This is a question of Security, theft security on the XL1S.

I was wondering if there is anyway to lock all controls on the XL1S. So that anyone, not entering the correct sequence on the camera will not be able to Use the camera.

If someone had the nerve to break into and thieve a piece of my equipment, I would be able to have the last laugh.

Just curious...

I think it would be a nice addition to the camera, if it had that type of feature.

Cheers!

Derrick

There is no way to lock the controls, and I doubt there ever will be... the best security for preventing unauthorized camera access is a lockable case, and constant vigilence and control of the gear.

I was talking with a fellow DVInfo.net member today about this subject. He is a wedding videographer. We were talking about how high the theft rate is amongst people who shoot weddings. From what he was saying, it is a pretty hot topic on the WEVA board. He was saying that most videographers higher an assistant just to watch the gear.

Pretty expensive security. Who watches the assistant?

Yes, I'm not surprised to hear theft is high among wedding shooters. The events are chaotic, equipment is often consumer or prosumer grade (i.e. easily used or sold and easily carried away). Certainly it makes alot of sense to bring an assistant and, when framed against the potential expense of key equipment losses, paying someone a few bucks is basically free protection.

Seems to me that with the cameras needing servicing every so often that Canon could have a list of stolen ID #s. That would make it difficult at best to keep a stolen cam functioning properly.

Chris

I've seen wedding photographers leave there stuff where it just ask to be stolen. Put your stuff up behind the alter somewhere. Most people don't go up there.

If they put some locking device on a camera, it would for sure not unlock when you needed to use it.

Consider the use effctiveness of similar protection schemes on laptop/notebook computers. Any electronic locking device can be hacked, if it is of sufficient alue.

Most consumers never send a camcorder back for repairs, especially if they suspect it is HOT, as a too-good price might indicate.

If y one has to leave stuff unattended, keep it far as you can from doors, exits, asnd palces were random folks and guests are likely to go. Keep it among the other workign professionals (if you an trust them).

I've a friend who is in charge of the claims department for a major property and casualty insurer. We were talking a few years ago about claims after I had a small loss. He stated that insurers estimate that about 1/3 of the claims for cameras (pro and amateur) and related goods are fraud.

Small losses aren't investigated by the insurers. They rely on the police report. Police are too busy to worry about even a couple thousand dollar camera and just write up the report.

When my company was in the repair business, a couple of the manufactures maintained a data base of serial numbers from stolen goods. But back then not everybody owned a video camera. Today, the penetration of video cameras in households has got to be over 50%. The cost of maintaining that data base today would be too costly.

Jeff

<<I was wondering if there is anyway to lock all controls on the XL1S. So that anyone, not entering the correct sequence on the camera will not be able to Use the camera.>>

I read awhile back that some of the cellular phone manufacturers, as well as gun manufacturers, are working on a thumbprint security scanner. That was maybe three years ago when I read it, so maybe they're already being used somewhere. Great idea, though. When you buy it, you scan in your thumbprint and put in a secret code. After that, it'll only unlock itself if your thumbprint matches.

Canon...you listening?

No gloves, no bandaids, etc.

With gloves, you'd only have to take them off for a second to scan your thumb.

Bandaids, though...now that's a problem.

It'd be a bummer if you got a cut that altered your fingerprint.
Chris

Be aware that finger print scanners have been hacked using fake fingers made with gorcery store ingredants. Not rocket science either

As a security measure they are good only if combined with a PIN and perhaps some additional information such as a smart card. Wehre would the thief find the finger print? maybe on the rest of the camcorder in inthe gear bag.

I think the ideas shared on this thread are awesome. I want an electrical implant that only allows me to use it. HAR HAR.

Being in my neighborhood, I would like this option. Its a piece of equipment with a high price tag and should be protected.

A deterrent would be nice. Chances are a thief in my neigborhood will hawk it for some quick cash. If it doesn't work, well too bad, no cash for you "Zippa Head." Just the deterrent.

I want Lo-Jack for my camera and a GPS of it. Electronics are getting so tiny that I'd pay a buck a month to know its being tracked. But that's me...

Cheers!

That sounds more hi-tech than my car security. How about a secure media card with a code matched to the serial number but with 128 bit encryption. Slip the card into a built in reader and if it matches, the camera powers up. Have a menu item to disable security if you don't want it. Lose the card and you send the camera back to Canon.

Jeff

How about retinal scanning through the viewfinder?