.

UV Filter size for the XL1s...
 

I recently ordered this filter:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004ZCJL/qid=1034738194/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/102-6766845-6901712?v=glance

for my XL1s. Question is: How do I get it on? It seems too small to slide over the lens....? I know this is a stupid question...