I would rather get a real monitor than spend the money on the LCD, mainly because I'll be looking through the viewfinder, and the director will need to see the footage as well, and I don't think it will work with him standing around me, getting in the way while he tries to watch the LCD.

Now I'm starting to run out of money hehe.

Not meaning to change the subject, but what are you using for a tripod and what kind of budget do you have for one?

well I have a few hundred dollars left at the most for a tripod. I know I've seen tripods in the thousands, but I really don't think I'll need anything major. I currently have a real cheap one (non fluid head). Can you recommend something in that range that would be good for the XL1s? I've browsed through the pod forum but I am a bit confused about what's the best value for the money.

I ordered the camera from www.zgc.com today, and they said it should arrive tomorrow! Can't wait!

Sure thang...

Im using the BOGEN MANFROTTO 3246 with the 501 HEAD. The tripod has a geared center column, and can be raised, well... very high (8+ feet) and still be stable. You'll just need a ladder to reach it.

I wouldn't want to lug it around to long, though I have modified it with two clips and a leather strap as a sling.

The 501 Head has been excellent!

Cost: 501 Head (BH Photo) 145.00
Cost: 3246 Tripod (JandR) 185.00

Avoid cheap-O tripods. My friends XL1S fell off one and it never has been the same. Even after sending it to Canon. The footage that he captured looks like uneditable crap, its starts out good, then the camera looks like it hits some choppy water. He's twisted the locks on the head so tight they don't work anymore.

Cheers!

Awesome! I like that tripod (at least what I can see now)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/191754/BO3046B3433/REG/5137

thanks for the info. Good price too!

We'll help yah spend it...

Its a good investment! Though I have a longing for the Cine-Alta...

Cheers!

Why did you decide to get the 16x manual and the 16x auto?

<<<-- Originally posted by John Threat : Why did you decide to get the 16x manual and the 16x auto? -->>>

Well, I'd been reading up on a lot of threads here, and the general feeling I got was that the auto lens would be nice to have, just in case I needed to service my manual lens, and because the auto lens has a slower zoom...plus I wouldn't mind having it for general hand held run around shooting.

I ordered the manual lens because I figured I would eventually need it for more focused shots on a tripod, plus I want to learn how to use such a lens, having only really used a VX2000 before. Do you think I made a wrong decision?

I don't think you made the wrong decision, Brad... each lens has its own particular application. Right tool, right job sort of thing.

I agree that the auto lens is good to have. I bought my original XL1 with only the manual and 3x lenses, and missed not having the flexibility of the 16x auto's IS. When I bought my XL1s I intentionally got the 16x auto lens with it.

Good call, Brad.

I can't wait for my Canon to arrive! I've never been so excited before. It was supposed to arrive today but I think UPS is delaying it until Monday. Argh!!

Brad,
You may also want to consider a Pelican or Kata case for the system and all the accessories.

I am also looking closely at the FU 1000 viewfinder for the Canon, the colour viewfinder that it comes with is very difficult to get a good focus with in anything other than perfect conditions, it is a bit pricey though.

I see you have a shotgun mike, I use the same one with good results, have you also thought about a couple of lav mikes, especially wireless.

Hope this helps,

Best Regards

Steve G

Steve,
If you haven't seen our FU-1000 article, it may be of interest to you a prospective buyer.

My Xl1s arrived today! Wow this thing is beautiful! I've been tinkering around with it all day and I love it! I got it from ZGC upon recommendation by this forum. Great service from those guys. Thanks again to you all for all the advise regarding my purchase.

Hi Brad,

My $00.02:

It sounds to me like you are looking to make a quantum leap from your current gear situation (VX2000, etc). I suggest you go for the Canon 16X Manual/ Servo lens. That is the one lens I use the most with the XL1S. I shoot handheld with this lens all the time. This is the lens I use the most. Same 72mm screw-on thread mount as the other XL lenses. Do I miss the IS when using the 16X M/S lens? No. I tend to use accessories which add a bit of weight to camera anyways, so it all balances out.

The Manfrotto 3283B/ 501 combo is your best value at the moment. Spend a little more and you can get the even nicer 503 head which has an extendable pan-handle (rather than a fixed length pan handle as on the 501) and a more fluid feel.

For an LCD panel, the Nebtek/ Panasonic NEB70XL is the way to go. You can buy this from ZGC as well.

- don