Hi guys,
I've got a couple of questions regarding the Canon XL2 and Firestore FS-3. I've just read Ken Tanaka's excellent review regarding the FS-3 and XL1, great reading and it gave me a real insight into these units.

Now the question is, as the XL2 comes with the shoulder pad built in (i.e. not an addon like the XL1) how does the FS-3 mount to it? Indeed can it be mounted to the XL2?

Also all the reviews and discussions I've read regarding Canon XL1/XL2 camera's and FS-3 devices involve replacing the Canon battery system with a pro battery system such a PAG or AB. Is this a necessity or can the existing Canon power system still be used for the camera? If the latter is possible, how is the FS-3 powered - does it have a seperate battery and does this need to be a Pro Anton Baudier/PAG etc.. system?

Sorry to ask so many questions! Hope that somebody can answer them for me and that the answers are useful to others!

Thanks
Richard

Well, it could be said that the very soon-to-be-released FireStore FS-4 Pro would be easier to use with your XL than the FS-3. Smaller, lighter, built-in detachable battery and designed for smaller camcorders - whereas the FS-3 was originally designed for full-size professional broadcast camcorders. It is not that you cannot mount the FS-3 to an XL, you can - and I was the first to do this on an XL1s a good two years ago using the Dolgin PowerBrace
http://noisybrain.com/firestore/donberube_concept1
http://noisybrain.com/firestore/donberube_concept2
as well as an MA100 and the Anton Bauer QR-XL1-C with an FS-3 fitted for AB Goldmount batts.
http://noisybrain.com/firestore/woods_hole_FS3_ad.pdf

Now I am using the IDX A-E2XL1 - DV Camera Power Adaptor with IDX Endura 50 V-mount batteries.
http://www.idxtek.com/accessories.htm

You can mount either adaptor onto the new metal backplate included with the new XL2 using the 3 mounting srew holes. I'll try to take some pics and post them when I get the chance. Just *extremely* busy right now with a current project deadline. I can briefly show you an idea of how the FS-4 can be mounted onto the XL2, following are some pics of an early FS-4 beta unit which I mounted onto the metal backplate of the XL2. This should give you an idea of how easily FireSore works with the XL2.
http://noisybrain.com/firestore/fs4_proto_pix

Many different ways to power the FS-3 including the DC IN port (4-pin XLR).

I love my FS-3!

Best regards,

- don

Hi Don,
Many thanks for that! Looks like the FS-4 might do me better! Cheaper as well!!!

Can the battery be changed whilst its mounted? Also, your beta version seems to be in some kind of holder which is mounted on to the plate. Can these be obtained or was it one of your own?

Cheers
Richard