That's right. Leave it sealed. When it comes time to sell your camera, you'll be able to offer the unopened software with the package, possibly increasing its value.

>> That's right. Leave it sealed. When it comes time to sell your camera... <<

Chris--

SELL my camera?! <g>

But seriously, I tend to pass things on to friends/family. In fact I just gave my old faithful Olympus 2500L digi with it's whopping 2.5 Mg pixel images to my niece. She was excited as she didn't have a digital camera at all, and I haven't used it in a long time. Hard to believe I paid over a grand for it-- way back when.

But I digress... thanks much for confirming my expectations re. the bundled software.

Tim

Hi,

I was wondering what the best wide angle lens would be for my Optura XI. I will be using my camera for school film club, and want my films to look as cinematic as possible. So, with that said, I would love to hear from knowledgable people from this forums.

thanks

Check out the Canon WD-H46 or the Raynox DCR-6600PRO. Both are good wide angle lenses.

The main difference is the Canon doesn't have an outside filter thread, so you'll have to sandwich the filters between the camcorder and lens. The Raynox has an external filter thread.

Another option for a wide angle with filters, is to use Cinetactics MatteBlox.

It says the Raynox has a 52mm mounting thread, so does that mean i would need a step up ring of some sort? The XI's threads are 46.

Yes, you'll need a step up ring for the Raynox lens.

What would be the cheapest and best tripod for XI?

3 way pan, quick release maybe fluid head.

I love the Raynox on my Optura. Cheaper than the canon lens and the front threads are great for mounting the UV filter.

https://webspace.utexas.edu/rjs539/www/Optura%20w%20Raynox%20Lens

A pic of the lens on my camera.

"Cheapest" and "best" are mutually exclusive terms. If it's cheapest, it won't be best. If it's best, it won't be cheapest. Establish what you're willing to spend, and then please refer to our "Support Your Local Camera" forum for all questions relating to tripods. Thanks.

I meant to say best among the cheapest.

Where woluld you get the step up ring?

Local photo supply store or just look up 46mm to 52mm step ring on various internet vendors. (can't give specifics there, sorry) Mine was like $5.

Our sponsors will have them, but they're so inexpensive you might as well just get 'em from your local photo retailer.

What would be the best tripod for the XI.

my budget is quite limited, so im looking for the best among the cheaper ones. Would like to have it under 80 dollars, including the head.

I'd always say though that if you can manage without a protection UV in front of your wide-angle converter so much the better. Of course if you're going into dusty, wet areas, then protecting the front element is a good idea, but if it's a 'normal' environment then I'd suggest you leave the w'angle converter unfiltered.

Why? Simply because of flare. You're already adding three extra elements to your zoom's lineup by adding the converter and to add another one 'for good measure' is not recommended. This is especially so with wide-angles as the focal lengths are so short and the depth of field so great that any imperfections of any kind on either surface of the filter glass will be seen on your footage.

There's also the possibility of vignetting if the filter's too thick, so much better to buy and use an aspect-ratio hood. It'll protect the lens as well as shadow the front element.

tom.

One of the smaller ones in the Sony VCT line will probably be within your budget. What you don't get for that money is ruggedness, so you would have to be carefull about bumping the tripod or grabbing the handle roughly. What you do get is very good panning and tilting motion without any "stiction" at the beginning of the movement. And... BONUS! You get a built-in controller handle that remotely contols zoom and other functions with the same hand that pans and zooms. This constitutes an unusual value in a consumer tripod. I've graduated from my VCT-870 to a Bogen for my number one cam, but I still use it for my second cam.

For the same money you can get the Vanguard VT-558. This is a large and reasonably rugged consumer tripod. The panning and zooming is smooth, but mine has some mechanical play (i.e., lack of friction resistance) in the the tilting motion. This causes some bounce in the video with vertical movements, no matter how hard I try to avoid it.

Thanks for the input

Sorry if this question has been answered before but I haven't found the right information.

I have a optura xi (mvx3i in europe).
and I am looking for a nightvision / night shooting solution.

1) are there any nightvision / infrared lenses or filters available?
to create a sort of sony nightvision effect.
or is there a possibility to achieve this?

2) are there any portable on camera lights available which give enough light to light the surroundings of what you are shooting?

I've been looking for a long time for a good solution to this but haven't found any yet. Any suggestion is welcome.

thanks

Fre,

See this thread on the Camera Bright light (click here) (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41967) It's a neat little light.

Can the XI hook up with a tripod that has zoom, rec. stop. etc. controls on the handle?

You'd have to go to the GL2 or XL2 for that. The current Opturas don't have a LANC port, so it won't work with those controllers. In comparison, almost all Sony camcorders have the LANC port.

It's not quite the same as having the controls designed onto a tripod handle, but the Opturas do come with a fairly powerful wireless remote that gives you access to almost all it's functions.

Can the zoom speed be modified on the XI remote?

I feel the zoom on the remote is a little too fast.

The WL-D81 wireless remote control only has one zoom speed, you cannot adjust it.

* The WL-D81 is the remote that comes with all the Optura models including the 50/60.

Anybody know where I can get the XI's service manual? Unlike Sony, Canon won't sell the manuals to "end-users". Seems like the repair shops here in the Cities have to send the camcorders directly for Canon for servicing. I don't have 6 weeks to wait for an "estimate" when I could just do the servicing myself. Anyone who can provide me with a service manual will be greatly appreciated and hold a special place in my heart :)

Hmm, all I can say is good luck to you, Xander... Canon service manuals tend to be *extremely* hard to come by. I would be surprised if the turnaround time at a Canon factory service center is as long as six weeks, unless something is seriously wrong. There are always exceptions, but they do tend to take care of repairs and servicing rather quickly.

I've lost my Optura due to a fire and now I am looking for a equivalent camera to replace it. Need information for insurance company.

Any ideas?

some of the more salient features were:

optical stabilization
progressive scan 30p
lanc port


Thanks!

optical stabilization
progressive scan 30p
lanc port



the only camera that has all three is the xl2, the dvx does not have a lanc port, and the optura line only has OIS...

only problem with the xl2 is the cost associated with it. I'm pretty certain that my insurance company would not accept this claim (as much as I would like it).

I've been given some other models such as the GL2, Optura 50 and 60.

I'm not hogtied to just the Canon line either. I've looked at the Panasonic GS250 (sans progressive scan).

I guess the original Optura was pretty unique for it's time.

I think Canon will come up with a model to replace the Optura xi. Maybe you can afford to wait for it?

Well..... 2 months later, I now have my Xi back :)

The service center sent it to Canon for repair. Their resolution summary: Factory Replaced Main PCB, Cleaned, & Tested.

I'd imagine this was a costly repair. I purchased the extended warranty and was covered. I sometimes wonder if I had been better off not purchasing the warranty and sending the Xi off to Canon myself? I'm sure the price would've been more than what I paid for the warranty, but the 2 month downtime hurt.

I planned on purchasing the Optura 50/60, (as a loaner & returning it when the Xi was repaired) from the same company. A week after i submitted my Xi, I was notified that the company was closing down their stores here in Utah. So I didn't go that route.

Anyhow, I'm happy to have it back. Hopefully it works out. I'm going to disconnect the DM-50 whenever it's not in use. For some odd reason, I think it may have fried the board.

I will say that I was happy that Canon did the repair.

We'll see how it goes!

Hi,

I am trying to obtain a wide angle adapter for my Xi, and I am looking for an adapter that will allow the footage to look as close to film as possibly can (super wide). I am going to use the adapter with the 16:9 mode on the camera.

is there a good apapter which i can use?

thanks

Century Optics makes 16:9 wide angle adapters. They'll give you the super wide 2.35:1 ratio you're looking for.

These are the screw-on adapters:
- 37mm (click here) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=242460&is=REG)
- 58mm (click here) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=173586&is=REG)

I like the century optics one, but the Xi has a 46mm thread, so how will I be able to use this?

For the screw on adapters you'll need one of these:

- 46mm-37mm step down ring (click here) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=98890&is=REG)
- 46mm-58mm step up ring. (click here) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=145380&is=REG)

I was just wondering if the XI compares closely to a 3ccd prosumer camera such as the pvdv953 trv950 etc. I know its got a 1/3.4 huge ccd with RGB color filter but will that cut the cheese? Because Im going to be using this camera for some green screening work etc. Thanks guys

I was just wondering if the XI compares closely to a 3ccd prosumer camera such as the pvdv953 trv950 etc. I know its got a 1/3.4 huge ccd with RGB color filter but will that cut the cheese? Because Im going to be using this camera for some green screening work etc. Thanks guys

Hi Nathan, take a look at my web site's Green Screen DV and chromakey tutorials for examples of what can be accomplished with an old original Elura, green poster paper, one light bulb and some star wars toys.

In short, yes, the Optura Xi should work well for green screen. Your software's capability to work with 4:1:1 compressed DV video will be the deciding factor.

Philip Williams
www.philipwilliams.com

Thanks for the reply Philip, wow that's really impressive for using that camcorder. I am going to be using Adobe Premiere Pro to edit the video. Also, I am going to be filming outside and would really like to add a lens hood to the XI. Tell me if I am wrong with this (sorry if newb question): The Canon Optura XI has a 46mm filter diameter and I am going to get a 43mm thread DV lens hood. So I will need a 46mm to 43mm adapter ring right? I screw the adapter ring to 46mm diameter filter and then screw the lens hood onto the other end of the adapter ring that is 43mm. Sorry about a pretty stupid question, just wondering If I got it right.

Thanks for the reply Philip, wow that's really impressive for using that camcorder. I am going to be using Adobe Premiere Pro to edit the video. Also, I am going to be filming outside and would really like to add a lens hood to the XI. Tell me if I am wrong with this (sorry if newb question): The Canon Optura XI has a 46mm filter diameter and I am going to get a 43mm thread DV lens hood. So I will need a 46mm to 43mm adapter ring right? I screw the adapter ring to 46mm diameter filter and then screw the lens hood onto the other end of the adapter ring that is 43mm. Sorry about a pretty stupid question, just wondering If I got it right.

Generally I don't think using step-down rings is a good idea. If you shoot with your lens at the widest setting you'll almost certainly get the ring into your shot. Stick with 46mm or larger accessories.

As for Premiere, hopefully they've improved the keyer to work with DV footage. I recall the older versions really had a problem with the 4:1:1 color sampling and you'd get nice chunky squares at the edges of the mask. Again, hopefully this won't happen in the new version.

Good luck,
Philip Williams
www.philipwilliams.com

do you know of any lens hoods that work with 46mm filter threads? Thanks

I was just wondering if anyone has tried using the gl2 lens hood on the optura xi? I know I need a 46mm to 58mm step up ring, but thats no problem. I dont really want to use a step down ring because It might get in my shots. I know it would get the job done, but would it look good?

I think the GL2 hood is a bayonet style mount which would be hard to mount to a step ring with out modifying the hood.

I use a Hama hood (click here) (http://www.daveperry.net/xi/) on mine. Available at B&H.

I ended up getting that exact one at B & H, I ordered a step up ring of ebay as well. Thanks for the reply

(where you the one that had those pictues with the hood on the xi?)

I ordered the 52mm Hama hood off of B&H yesterday. The order is still processing, I am just wondering how long it will take before I get a tracking number. I ordered off of beach camera and got a tracking number and shipping confirmation the same day, simply amazing. Anyway, whoever has ordered of B&H generally how long does it take to get your tracking number?

Nate, If you bought it from Ultimate electronics I am not suprised one singal bit. I bought a camcorder from them (a used one supposedly in like new condition) a couple of months when I filmed with it, I saw lines and other marks on the tape while I played it back. I took it to fast track repair, and they said they were the dirtiest heads they have ever seen. I was in shock, it was suppose to be a barely used camera. Anyway they had to completely replace the heads on it. I never got billed, maybe Ultimate new they sold me a rip off camera. I took it to the repair shop through them, don't know how smart that was, but I didn't have to pay for the repair. Now I was driving around one day and found out that Ultimate Electronics here is closing down, hmm wonder why.

I want to set up my Optura XI to record some wildlife remotely. Trying to find a source for a small LCD (?) type video display that could be connected to serve as a remote monitor. Quality isn't particularly important as it would be used mostly for composition.

At the same time, I'm trying to find out what the maximum distance would be for a wired connection from the camera to such a monitor? In most cases we'd be limited the max range of the remote control in any event, but curious to know what the options might be without that limitation.

There are several portable/battery operated LCD monitor solutions on the market for around $299 on up. If you go to B&H Photo's website, search for "portable LCD monitor".

Several people have also reported successfully using portable DVD players as a monitor.

I've also seen some reported attempts at using a portable Playstation, but I'm not sure if they were successful.

Make sure the monitor supports 16:9 if you're going to use it, otherwise your image will appear squished.

Keep us informed on how it works out.

There are several portable/battery operated LCD monitor solutions on the market for around $299 on up. If you go to B&H Photo's website, search for "portable LCD monitor"..

Thanks, Michael. B&H seems to have a number of choices, such as:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=189258

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=381823&is=REG

Even one w/ a built-in TV tuner.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=270601&is=REG

I might be in the city in the near future. I'll have to stop by and check these things out. Unless you know exactly what you're getting, there's no substitute for actually handling these things first.



Several people have also reported successfully using portable DVD players as a monitor.

I've also seen some reported attempts at using a portable Playstation, but I'm not sure if they were successful.


Yeah, but with a Playstation I suppose one would have another diversion were they to get too bored looking at the screen. :)

Hopefully someone will have some input as to the practical limitations with respect to how far apart the camera and such a remote display could work?

Interesting question.

It looks like the practical limit for composite video is about 20-30 meters . S-video's practical limit is 5-7 meters. Per this document, (click here) (http://www.technick.net/public/code/cp_dpage.php?aiocp_dp=guide_cabling#lengthquality)

Another option is to use a laptop in the field. It can act as a monitor and remote control in one package. Unfortunately, firewire has a cable limit of 4.5 meters, so you'd have to use firewire repeater/extenders to get farther away.

Interesting question.

It looks like the practical limit for composite video is about 20-30 meters . S-video's practical limit is 5-7 meters. Per this document, (click here) (http://www.technick.net/public/code/cp_dpage.php?aiocp_dp=guide_cabling#lengthquality)

Another option is to use a laptop in the field. It can act as a monitor and remote control in one package. Unfortunately, firewire has a cable limit of 4.5 meters, so you'd have to use firewire repeater/extenders to get farther away.

Interesting link-- thanks much for that.

I hope to do some testing next week. Interesting that the quality of the firewire cable is such a significant factor. Guess that explains why the prices for any given length of cable can vary so much.

I'll let you know how I make out!

Does the Optura Xi drop some vertical resolution when shooting in 1/30. I have looked at 1/60 and 1/30 and it looks the same. Does anyone know? 1/30 looks more like film to me, and I dont see any drop in res if there is some its so faint I cant notice. Anybody know for sure.