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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
event interviews with canon xl-2: best lens & mic??

 
 


fwep
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Jun 12, 2007, 9:25 AM

Post #1 of 3 (3056 views)
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event interviews with canon xl-2: best lens & mic?? Can't Post
for going from table to table for guest comments with my canon xl-2, is the 20X zoom or the 3X zoom (wide angle) lens better? one pro told me to use the 3X to minimize camera shake. i could use my dolly with 5 inch wheels to deal with that problem. would the 20X then be better?

concerning the audio i have (1) cheap directional dynamic mics (in case they drop it), (2) an akg c1000s vocal condenser mic, (3) sennheiser lapel mics, and (4) a spiffy new korg mr-1 recorder. for the sync to the video i guess the mr-1 is out. do i use the akg with me holding it (because it is more sensitive and more directional) or a cheap dynamic mic for them to have and to hold and slobber over? or do i need to go out and buy still another mic, a wireless dynamic directional one?


anniec
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Jun 16, 2007, 12:47 AM

Post #2 of 3 (3020 views)
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Re: [fwep] event interviews with canon xl-2: best lens & mic?? [In reply to] Can't Post
As far as the lens goes, it doesn't really matter. The wide will minimize camera shake if you have an unsteady arm. You should look into getting a monopod and then you won't have to worry about the shake. I like to use the 20x most of the time. If I'm in a situation where I need to get a group of people for an interview, I can zoom out. But if I'm just doing one person and don't want to get too close, I can zoom in. I've never really had much of an issue with shake unless I've been shooting all day with no support.

On a side note, I dropped my 3x wide angle lens on a concrete floor the other day. I was sure it had broken. But, to my surprise, I put it on the camera and everything was fine. Its a good lens unless you're really far away from something. I dislike having to use it for recitals cause its image isn't quite as crisp as the 20x.

annie


MoonLitNite
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Oct 12, 2007, 10:00 AM

Post #3 of 3 (2657 views)
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Re: [fwep] event interviews with canon xl-2: best lens & mic?? [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Fwep,

As was mentioned, either lens will work depending on what you're trying to do. Yes, the 3X is less prone to see camera movement although you could even put a wide-angle or fish-eye adapter on your 20X for a similar effect. The question is more one of composition and framing - if you're trying to get tight Extreme Close Up shots, then the 20X is for you (if I understand your shooting needs, depth of field is not a consideration).

Assuming there's background noise for your events, you'll certainly want to get the mic extra close to the subject. As you might guess, the corded XLR mics have some limitations (tripping, mobility, tangled cables, damaged connectors, etc), although nothing is perfect (subject might drop the wireless XLR, although a rugged unit like the Sennheiser can take some abuse). Or you might consider an on-camera shotgun mic. Each solution has trade-offs.

Good luck, Michael
Happy Trails to you... until we meet again