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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, 10:35 AM

Post #1 of 21 (10315 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
Glen Elliott on Vimeo


(This post was edited by GmElliott on Apr 26, 2007, 10:36 AM)


Laura K
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Apr 26, 2007, 10:52 AM

Post #2 of 21 (10289 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




"... it seems that if you're passionate about something, it freaks people out. You're considered bizarre or eccentric. To me, it just means you know who you are." - director Tim Burton


Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.


MarshallM
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Apr 26, 2007, 11:17 AM

Post #3 of 21 (10280 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, 11:44 AM

Post #4 of 21 (10264 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

Remember: It pays to stay IN[FOCUS]

Vantage Point Website
Vantage Point Blog


(This post was edited by Laura Moses on Apr 26, 2007, 11:45 AM)


RT Steele
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 11:48 AM

Post #5 of 21 (10259 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, 12:03 PM

Post #6 of 21 (10255 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.


GmElliott
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Apr 26, 2007, 12:11 PM

Post #7 of 21 (10250 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
Glen Elliott on Vimeo


GmElliott
Veteran


Apr 26, 2007, 12:12 PM

Post #8 of 21 (10249 views)
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Re: [Dave Williams] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
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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
Glen Elliott on Vimeo


JC/DV
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Apr 26, 2007, 2:07 PM

Post #9 of 21 (10216 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 | Twitter | Facebook

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


StillMotion
Enthusiast

Apr 26, 2007, 4:27 PM

Post #10 of 21 (10180 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
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Apr 26, 2007, 4:43 PM

Post #11 of 21 (10175 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 | Twitter | Facebook

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


Darrell Aubert
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Apr 26, 2007, 5:00 PM

Post #12 of 21 (10172 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
The Smugboy


StillMotion
Enthusiast

Apr 26, 2007, 5:02 PM

Post #13 of 21 (10167 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, 5:04 PM

Post #14 of 21 (10166 views)
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Re: [StillMotion] Major kink in Canon A1 design [In reply to] Can't Post
Ok cool. Thanks.

Darrell Aubert
The Smugboy


GmElliott
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Apr 30, 2007, 6:46 AM

Post #15 of 21 (9941 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.

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
Glen Elliott on Vimeo


StillMotion
Enthusiast

Apr 30, 2007, 6:51 AM

Post #16 of 21 (9938 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
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Apr 30, 2007, 8:47 AM

Post #17 of 21 (9925 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
Glen Elliott on Vimeo


StillMotion
Enthusiast

Apr 30, 2007, 8:54 AM

Post #18 of 21 (9924 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, 3:45 PM

Post #19 of 21 (9895 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


PeterC
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Oct 10, 2007, 7:16 AM

Post #20 of 21 (8247 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?


GmElliott
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Nov 1, 2007, 6:24 AM

Post #21 of 21 (8009 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
Glen Elliott on Vimeo