Quality above XL1S price not to far above. at DVinfo.net

Frank Goertzen · April 19th, 2003, 04:11 PM

I've been looking around at some of the video's and I'm not sure if it's a lack of good lighting or what but the shorts shots just don't appeal to me very much. Although I think in the end I will buy the XL1S I was curious what one notch or two higher then the XL1S ?
Sincerely Me.

Adrian Seah · April 19th, 2003, 04:26 PM

Frank,

you have to remember that whatever you see on the net is a HIGHLY COMPRESSED version of the footage. The only real way to judge is to rent the camera, shoot some footage and play it back on a broadcast monitor. I don't think anyone will be able to 'judge' the quality of a camera by seeing tiny quicktime movies.

Frank Goertzen · April 19th, 2003, 04:29 PM

But I live in southern ontario where the nearest shop that might have an XL1S to buy would be toronto...sadly I think I might just buy it before I try it. Because I think regardless of what camera I go with there will be limitations I think it's just a matter of how well you can work around those in pre/post production.

Ken Tanaka · April 19th, 2003, 05:34 PM

Frank,
The XL1s can shoot gorgeous footage in skilled hands. In unskilled hands, like any other camera at any price point, it will produce amatuerish junk.

The GL-2, Sony PD-150 and new Panasonic DXV100 are worth consideration also. They are smaller, lighter cameras and may be better selections for certain objectives.

Brand/model partisanship aside, the next step up would be to a 1/2" camera such as the JVC GY-DV500 or GY-DV5000. This class consists of much larger, heavier cameras whose primary accessories (lenses, batteries & chargers, tripods) will cost multiples of what prosumer cameras will cost. Plan on an initial expense of at least $10,000-$12,000 starting from scratch.

As Adrian says, you really have to judge the native footage, not compressed footage.

Frank Goertzen · April 19th, 2003, 06:54 PM

All modesty aside I've learned how to work around limitations since was I was a whiper snapper all talking aside I'll be sure to post footage as soon as I find a dealer in my area (london, ont?) I'll most likely have to make a trip to toronto.

Dale C. Elliott · April 20th, 2003, 04:57 AM

Frank,
I was in your shoes last fall, trying to decide which camera to purchase. I did all of my research, including this forum, and decided on the XL1s without seeing any footage from it.

I have had no regrets, like Ken has said, in the right hands any of those cameras can produce great footage. I am amazed at the quality of the XL1s footage.

Frank Goertzen · April 20th, 2003, 08:32 AM

THe XL1S just seems to have enough room to strecth and expierment that you can have a lot of room to get the right look you want. As soon as I have that last few cents I'm making a trip down to toronto...any recommendations ?

Dean Sensui · April 21st, 2003, 01:57 AM

Frank...

If you get the XL1s consider getting the 16:1 manual lens. If hand-held stabilization isn't absolutely essential, then the added sharpness of the manual lens (and the adjustable back focus) might be of great benefit.

I should have bought a manual lens as I already have an XL1 with the stock lens -- had I purchased a manual lens I'd have the option off using both!

Dean Sensui
Base Two Productions

Dale C. Elliott · April 21st, 2003, 04:27 PM

Yes Dean, I agree with you. I have the stock lens, and wish I had gotten the manual lens. When business improves, I am hoping to purchase the manual lens.

Frank, I bought my XL1 in Kingston, I do not know where you could get a good price in TO. Anyone from Toronto have any suggestions?

Dale

Andrew Petrie · April 22nd, 2003, 10:09 AM

Frank, I reside in London. If you'd like to have a look at my camera (stock camera, I do not yet have my 16x manual) I'd be more than happy to let you check it out.

The best price I've seen in Toronto is at Aden Camera. They often have new equipment on Ebay as well. I ended up purchasing mine through the mail from Calgary at a great price. I made a deal, and they went for it. Don't be affraid to bargain, but stay clear of Henrys if you want good prices. They tend to stick to the MSRP and don't budge.

Frank Goertzen · April 22nd, 2003, 10:19 AM

Andrew Petrie - That sounds great actually, just contact me through msn and we can arrange something (gumpymaker@homtail.com)

April 19th, 2003, 04:11 PM	#1
Frank Goertzen Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 43	Quality above XL1S price not to far above. I've been looking around at some of the video's and I'm not sure if it's a lack of good lighting or what but the shorts shots just don't appeal to me very much. Although I think in the end I will buy the XL1S I was curious what one notch or two higher then the XL1S ? Sincerely Me. __________________ Patiently Waiting

April 19th, 2003, 04:29 PM	#3
Frank Goertzen Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 43	Good Point... But I live in southern ontario where the nearest shop that might have an XL1S to buy would be toronto...sadly I think I might just buy it before I try it. Because I think regardless of what camera I go with there will be limitations I think it's just a matter of how well you can work around those in pre/post production. __________________ Patiently Waiting

April 19th, 2003, 05:34 PM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Frank, The XL1s can shoot gorgeous footage in skilled hands. In unskilled hands, like any other camera at any price point, it will produce amatuerish junk. The GL-2, Sony PD-150 and new Panasonic DXV100 are worth consideration also. They are smaller, lighter cameras and may be better selections for certain objectives. Brand/model partisanship aside, the next step up would be to a 1/2" camera such as the JVC GY-DV500 or GY-DV5000. This class consists of much larger, heavier cameras whose primary accessories (lenses, batteries & chargers, tripods) will cost multiples of what prosumer cameras will cost. Plan on an initial expense of at least $10,000-$12,000 starting from scratch. As Adrian says, you really have to judge the native footage, not compressed footage. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

April 19th, 2003, 06:54 PM	#5
Frank Goertzen Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 43	Thanks Ken. All modesty aside I've learned how to work around limitations since was I was a whiper snapper all talking aside I'll be sure to post footage as soon as I find a dealer in my area (london, ont?) I'll most likely have to make a trip to toronto. __________________ Patiently Waiting

April 20th, 2003, 04:57 AM	#6
Dale C. Elliott Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Brockville, Ontario, Canada Posts: 45	Frank, I was in your shoes last fall, trying to decide which camera to purchase. I did all of my research, including this forum, and decided on the XL1s without seeing any footage from it. I have had no regrets, like Ken has said, in the right hands any of those cameras can produce great footage. I am amazed at the quality of the XL1s footage. __________________ Dale C. Elliott DCE Productions/BrockNews.ca

April 19th, 2003, 04:26 PM	#2
Adrian Seah Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, England Posts: 87	Frank, you have to remember that whatever you see on the net is a HIGHLY COMPRESSED version of the footage. The only real way to judge is to rent the camera, shoot some footage and play it back on a broadcast monitor. I don't think anyone will be able to 'judge' the quality of a camera by seeing tiny quicktime movies.

April 20th, 2003, 08:32 AM	#7
Frank Goertzen Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 43	Very True THe XL1S just seems to have enough room to strecth and expierment that you can have a lot of room to get the right look you want. As soon as I have that last few cents I'm making a trip down to toronto...any recommendations ? __________________ Patiently Waiting

April 21st, 2003, 01:57 AM	#8
Dean Sensui Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,054	Frank... If you get the XL1s consider getting the 16:1 manual lens. If hand-held stabilization isn't absolutely essential, then the added sharpness of the manual lens (and the adjustable back focus) might be of great benefit. I should have bought a manual lens as I already have an XL1 with the stock lens -- had I purchased a manual lens I'd have the option off using both! Dean Sensui Base Two Productions

April 21st, 2003, 04:27 PM	#9
Dale C. Elliott Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Brockville, Ontario, Canada Posts: 45	Good Point Yes Dean, I agree with you. I have the stock lens, and wish I had gotten the manual lens. When business improves, I am hoping to purchase the manual lens. Frank, I bought my XL1 in Kingston, I do not know where you could get a good price in TO. Anyone from Toronto have any suggestions? Dale __________________ Dale C. Elliott DCE Productions/BrockNews.ca

April 22nd, 2003, 10:09 AM	#10
Andrew Petrie Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 484	Frank, I reside in London. If you'd like to have a look at my camera (stock camera, I do not yet have my 16x manual) I'd be more than happy to let you check it out. The best price I've seen in Toronto is at Aden Camera. They often have new equipment on Ebay as well. I ended up purchasing mine through the mail from Calgary at a great price. I made a deal, and they went for it. Don't be affraid to bargain, but stay clear of Henrys if you want good prices. They tend to stick to the MSRP and don't budge. __________________ Andrew \| Canon XL1s, ME66, Vinten Vision 3, GlideCam V16 (for sale!)

April 22nd, 2003, 10:19 AM	#11
Frank Goertzen Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 43	Andrew Petrie - That sounds great actually, just contact me through msn and we can arrange something (gumpymaker@homtail.com) __________________ Patiently Waiting