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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
Major kink in Canon A1 design

 
 


GmElliott
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Apr 26, 2007, 1:35 PM

Post #1 of 21 (4387 views)
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Major kink in Canon A1 design Can't Post
    Just finished shooting my first official "gig" with the A1. Previous to this it was all home/backyard testing. The shoot was outdoors for several hours in the bright sunlight. Not a very good environment for the A1's LCD. The majority of the time I could barely see what I was framing, yet alone where my focus was at. The LCD size didn't bother me too much- but it's tendancy to wash out in bright light does however.

Of course I could use the VF but even then couldnt get the artistic shots I was looking for from varying perspectives. It's tough getting a proper worms-eye shot off the ground using the VF to frame, etc. Secondly the eye cup on the A1 is terribly uncomfortable. Does NOT do a good job at actually "cupping" your eye socket...especially with glasses or sunglasses.

I captured the footage from the PD-170 that was there which was shot with in-cam 16:9 mode that looks pretty good actually. I still have to capture the A1 content, most likely down-converting in cam during capture. I'll have to see what the results were shooting with a washed out LCD. If they were poor- I may indeed look into the tried & true Z1/FX series. PS Does anyone know if they have a "hybrid" LCD like that on the PD-170/VX2100 where you can easily see the image on the LCD even in direct sunlight?








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


(This post was edited by GmElliott on Apr 26, 2007, 1:36 PM)


Laura K
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Apr 26, 2007, 1:52 PM

Post #2 of 21 (4362 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Glen, did you use a monitor hood?
They really help.
L
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MarshallM
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Apr 26, 2007, 2:17 PM

Post #3 of 21 (4353 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
For the VF, I highly recommend the I-Cuff. It's large (to accomodate glasses) and it's super comfortable to use.

Hoodman makes several LCD screen hoods for outdoor use.

Marshall


Laura Moses
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Apr 26, 2007, 2:44 PM

Post #4 of 21 (4337 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
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... Secondly the eye cup on the A1 is terribly uncomfortable. Does NOT do a good job at actually "cupping" your eye socket...especially with glasses or sunglasses. ...

Hi Glen,

That was my biggest concern from the moment I saw that camera! Especially because we film outdoors in harsh sunlight so much here in SoCal.

Maybe the I-Cuff Marshall mentioned is the answer.

Good luck,

Laura

Laura Moses
Vantage Point Productions, Inc.
www.SteveandLaura.com


(This post was edited by Laura Moses on Apr 26, 2007, 2:45 PM)


RT Steele
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 2:48 PM

Post #5 of 21 (4332 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Does anyone know if they have a "hybrid" LCD like that on the PD-170/VX2100 where you can easily see the image on the LCD even in direct sunlight?


I didn't know the VX had such an LCD. I'm feeling better and better about my 2100 and "antique" 2000's all the time. Laugh

And I'm curious to hear how that 16:9 footage from the PD170 looks and matches up with that A1... especially on a LCD monitor. Mine (from a VX) looks great until I see it on these things.

- RT


Dave Williams
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Apr 26, 2007, 3:03 PM

Post #6 of 21 (4328 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
That's one thing I like a lot about the Z1 - the brighter and more direct the sun, the better the LCD looks.
-
Dave Williams
Tirelessly making the world a smoother place for event videographers


GmElliott
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 3:11 PM

Post #7 of 21 (4323 views)
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Re: [MarshallM] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
    I took a quick trip to HoodmanUSA.com today but maybe it was a little too quick- because I didn't see anything that would accomodate a widescreen LCD.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


GmElliott
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 3:12 PM

Post #8 of 21 (4322 views)
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Re: [Dave Williams] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
That's one thing I like a lot about the Z1 - the brighter and more direct the sun, the better the LCD looks.
It's not only the sun that washes it out. If you view it 1 micrometer of axis the image solarizes. Unsure








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


JC/DV
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Apr 26, 2007, 5:07 PM

Post #9 of 21 (4289 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Go to the sony parts store online and buy the large eyecup. Fits nicely over the viewfinder. I know what you mean about off-axis viewing of the LCD, but I'm getting used to it somehow. I'm thinking about taking a small 5" LCD or something and mounting on the top of the shoe and take the composite video output and running that to the LCD.... or something.

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.


StillMotion
User

Apr 26, 2007, 7:27 PM

Post #10 of 21 (4253 views)
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Re: [JC/DV] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
I've done several shoots outdoors with the A1 on a steadicam or on a Merlin. The i-cuff or something similar is very cheap and works great. I find it very easy to work outdoors with this combo and shoot artistically.


JC/DV
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 7:43 PM

Post #11 of 21 (4248 views)
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Re: [StillMotion] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
I got the sony eyecup because I wanted something that looked stock and such. I had the small icuff for the HC1s and it wouldn't fit so for about the same amount, I just got the sony one... works like a champ.

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.


Darrell Aubert
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 8:00 PM

Post #12 of 21 (4245 views)
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Re: [StillMotion] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
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I've done several shoots outdoors with the A1 on a steadicam or on a Merlin. The i-cuff or something similar is very cheap and works great. I find it very easy to work outdoors with this combo and shoot artistically.
Can we get a link to the one you're using?

Darrell Aubert
Ron Paul for President
Greed is good, greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.


StillMotion
User

Apr 26, 2007, 8:02 PM

Post #13 of 21 (4240 views)
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Re: [Darrell Aubert] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
I have no clue who makes it. I have seen a DIY version that would work just as well I would think. I had this sitting in a box for a while and just pulled it out. It may be matteblox actually. I'de check if it was accesable but I have everything packed up a shoot together and it is quite tough to get that steadicam unit packed away.


Darrell Aubert
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 8:04 PM

Post #14 of 21 (4239 views)
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Re: [StillMotion] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Ok cool. Thanks.

Darrell Aubert
Ron Paul for President
Greed is good, greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.


GmElliott
Veteran


Apr 30, 2007, 9:46 AM

Post #15 of 21 (4014 views)
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Re: [StillMotion] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I've done several shoots outdoors with the A1 on a steadicam or on a Merlin. The i-cuff or something similar is very cheap and works great. I find it very easy to work outdoors with this combo and shoot artistically.

The iCuff is for the viewfinder- I need something to shade the LCD. HoodmanUSA is out beings as they only produce various 4:3 sizes. Unsure








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


StillMotion
User

Apr 30, 2007, 9:51 AM

Post #16 of 21 (4011 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Yeah, I realized that after I had posted last time. Problem is, I have an icuff sitting in a box somewhere, so the name sounded familiar. The cover I have is for the LCD. It is a Petrol LCD cover, something very similiar to BH part # PEPMH3. I used it on the Merlin this weekend with the arm from the Flyer and it worked very well outdoors (or so I hope, I haven't reviewed much of the footage yet).

Glen, can you send me an email about your Apple display if you still have it. I posted in another thread but I can't seem to find where that was.

Patrick


GmElliott
Veteran


Apr 30, 2007, 11:47 AM

Post #17 of 21 (3998 views)
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Re: [StillMotion] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Cool thanks for the heads up. HOw does it fit- 3.5" would be oversized for the Canon's 2.8". Maybe something like this might be a better fit...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...e=categoryNavigation

I'll PM you regarding the 30" Apple.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


StillMotion
User

Apr 30, 2007, 11:54 AM

Post #18 of 21 (3997 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
It is slightly too big so the shade will cover the LCD and a portion of the black edge around the LCD, but it still fits very well. The one you linked to for the A1 may just be a perfect fit, but I think both work very well. I had this one sitting around for a while and it works so well and the fit is so close that I wouldn't need to replace it with the right model, but I would grab that one for the A1 if I was purchasing new.

Patrick


dwhurst
User


Apr 30, 2007, 6:45 PM

Post #19 of 21 (3968 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Good thread, you guys. Interesting stuff. I had an outdoor wedding shoot with my A1 last Friday, and similar to your experiences, I found that the bright sunlight made it difficult to see what I was shooting on the LCD screen. I was more eager than usualy to get home and see how I did. I lucked out, as the shots I got were beautiful, in focus, and with proper exposure, white balance, etc. But again, I lucked out. It could just as easily have gone the other way.

Dave


Peter Chung
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Oct 10, 2007, 10:16 AM

Post #20 of 21 (2320 views)
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Re: [StillMotion] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Patrick,

Does using an LCD shade like the Petrol on a Steadicam (especially outdoors) cause the shade to act as a sail and affect your rig?

Peter Chung
Kairos Moment Wedding Films
KMWF Blog


GmElliott
Veteran


Nov 1, 2007, 8:24 AM

Post #21 of 21 (2082 views)
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Re: [Peter Chung] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
I bought the Petrol hood from B&H (listed under accessories for the A1) and it doesn't fit. I can't get it to sleeve over the LCD. Had to return it.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com