Exceptionally Dark Image at DVinfo.net

Trent Thomas · April 27th, 2002, 07:58 PM

I just recently bought an XL-1 from a video production house used and I am very pleased with it. However I have noticed that it gets a very dark picture under even normal lighting circumstances. The iris is set to 1.6, the shutter rate is 1/60th and the Gain is at 0db. However in a normally lit room I am still seeing mostly black. The camera otherwise gets a wonderful picture in outdoor/brightly lit situations. I know the XL-1 has its limits in low-light, but when compared to my Canon Elura 2MC (a 1-CCD inferior camera), the XL-1's image is much darker when both are set to the same settings (the Elura is not boosting its own gain or anything). I was always under the impression that 3 CCD cameras usually get much better low-light images. Please inform me of any of your experiences or if you think that there might be a problem with the camera and what it might be. Thank you in advance.

Don Palomaki · April 27th, 2002, 08:42 PM

The 3-CCD low light image is better in terms of color saturation. A 1-CCD can be a bit brighter because the light is not split three ways. Depending on the room light levels you may need some gain for a reasonably bright image.

Bruce Moore · April 27th, 2002, 09:04 PM

Since you bought it used, might I suggest thet you join the XL-1 club, wait till you get your official club ID, call Canon and send it in for maintanence and any software upgrade it might need.

I send this note to you thinking that you live in the USA. Unfortunately, your profile being incomplete, it doesn't give a clue! Thr club exists in the US only at this time.

Don Palomaki · April 28th, 2002, 07:13 AM

Does XL1 Owners Club accept purchasers of used units?

Tret may be from Maryland,, USA.

Bruce Moore · April 28th, 2002, 09:18 AM

"The XL-1 Club" I would try, the most they can say is no!

Perhaps the original owner never joined, try "don't ask, don't tell" and proceed.

Nori Wentworth · April 29th, 2002, 11:43 AM

Why are we always left out!

Bruce Moore · April 29th, 2002, 12:13 PM

Remember that friend in Washington state?

April 27th, 2002, 07:58 PM	#1
Trent Thomas New Boot Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 18	Exceptionally Dark Image I just recently bought an XL-1 from a video production house used and I am very pleased with it. However I have noticed that it gets a very dark picture under even normal lighting circumstances. The iris is set to 1.6, the shutter rate is 1/60th and the Gain is at 0db. However in a normally lit room I am still seeing mostly black. The camera otherwise gets a wonderful picture in outdoor/brightly lit situations. I know the XL-1 has its limits in low-light, but when compared to my Canon Elura 2MC (a 1-CCD inferior camera), the XL-1's image is much darker when both are set to the same settings (the Elura is not boosting its own gain or anything). I was always under the impression that 3 CCD cameras usually get much better low-light images. Please inform me of any of your experiences or if you think that there might be a problem with the camera and what it might be. Thank you in advance.

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April 27th, 2002, 08:42 PM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	The 3-CCD low light image is better in terms of color saturation. A 1-CCD can be a bit brighter because the light is not split three ways. Depending on the room light levels you may need some gain for a reasonably bright image.

April 27th, 2002, 09:04 PM	#3
Bruce Moore Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 57	Since you bought it used, might I suggest thet you join the XL-1 club, wait till you get your official club ID, call Canon and send it in for maintanence and any software upgrade it might need. I send this note to you thinking that you live in the USA. Unfortunately, your profile being incomplete, it doesn't give a clue! Thr club exists in the US only at this time.

April 28th, 2002, 07:13 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Does XL1 Owners Club accept purchasers of used units? Tret may be from Maryland,, USA.

April 28th, 2002, 09:18 AM	#5
Bruce Moore Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 57	"The XL-1 Club" I would try, the most they can say is no! Perhaps the original owner never joined, try "don't ask, don't tell" and proceed.

April 29th, 2002, 11:43 AM	#6
Nori Wentworth Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada Posts: 217	Why are we always left out!

April 29th, 2002, 12:13 PM	#7
Bruce Moore Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 57	Remember that friend in Washington state?