I have the Canon XLH1s/Nano combo which I use from everything to my work at NBC to indie film work to event shoots.

Its been nothing but spectacular... great great image quality!

I think this is an excellent way to go!

OK, I confess; I have one concern that's probably irrational. The LAN-C port on my XL H1 doesn't work, as I found out by buying and returning 4 different zoom controllers. Other ports I've needed are fine.

I live in VT, and there's no pro camcorder service around here...maybe there's one in Albany, 4+ hours away.

My fear, which may be crazy, is that I'll discover the HD-SCI port doesn't work either, and there's no easy way I can think of to test it w/o buying the NF. If there is a problem, it might not be cost-effective to fix.

So should I just assume this would be like lightning striking twice?

I think you should send it into Canon for a regular cleaning/checkup. They can assess if all your ports are working properly and if anything needs to be fixed.

Dear Phillip,

First, the LANC and the HD-SDI port are from two entirely different circuits in the camera.

Second, I will send you a Private Message shortly.

Philip,

If you would like to try your camera with a Nano or XDR you could come to our office. We are near Brattleboro. I have piles of Nanos and a number of XDR's for sale too.

Jeff