Hey, just got an XL1s and I am getting to know it. Its a great machine to have for sure. Here are my questions. If I go to a maual setting and get in the menu items I can for instance reduce the color until it is b&w, but how do I get it to stay like that when I go to record? The manual says to press the custom preset on/off button but I can't find this button! Where is it? In the menu somewhere? I know I'm a dummy but...! Also is there a way to import analog (vhs from a vcr) into my mac direct through the cam or do I have to record it on a mini dv tape in the cam and then import it? Thanks to all!

The Custom Preset Select and On / Off buttons are located on the top of the camcorder body, below the grip handle (see attached photo below). Yes you can import analog video through the line-in jacks for real-time conversion to DV over FireWire output -- no recording necessary. See your operator's manual for the specific details (should be on page 99). Hope this helps,

Dear Chris,

I think that is a photo of an XL2.

The XL1s Custom Presets are described on Page 69 of the manual.

What the... what forum am I again? Geez, I shouldn't drink NyQuil before 6pm.

Okay, let's try this again... they're under the sliding red cover. Yeah, that's it...

still no luck finding this button.....

oops sorry, just saw the new message from Chris, thanks! btw, my band The Kings has a neat vid of our hit, 'This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide' on youtube, should pass 11,000 plays this week, part of it shot with XL1s. It's cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRfyG48yn4

thanks guys, with your help and some back to the manual cramming I got it figured out. Its a cool feature to have set up in advance.