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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
Hi All, New XL1s User Here...

Kenzilla
Novice

Aug 31, 2005, 8:43 PM

Post #1 of 15 (2425 views)
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Hi All, New XL1s User Here...	Can't Post

Hello,

I've recently purchased a Canon XL1s and I have a few questions.

Rather than nickle dime you guys to death with post after post I thought I'd just combine the questions I have into one post, hopefully it will be less painful for all that way. Wink

First off, I imagine blank tapes are like many things in that you have to weigh costs/benefits when making a choice. I see a wide range in pricing but I'd like to know where you think the sweet spot is with regard to the best quality/cost value.

Also, I'll need some backup batteries, pretty much the same question there, what's the best value there?

I had been thinking of getting a miniDV deck to save wear and tear on the heads in the cam but as you know, they are pricey (for a beginner like me). Is it worth going to the expense in buying a stand alone deck?

The camera I got cam with the standard accessories. Are there others that are not included as part of the package that you would recommend?

I also saw a post here that made reference to a dust problem with the XL1s, can anyone tell me about this? Ways to avoid it?

Any other tips/hints for a new user would be grealy appreciated and as always, thanks for your time!

Ken

NJVideo
Novice

Sep 8, 2005, 9:50 AM

Post #2 of 15 (2384 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've give it a quick shot ...
Tapes -- I prefer standard DV Sony "Premium" -- sometimes "Excellence" if I get a good price. Purchase from one of the major tape houses online. Sony/Panasonic are both good. Don't mess around with anything else trying to save a few cents. Once you make a choice, don't switch brands.
Batteries -- Stay with the standard Canon onboard batteries (get at least one of the large capacity sizes. If you think you are going to use this a lot and go "professional", look at Anton-Bower.
Accessories - strongly recommend the MA-200. This makes the camera usable on the shoulder and gives you a great place to hang a wireless receiver. Gives you 4 XLR inputs. This is really a must have with the XL's unless you are going to shoot only off a tripod.
Optional deck -- Recommended as it will save you a lot of wear and tear/grief and money than if you use your XL. But -- getting a cheap DV camcorder for this purpose may be a good idea -- especially if you might need some sort of backup cam.
Dust Problem -- I have two XL1-s's and haven't encountered a problem -- of course, you need to use appropriate caution when changing tapes in ANY camcorder. Avoid changing tapes outside if at all possible -- anytime.
Good luck.

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 8, 2005, 4:14 PM

Post #3 of 15 (2376 views)
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Re: [NJVideo] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks NJV,

As the only responses to my questions they were greatly appreciated.

I did order two of the cheaper batteries off eBay, I guess I'll see how they work. The Canon batteries are so expensive as I'm sure you know but if it's a matter of being there when you need power they're worth it. I've looked into Anton Bauer, wow, well we'll see.

I've seen the idea of getting a cheaper DV cam as you've suggested, seems like a good idea.

Thanks again,

Ken

Bean
User

Sep 8, 2005, 4:22 PM

Post #4 of 15 (2375 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have used the lenmar batteries for several years on both the xl and gl series cameras. Highly recommend the lenmar or anton bauer batteries.

Good advice on the ma200 if you do a lot of handheld work it is a good investment.

Any name brand tapes will work with the camera, whenever possible I try not to use the last 5-7 minutes of a 80 minute tape. Once you select a brand of tape it is best to stick wiht that brand and not mix tapes. We use fuji mini dv, occasional dropouts but I believe the dropouts are not tape specific.

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 8, 2005, 4:49 PM

Post #5 of 15 (2372 views)
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Re: [Bean] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wow, another reply, thanks!

I've got a load of questions. Since I posted the first time I've obtained a Varizoom remote device and a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod/head.

The main subject of my work will be drag races as I do this and I have alot of friends who do also. I decided a while back that since so much money, time and effort goes into this pursuit I wanted to get better videos than the average shakey hand held stuff I see mostly. Another item I want to obtain is a wide angle lens and I'm thinking the Canon 3x is the way to go but I'll have to save a few nickles and dimes for that one. I've seen the Century optics lenses.....

Thanks again for the input, any and all is greatly appreciated.

Ken

Bean
User

Sep 8, 2005, 4:58 PM

Post #6 of 15 (2371 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Are you going to have the tripod and camera in the same location at all times for the races?

If so another option is to power the xl1s from a 12 volt battery. For portability you could get a bescor battery belt and set it on the ground. The 8lb belt is about $130 and will run the camera for hours. You will need this (2CD01 Canon Adapter) or a similar adaptor:

http://www.nrgresearch.com/

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 8, 2005, 5:09 PM

Post #7 of 15 (2368 views)
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Re: [Bean] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Bean,

It will probably be a mix of tripod and shoulder, but I'm a big boy and carrying the extra weight wouldn't be a problem. The belt is a good idea, thanks for the heads up.

Ken

NJVideo
Novice

Sep 9, 2005, 12:05 PM

Post #8 of 15 (2344 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ken --
Unless you need to run a video light, I wouldn't bother with a battery belt. I wear them all the time and have a variety of Bescor and NRG (by far the best).
For the XL1s, you'll find the normal onboard batteries work well and if you have 3 and a charger you'll never run out of power as they charge pretty quickly (just don't run them all the way down before charging -- lithium ion).
I have the Century Optics add-on wide angle and it works well for me. I don't use it a lot, but I think it's very cost effective against the $999 for the 3X Canon. I cam close to getting the wide angle in the beginning, but with only a 3X zoom, you give up a lot of flexibility that i think you need -- better to quickly take the Century adapter off that try to change lenses outside (a little dust/trash and you are in big trouble).
Back to the "player". I use the Panasonic AGDV-1000 which I think is not longer being made. If you can find one cheap that's in good working order, it's a good choice. The "1000" was $1,000 new so I wouldn't pay more that $500 for a used one -- and I'd want to know how much it was used.
(I suggest investing in a rain hood -- or a drycleaner's plastic bag to keep over the camera when ourside on the tripod. There's a lot of "stuff" flying around the track!)

RatVega
Enthusiast

Sep 10, 2005, 4:18 PM

Post #9 of 15 (2292 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Ken!

A lot of good advice here, let me add my 2�...

I've been using the original Canon batteries plus the large (equivelant to BP-945) LenMar batteries for several years without any problems.

I bit the bullet and bought a JVC miniDV/DVCAN deck when it was still painful for me and have never regretted it. An unexpected benefit was the speed and precision of working with a real transport deck - it cranks up really fast for long moves/rewinds and the overall control is fast and precise. If I had to go back to using a camera, I think I'd bring lunch... Wink

Good luck!

p.s.: what kind of car do you run? I was playing around in Pro ET "back in the day"...

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 10, 2005, 5:04 PM

Post #10 of 15 (2287 views)
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Re: [RatVega] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the input RV,

I'm thinking that all I want to do is get the digital footage from the camera to my computer. Any editing will occur with software which I have yet to obtain. I'm leaning toward Vegas upon recommendations but I'm still open to suggestions. It seems that much of the value and added cost in a DV deck is in fuctions other than "playback". I may be wrong about this but it seems that simply playing a tape back should render a less expensive solution than what I am seeing. If my logic on this is wrong, please point it out.

Another recent problem I'm having is I bought a Varizoom VZ-Pro-L controller off eBay and I'm having trouble getting it to work. It's pretty straight forward from what I can see, all you do is plug it in and go. But I'm not getting a light on it and no fuctions at all. I've been in touch with the seller and he's willing to work with me on it but he says he tested it prior to shipping and it worked fine. I just can't see that many things that could go wrong with something like this. If anyone has any suggestions as to what might be wrong, please let me know.

As for the car, it's a Top Sportsman type car. I'm having an engine built now which looks like it's going to work out to be around a 572ci alcohol BBC.

Here's a pic;

She should be pretty quick.

Thanks for the input, any and all is always apprecited,

Ken

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 10, 2005, 10:42 PM

Post #11 of 15 (2276 views)
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Re: [NJVideo] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

I use the Panasonic AGDV-1000 which I think is not longer being made. If you can find one cheap that's in good working order, it's a good choice. The "1000" was $1,000 new so I wouldn't pay more that $500 for a used one -- and I'd want to know how much it was used.

Can't seem to find an AGDV-1000 for sale anywhere. I'd like to use this camera also for "in car" shots mounted on the roll cage, but I'd like to keep the cost down if I can what with the XL1s taking the lion's share of the DV budget...

Suggestions?

Ken

AHA! I was searching the wrong term, actually it's AG-DV1000, but I still only found one....

(This post was edited by Kenzilla on Sep 10, 2005, 10:50 PM)

Waldemar
Enthusiast

Sep 12, 2005, 6:48 PM

Post #12 of 15 (2243 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

[First off, I imagine blank tapes are like many things in that you have to weigh costs/benefits when making a choice. I see a wide range in pricing but I'd like to know where you think the sweet spot is with regard to the best quality/cost value.]

The reason for sticking to a particular brand is because manufacturers use different chemical formulas. Mixing the tape residues can clog the video record/playback heads. Purchase a quality tape head cleaner cassette. You will be using it often.

[Also, I'll need some backup batteries, pretty much the same question there, what's the best value there?]

Quality batteries are a must. Note that Lithium & Nickel-Metal Hydroxide batteries must be stored in a disccharged state, unlike Ni-Cads, which are the opposite. The previous reccomendations should be followed.

[I had been thinking of getting a miniDV deck to save wear and tear on the heads in the cam but as you know, they are pricey (for a beginner like me). Is it worth going to the expense in buying a stand alone deck?]

If you find yourself shooting a lot of tape, a mini deck is a must. It really simplifies the workflow because the deck can remain an integral part of your NLE system, and takes a lot less space on the desk.

[The camera I got cam with the standard accessories. Are there others that are not included as part of the package that you would recommend?]

I have the MA 200 and the battery pack holder. Also the lightwave on camera mic isolater and feather windscreen.

[I also saw a post here that made reference to a dust problem with the XL1s, can anyone tell me about this? Ways to avoid it?]

Living in a dusty environment and owing both an XLS1 and a GL1 (the GL for 5 yrs) I've not seen a dust issue. Howver, my cameras always live in their cases when not in use...and the cassette doors are always shut. Get a glass cleaner, a soft chamois, and a really soft lint free cloth for keeping your lens clean. Clean it religiously...at least three or four times every hour if shooting outside. The lens cleaner spray I use is purchased from opticians.

[Any other tips/hints for a new user would be grealy appreciated and as always, thanks for your time!]

Visit DV Info.net, register, and read, read, read. Most comphrhensive Canon info site I've found.

Ken

G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s

RatVega
Enthusiast

Sep 13, 2005, 3:25 PM

Post #13 of 15 (2224 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Seems like there's always one guy out there who can figure out what my nick really means... You're probably him.

In a previous life I ran a '73 Vega Panel (full tube chassis, 10-point, tilt front end) with a 440 BBC tunnel ram motor. I was getting a 468 roller motor together when my second divorce struck... Certainly nothing like a top sportsman rig, but it was fun. I built a 108-inch wheelbase Vega GT for a guy along the way. We used a 526 Rodeck in that one. Video killed my hot rodding days. I still have the Panel chassis and enough parts to build maybe two killer Rats - maybe some day...

Lovely car!

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)

Kenzilla
Novice

Sep 13, 2005, 8:43 PM

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Re: [RatVega] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Seems like there's always one guy out there who can figure out what my nick really means... You're probably him.

Yep, that's what I suspected although I was not sure, this being a video board and all. A Rat would be the best thing to happen to any Vega. I drove 4 cylinder cars since high school, roadsters being my favorite. Fiat 850 Spyder, Datsun 1600, Triumph TR4, Triumph Spitfire...then I got into "ricers", two Nissan 200SXs and then a Ford (Mazda) Probe GT. Finally I got tired of the high cost of parts and repairs and a friend suggested I check out GM F-bodies, that was roughly a year ago and now I have three, the 97 Firebird you see up there, was a "car in white", never had a VIN, a 2002 Z28 and a 95 Trans Am. (Can you tell I tend to go to extremes?). But to be honest there are 16 years olds out there who know more than I do about these cars. But being 51 I figured I'd better get on with it. The Firebird above had a 468 in it before I bought it. I decided to go with mechanical FI and alcohol but I'm going to start out with a Holley 850 carb to get my feet wet.

Wondering how video killed your hot rodding days but I'll take you word for it.

I say if you have the parts laying around, GO FOR IT!

In my younger days I did drugs of all most every description but for me, I've never experienced anything like sitting on the line, staring down that long stretch of blacktop, knowing that there is nothing between you and "really fast" but air and opportunity. No cops, no numbskulls pulling out of side streets, no little voice telling you to hold back....

Sorry for getting off topic here, but I tend to be passionate about this.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread, it really means alot to get good solid advice from people who know.

I hope it continues.

Thanks!

Ken

(This post was edited by Kenzilla on Sep 13, 2005, 8:45 PM)

RatVega
Enthusiast

Sep 13, 2005, 9:53 PM

Post #15 of 15 (2206 views)
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Re: [Kenzilla] Hi All, New XL1s User Here... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, we're shamefully off-topic here, but no apologies are necessary - I'm a hopeless romantic about this stuff too.

My first car was a '33 Chev (high school), then I went to 4-cylinders: a couple of Fiat 600s, an 850 Spyder, then a Lotus Europa which I still own but needs restoration. Later, I got an F-body too ('82 'bird) but got impatient on the speed thing. Since the obvious upgrades (Corvette, 928 Porsche, etc.) were all beyond my budget, I started out to build a Pro Street car. This rapidly got out of hand, and the racecar was the result.

I was deep into engineering, fabrication, and motor building for a number of years, so most of the car was my own doing. I was in the service being a good(?) boy during the drug years, but I came to understand along the way that straight line acceleration creates an inordinately high level of stimulation and is quite addictive too.

The thing about video is the time - it's all I do. I miss the cars but have a family that's hooked on regular meals and a roof over their heads...

Oh, yeah... just so you never feel alone, I'm also sitting on a Hilborn 8x 2-7/16" mechanical FI system. Cool

Rat

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)