'ello mates! some more questions for a newcomer. hope someone's willing to help. thanks.

1. is it better to use a 60 minute tape versus an 80? reasons?

2. why purchase a zr-1000? doesn't the included remote control cover the same functions?

3. how functional is the hc-3100? does it hold a fully loaded xl-1s (with ma-100 or 200, dual battery charger, extra lens, etc.)?

how does this hard case compare to the kata soft case (and which kata model will hold all of the above)?

4. did light wave systems change the design of their mm-xl1 mini-mount along the way? if yes, is the newer one much of an improvement?

and lastly: 5. i want to be certain i order the right cable (don't want the hassle of returning). need to tie the xl-1s into my apple g5. so what type of connectors must be on that cable for this? are the more expensive cables, say with gold tips worth the price?

thanks to all. regards, jack

2. why purchase a zr-1000? doesn't the included remote control cover the same functions?
Using a LANC controler like the ZR-1000, you gain some advantages over the wireless controller like the ability to change the focus and zooming at variable speed.

5. i want to be certain i order the right cable (don't want the hassle of returning). need to tie the xl-1s into my apple g5. so what type of connectors must be on that cable for this? are the more expensive cables, say with gold tips worth the price?You will need a 4-pins (camera end) to 6-pins (computer end) firewire cable.

Others members will surely reply about your others questions.

Hope this help,

I use 83 minute tapes all the time. It's nice having the safety of the extra 20 minutes. I see no advantage to sticking with 60/63 minute tapes if the extra time is needed.

60 minute tapes are lower cost for use where you do not meed the extra 20 minutes, and are a bit stronger.

The 83 minute tapes may not last as long. The base, binder and magnetic material are all thinner. The archival qualities of the tape may be reduced. They are also more likely to stretch which may damage the tape or cause audio and video distortion.