family
 

My family needs to be in an instution! I am just starting on my DV journey and also see a documentary in my future. Good Luck to us both, I dont have any film school experence just a dream.

Thanks for all the info!
 

This is great, I have really learned alot from all the articles and advice, I am really grateful for all this info. This has helped me with many decisions as what to aquire to make my DV dream come true! Thanks Guys!

Howdy from Texas,

You don't need film school experience. I have film school experience, and believe me you don't need it. All you need are dreams and motivation in equal portions. Welcome to the club,

NYC DV Cameraman/DP/Editor w/Gear!
 

Hi all!

Reasonable rates for a camera operator, editor or DP in New York City! Please come over and check out my website for more info on rates and equipment!

WWW.thevideoguy.com

Introduction
 

Hi, from Northern Virginia! Just thought I'd introduce myself officially after being on these forums for about the past week.

Thanks go out to you guys...I've learned a great deal in just the past couple weeks and hope to learn a lot more.

I'll probably be in here from time to time hoping to get some of my questions answered.

I'm very brand new to this world. I really have no filming/digital video background whatsoever. I'm more of a PC-guru which is where most of my background is in. But I've always had an interest in filming and digital video as a hobby for a long time. I was usually side tracked and never had the time and money to pursue this hobby in the past.

But as it turns out I've got both and it couldn't have been a more perfect time...because I'm the type of person that gets bored very easily. When I get bored I usually spend money...which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. In this case, being a good thing I hope.

My only worry is that I won't be very creative. My idea of this hobby is just to have fun with my digital video experience. Maybe make some short movies, spoofs, vacation highlights, etc...with friends and family. I think that's such a cool idea. Do like a different project every month and then have a premiere party at my place. That would be awesome.

I know I would be pretty good and doing the Editing part. I'm pretty creative there once I learn a bunch of techniques and how to use certain software. But the actual "what to film" part, I may not be as creative at. But i'm hoping to get help there from friends.

Anyway, so this is me. Talk to you soon.

-mdreyes23

Lil Ole Me
 

Hi everybody. Just wanted to introduce myself. I live in Texas and am the proud, primary user of a Canon XL1 for the company I work for. We deliver web solutions and I occasionally take the camera out to do interviews and talking heads for the web. I love this camera and when I found out there was a forum for it I just had to join. Look forward to talking to you.

Welcome Sleeping Tiger!
 

If you like your XL-1, boy, have you found a home. This has to be one of the best online communities for DV shooters (particularly Canon shooters) on the 'Net. Constructive, helpful, rarely flaming.

Rest your stripes and dig-in!

intro
 

Hello All,

Another brand spankin' new media lover on board!! Just wanted to intro myself. I am 21 years old in Southern Cali!!! I just love this website. As a starter I need advice. After looking at all the reviews I have decided to go with XL1S camera. However, I am thinking of getting a MAC G4 computer with a Final Cut Pro 3 software to do all the editing (I have been to alot of MAC seminars and they all use XL1's and XL1S's). I wanted advice from you guys about what kind of computers and software's professionals out there use? And what options do I have.

Because I am starting off new I want to invest in the lastest hardware specs and software out there to edit my movies. Secondly is there any newer camera's coming out e.g. Updated versions of XL1S's. If there is then I would want to wait rather than buying a XL1S now.

Thanks

Welcome to our little corner of the web here. Since the XL1S was introduced somewhat less than a year ago, there will most likely not be any changes from Canon for the forseeable near future. Now, the as far as the aging GL1 is concerned, that's another question!

;-)

Hey Chris,

I've been thinking about the GL1 as a backup. Do you have some inside information about an update?

Would you recommend waiting a while to get one?

Thanks,

Mike Avery

Greetings
 

Im the proud owner/user of the SONY VX2000, but ive had a problem. Have error code, but dont know what it means. Do you? C:31:23
wont let me do anything in VCr or Camera mode. Please help.
Thanx
Nicole 818-

I tried calling but the line was busy. You probably shouldn't list your phone number unless you want wierd guys like me calling you at all hours of the night. The error you are seeing means S real fault - You can try to Load the Tape again, and perform operations from the begining, I got this info from the following page, I really know nothing about sonys

http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/docs/faults.jpg

If that doesn't work try removing the battery and power cord, and plug it in again. If you still can't get it to work you may have to take it to an an authorized sony repair shop. Good luck.

thnx DR
 

thnx, will try evrything again for good measure

XL1S user
 

Hi, my name is dan, I'm new to the site, and can use all the help I can get, also have some info to share, I'm going to atempt a feature movie soon!

Welcome aboard and let us know how your movie endeaver
goes!

Los Angeles Rat!
 

Hey Folks!

I'm new here, so I thought I'd tip my hat and say "Hi". If any of you are interested in shooting DV movies in Los Angeles or Southern California, I'd love to hear about your experiences, interests or war stories.

If any of you are shooting DV movies anywhere else in the world, I'd love to hear the same from you.

Go for it, guys!

Howdy neighbor:

DV filmmaking is more than alive and well here in the Southland!

I'm about to start planning the second round of an experiment that involved eight groups of writers, directors and actors who had to write, shoot and edit five-minute shorts over a 48 hour period--the films were all screened on the second night for a SRO audience at a theatre company in Hollywood. It was an insane experience and some pretty creative results.

Regarding Filmlook--it's a great process but very similar results can be had using the Cinelook plugin for After Effects, much more time consuming but considerably cheaper in the long run. Also the Frame Movie Mode is a decent alternative (and it's free, just a push of the button!)

My articles about my first shoot are up at Chris' site if
you are interested, they can be found here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/
Go directly into the Articles menu and you'll see the
following new articles under DV Production Notes:

My First Movie: Taking Those First Steps, Part One
My First Movie: Taking Those First Steps, Part Two

Please let me know what you think!

Good luck with your movies!

Hello From Indianapolis
 

Actually I am in Carmel. I have used the XL1 ofr a while now and love it. I currently determining what camera to get to set up a 3 Camera outfit for live recordings. I leaning towards thre XL1S cams on tripods with remote zooms. Any comments?

Later
Sean

Welcome aboard!

will make feature in argentina
 

Hi all & Chris,
I've been visiting your site since the beginning and have to thank you, it's been useful.
After having been using DV since 1995 I'm trying to shoot my first feature here in Argentina and Uruguay, in DV after my own script with almost no $. This is what I have up to now:

- ('97) PAL XL1 w/16x lens (green line problem)
MA100
4 long batteries
Century WA adapt.
- ('01) PAL GL1
- Miller fluid head tripod
- Sennheiser K6 module with directional shotgun
- Ktek boom pole
- Rycote suspension & isolation system
- SurfAce scubacam for XL1
- Lowell Rifa 1000w light bank

- PowerMac G4 500mhz
- Powerbook G4 400mhz
- FCP3

I'm interested in finding how to best complete this system for the shoot and in knowing where is the guy who used to report on XL1 to 35mm transfers at TapeHouseDigital, who put out really good tips on the matter.

thanks again,
Federico

Hola Federico,

Some of the people in the "biz" will tackle your questions, I'm sure...but I just want to add that I hope you'll give us regular updates on your progress.

Good luck...and happy shooting!

Great to be here!
 

This is a great supportive and friendly community of creatives.
I'm new to the Canon XL1S and am looking to learn as much as I can.
I have professionally directed commercials and corporate videos, but never operated a camera myself. I'm excited to be using the XL1S in shooting and directing mini-features, etc. I look forward to being a part of the
DVinfo.Net Community.

Hello all
 

I'm so happy I stumbled into this electronic community!

I'm a 20+ year veteran of broadcast TV who's been downsized out the door, so now I'm looking to get my own gear to pursue documentary filmmaking. These messaage boards have been incredibly helpful in learning about the pros and cons of cameras, tripods, etc.

I still have a lot to learn about DV, but maybe I can help answer some questions about how it's done in broadcast TV. (But a lot of times, it's not done very well. It seems many of the people in charge don't really know what's they're doing! I'm actually glad to be finally out of that environment)

So again, glad to be here!

Kirk

Kirkdirect@aol.com

Sounds like you will fit in well! There are other professional
people here as well that turned to DV shooting! I myself am
totally new in the world of filming and have just done my first
little short test movie.

Welcome aboard!

Another veteran signing up. Before we know it we have
a veteran board here... (yes, this is meant as a joke)....

Let me be the first to welcome you aboard! This place has
more veterans and professionals who turned DV. I myself
am just beginning.

Again, welcome!

Thanks for your welcome. Hope to be supportive in any way I can.

New from HAWAII!!!
 

Hi,

I'm new here. but fimilar to forums..

My website is at dyslexicrydaz.com and it features alot of mpeg videos.

have fun PCE
Alex

That's an interesting site with all the Fast & Furious car stuff, Alex... I'm a little jealous of your age, man... being a teenager in high school right now is a very good place to be, with the way all of this technology is evolving. You're in a great position to leverage it to your advantage. Welcome aboard,

Wow, for the cost of all those burn't up tyres you could buy yourself a second camera or 3. The 16 sec 4 Runner was pretty amazing. Who said Hawaii is only known for surfing and the beach.

Welcome aboard.

How did you get into the stuff you are doing?

Just curios, I live in the DC metropolitan area as well.

It is a matter of burning...
 

DESIRE.

I have ALWAYS wanted to make films and such.

I didn't at first because I didn't think of it as a practical career choice. Instead I wanted to do computer science, which is interesting to study, but not to do.

I was right. Film making ain't a big moneymaker until you get right near the top, then money just gets thrown at you.

I am NOWHERE near the top fo the field, heck I am hardly off the bottom! Down here with the catfish it can be hard to make a buck, especially compared with other avocations, like say the tech industry or lawyering.

So, how did I get to use the CineAlta- I browbeat the Sony people into getting me some time on one, they passed me around a bit until finally somebody was in town with one...so I went over and used it for a few hours.

This is also how I got to spend some time working on the Sony XPRI edit system at GV Expo, the Sony folk set aside a good 3-4 hours for me, and now I am writing an article for sony.com!

How did I get into Lightwave ? Well, its back to desire. I want to make science fiction films. Naturally these include VFX that need to be amazing.

So, I figured out what they use for effects on Star Trek and other VFX extravaganzas. Can't go wrong with pro tools right ?

Turns out they use Lightwave and Maya. Maya is $17,000 a seat, and it turns out that a lot of modelling is done in Lightwave with animation in Maya at the places that use Maya. It goes on and on...see my posts about 3D for DV.

So Lightwave it is. Now I can boast about an academy award winning toolset at my little old production house. Neat huh ?

Desire, dedication and discipline. Toss in some imagination and curiosity and you are on your way.

If you really want to talk more, or if you have a project you want to talk about drop me an email. (use the link below it is a real email)

Hi Ya'all from Tennessee
 

Just joined up, but I have owned my XL1s since 8/01 and love it... I do police training films for my department... Just considering the 16X manual lens, as the auto lens is a real pain when it comes to critical focus.... I'm also using the Pinnacle DV500 with Adobe 6.0... Not too happy with it... Anyone have a better editing system to suggest, I'm listening.... That is, other than Apple's, as I don't have a Mac... That may come later....

Hi Ron,

Just to put a bug in your ear...

Recently, a friend of mine's 18 year-old daughter went to study in the States for four years. As a worried father, he asked me to talk to her about "safety tips" for living in the U.S. (Koreans don't have the "street radar" that most Americans have because they live an amazingly crime-free life here).

I searched the web and we found lots of printed material, but that's all. I'd been hoping to find a collection of video safety tips along the lines of the safety seminar I'd seen a local officer give young girls at a college dormitory seminar (I was a Resident Assistant in a co-ed dorm). I remember him showing lots of really good safety and self defense tips that just couldn't be explained well on paper.

So, if you're ever looking for something on the side to shoot...

(by the way...if you do ever go through with this and need help with the web site design for housing it, I'll be glad to volunteer. Web design is my "day job")

*Note* -- this thread is expanded and continued in the NLE Editing on the PC platform forum... we'll see you there! Thanks,

Located in Rochester, New York
 

Hello from Western New York!

Documentary filmmaker and photographer with over 30 years experience with national magazines [freelance and staff] shooting for TV [PBS since 1987].
Have covered national politics in Washington, D.C. since early 70s.
Interests: social issues, politics, cultural stories and environmental issues.

Best,

Keith

Thanks for joining us Keith, and welcome aboard... it's great to see an aquaintance from r.v.p. on usenet. I took a long break from the newsgroups... perhaps I need to continue taking that break... but felt compelled to post there recently. Sure appreciate any input you have to offer here in our community.

Welcome aboard Keith! I keep repeating myself, but you are
amongst other people here with numerous years of experience!
I hope you enjoy your stay here and I'll see you around.

Howdy
 

Sorry - jumped the gun and dived into the XL1 forums without a proper introduction (though I've received warm welcomes regardless)! I am a painter by trade; my filmmaker girlfriend is proud owner of a GL1. While my video experience pales in comparison to what I have read thus far, I am very interested in learning and this seems to be the place to do it. Pleased to be a part of this community!
I work out of Chicago - one of my jobs is with a non-profit called Connecting Classrooms to the World. CCW travels to remote regions of the world and uses information technology to hook up Chicago students with kids in Nepal, Argentina, and (in October) Chile. I'm shopping around for an XL1s to document our upcoming trip. Any tips you all might have regarding must-have accessories, sponsorships, or donations (read: shoestring budget) of video equipment for an expedition is much appreciated. Here's a link to the trip: http://www.activeendeavors.com/expeditions/
Best,
JC

JC,

Welcome aboard! Good to have you here. As you have already
discovered, it is a nice board to be. Regarding your question,
if you are going to travel with the camera a lot I would
recommend to invest heavily in protecting your camera. Because
you are going to haul it around airports, planes, different
countries etc. There are two types of bags available on an
airplane. One where the camera can stay with you in the
cabin (my preference) or a larger one where you do not have
to dismount the camera and it ships in the planes cargo hold
(you know baggage handles are called baggage throwers, right?).

You can also choice between hard or soft cases. One thing that
might also be interesting for you is to get a rain cover. This
protects your camera from rain (doh) but also dust and other
nasty stuff. Underwater housings are also available.

Another interesting thing might be a low weight compact
tripod (or monopod?). There are some excellent threads on
this board about this already. Try using the search feature.

Again, welcome aboard!