Hey everyone. My company has decided to purchase a Canon Xl1s camera and the essential accessories. We're going to be producing a series of short films and commercials, and I need to beef up my equipment list.

I've done a fair amount of reading of all the threads here and have a pretty good idea of what I need. I just need some more thoughts from some of you who have used this equipment for awhile.

I'm going to tell you what I already have, and then perhaps some of you can give me some suggestions on how to spend this $6,000. Note: (this money is just for equipment, not food for actors and other costs associated with filmmaking).


I have:
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1 Sienheisser ME/66 Shotgun Mic with gitza pole.
1 Beachtek XLR adapter
I Sony VX2000
2 tota lights
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SO, I plan on getting the XL1s, with the color viewfinder and the regular lens. I will probably sell my beloved VX2000. Most places price this the Canon with the viewfinder and lens at around $3,500, which leaves me with $2,500 IF I get the Canon with the regular zoom lens. Quick question, is it better to forgo the standard lens and get the 16x Manual Servo lens instead? Notice how I don't have a tripod, can anyone recommend a decent fluidhead? Anything else you would spend the cash on? Certain filters, adapters, lenses, chargers, lights etc. Would you purchase a sound mixer? An extra mic, or a wireless mic set? I know it all depends on what I'm doing, (mostly short, dramatic films) I'm just looking for some advice on what items and accessories you have all found essential to your shooting experience. Hopefully this can guide my purchase because I really don't have time to test this stuff out extensively before I buy.

Any advice is appreciated as always.

Brad

Regarding a tripod for you, be sure to browse the weath of information in our Support Your Local Camera (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=42) forum. There are several threads which discuss tripod options for the XL1S.

The stock lens that comes with the camera is great for hand-held "running and gunning." If you're working mostly from a tripod, you might appreciate the 16x manual lens instead. It all depends on what you're doing.

thanks Chris. Didn't even notice that forum. Wow this place has grown this past year. Good work!

Yes, I think I will get the standard lens for now, and then get the manual down the road.

<<<-- Originally posted by Brad Simmons :
Yes, I think I will get the standard lens for now, and then get the manual down the road. -->>>

Everyone else I've noticed making this same decision, regretted not getting the manual from the very beginning! :)

>>>Everyone else I've noticed making this same decision, regretted not getting the manual from the very beginning!<<<

Me too! If your shooting style permits, I would suggest the manual lens also. Since I got my "M16X", I've only used the auto 16x once or twice. The auto 3X has been my favorite though. I just wish Canon made a manual version of it. The focus rings on both auto lenses really stink.

G

#1) tripod.
Best value for the buck may be the Manfrotto 501 or 503 head.

#2) 3x wide angle lens.


If you are doing non-tripod, hand-held stuff, than I'd stick with the stock lens due to it's image stabilization. If you are doing all tirpod shooting, and have to the option of taking the manual lens, instead of the stock one, I'd go do it.

Well, let me just say that the main purpose of this Canon will be to shoot short films and commercials. So, I don't think I will be using a tripod all the time, I do enjoy shooting handheld. From what I've read in the reviews, I see that it's hard to maintain stabilty with the manual, which is why you mention the tripod? Yet I also hear that most people never go back to the auto lens one they get the manual lens. What I'm thinking is that I will just get both lenses, just in case I need the auto lens, as Chris said.

Here is my budget breakdown so far, ie what I think I will purchase.

1. Canon XL-1S Base blus 16x Standard Lens and Color Viewfinder
$3,550.00
2. 16 Manual Servo Zoom Lens
$1, 350.00
3. Canon MA-200 Dual XLR Adaper and Shoulder Pad
$360.00
4. CH-910 Dual Battery Power Adapter
$150.00
5. 2 BP-930 Batteries
$160 (80$ each)
6. Film Look DV Filter Kit from zgc.
$194 .00
7. SI-XL1 System Isolator
$100.00


Am I off base here?

The total of this equals $5,864 if bought by B&H. I think I will eventually get this from www.zgc.com though.

I like the shoulder mount aspect of the MA 200, even though I don't think I need 4 xlr inputs, supposedly it provides a better shoulder rest right?

Brad,
If you're still shopping, consider getting BP-945 (or equivalent) batteries. Much longer-lasting. Power 2000 and Lenmar both make excellent BP-945 equivalents for just a small amount more than you list for the BP-930's.

The 16x auto lens is better for most handheld shots. It's markedly lighter and features the image stabilizer. Yes, some folks claim they can shoot handheld just as well with the 16x manual. OK. The 16x manual servo is good for mounted or externally stabilized precision work.

The MA-200 is larger than the MA-100 and does provide a better shoulder mount. But the XL1s is really not comfortable for long-term shoulder shooting; most of the camera's weight lands on your right arm anyway. I've found that one of the best features of the MA-200 is it's BNC video-out connector, very handy when using a professional field monitor.

Have fun!

thanks for the advise Ken, especially about the batteries. I thought I could save money by getting the the mid range, but I should probably get the longest lasting kind. I do have a lithium battery charger for my old Sony VX2000, (don't know if it's cross compatible) but I think I'll just sell it and get the CH-910 to mount on the MA200.

Do you know if it's possible to mount a wireless receiver as well as the battery adapter on the MA-200?

You mention a field monitor as well. Can you recommend one of those?

Do you know if it's possible to mount a wireless receiver as well as the battery adapter on the MA-200? Challenging but possible. The 910 mounts to a pre-determined location on an extendable bracket at the back of the MA-200. It's possible to mount the receiver, with velcro, to the 910.
You mention a field monitor as well. Can you recommend one of those?I most often use a Panasonic 7" LCD high-res monitor mounted to the XL1s' handle shoe. Lightweight, full-frame display (unlike the viewfinder), 4:3 and 16:9 display modes. These are sold by Nebtek (www.nebtek.com) which can adapt them to use BP-series batteries, a very handy conversion well worth the addditional cost. (The alternative is to use a/c or 12v batteries.) They have a few other models of good, bright monitors, also. It beats schlepping my 12 lb 8" Sony PVM8042Q CRT monitor, which would be my alternative.

thanks Ken, checking that out right now...

MA-100 works well, provides a good shoulder pad, and 2 channel support. And RCA-BNC adapters cost cost a lot less (around $2) than the $180 difference in price vs. the MA-200. Three foot BNC-RCA cables start at $6.39 at Markertek.

Tryp hands on with both if you can to see which is more comfortable/convenient for you.

<<<-- Originally posted by Ken Tanaka : Challenging but possible. The 910
I most often use a Panasonic 7" LCD high-res monitor mounted to the XL1s' handle shoe. Lightweight, full-frame display (unlike the viewfinder), 4:3 and 16:9 display modes. These are sold by www.nebtek.com]>>>


Hey Ken,

I've always wanted to get an LCD for my XL1, but I am worried that all these
LCDs seem like they have a low pixel count. How well does this one do when
trying to find focus in very low light situations and how well does it perform
outside on a bright day?

Do you have to use a sun shade or just keep it out of direct sunlight?

How long does the battery last?

Thanks

Your in good hands Brad. The homework will pay-off.

Regarding the LCD display. In bright light my LCD is terrible and unreadable. Indoors or night it works quite well. I use it predominantly to compose a frame at a seminar.

When filmmaking/DV making I prefer the eyepiece and a monitor if applicable.

Good Journey!

Jaques,
I had the same experience as Derrick relayed with my first cheapo lcd's. Dim, coarse displays of little practical use.

Then I found this Panasonic. It's a whole different animal. Go to the Nebtek site and compare the resolution and brightness (in NITS). Personally, I find it the equivalent of a Sony 8" CRT. (Hoodman also makes an excellent hood for it.) A BP-930 will last at least 2 hrs (I've never run one completely down on the monitor yet, so I really don't know.)

The Panasonic's pricey, weighing-in at nearly what a Sony 8" will cost. But you really do get equivalent value. Be sure to get the shoe mount with it.

I would rather get a real monitor than spend the money on the LCD, mainly because I'll be looking through the viewfinder, and the director will need to see the footage as well, and I don't think it will work with him standing around me, getting in the way while he tries to watch the LCD.

Now I'm starting to run out of money hehe.

Not meaning to change the subject, but what are you using for a tripod and what kind of budget do you have for one?

well I have a few hundred dollars left at the most for a tripod. I know I've seen tripods in the thousands, but I really don't think I'll need anything major. I currently have a real cheap one (non fluid head). Can you recommend something in that range that would be good for the XL1s? I've browsed through the pod forum but I am a bit confused about what's the best value for the money.

I ordered the camera from www.zgc.com today, and they said it should arrive tomorrow! Can't wait!

Sure thang...

Im using the BOGEN MANFROTTO 3246 with the 501 HEAD. The tripod has a geared center column, and can be raised, well... very high (8+ feet) and still be stable. You'll just need a ladder to reach it.

I wouldn't want to lug it around to long, though I have modified it with two clips and a leather strap as a sling.

The 501 Head has been excellent!

Cost: 501 Head (BH Photo) 145.00
Cost: 3246 Tripod (JandR) 185.00

Avoid cheap-O tripods. My friends XL1S fell off one and it never has been the same. Even after sending it to Canon. The footage that he captured looks like uneditable crap, its starts out good, then the camera looks like it hits some choppy water. He's twisted the locks on the head so tight they don't work anymore.

Cheers!

Awesome! I like that tripod (at least what I can see now)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/191754/BO3046B3433/REG/5137

thanks for the info. Good price too!

We'll help yah spend it...

Its a good investment! Though I have a longing for the Cine-Alta...

Cheers!

Why did you decide to get the 16x manual and the 16x auto?

<<<-- Originally posted by John Threat : Why did you decide to get the 16x manual and the 16x auto? -->>>

Well, I'd been reading up on a lot of threads here, and the general feeling I got was that the auto lens would be nice to have, just in case I needed to service my manual lens, and because the auto lens has a slower zoom...plus I wouldn't mind having it for general hand held run around shooting.

I ordered the manual lens because I figured I would eventually need it for more focused shots on a tripod, plus I want to learn how to use such a lens, having only really used a VX2000 before. Do you think I made a wrong decision?

I don't think you made the wrong decision, Brad... each lens has its own particular application. Right tool, right job sort of thing.

I agree that the auto lens is good to have. I bought my original XL1 with only the manual and 3x lenses, and missed not having the flexibility of the 16x auto's IS. When I bought my XL1s I intentionally got the 16x auto lens with it.

Good call, Brad.

I can't wait for my Canon to arrive! I've never been so excited before. It was supposed to arrive today but I think UPS is delaying it until Monday. Argh!!

Brad,
You may also want to consider a Pelican or Kata case for the system and all the accessories.

I am also looking closely at the FU 1000 viewfinder for the Canon, the colour viewfinder that it comes with is very difficult to get a good focus with in anything other than perfect conditions, it is a bit pricey though.

I see you have a shotgun mike, I use the same one with good results, have you also thought about a couple of lav mikes, especially wireless.

Hope this helps,

Best Regards

Steve G

Steve,
If you haven't seen our FU-1000 article (http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/articles/article83.php), it may be of interest to you a prospective buyer.

My Xl1s arrived today! Wow this thing is beautiful! I've been tinkering around with it all day and I love it! I got it from ZGC upon recommendation by this forum. Great service from those guys. Thanks again to you all for all the advise regarding my purchase.

Hi Brad,

My $00.02:

It sounds to me like you are looking to make a quantum leap from your current gear situation (VX2000, etc). I suggest you go for the Canon 16X Manual/ Servo lens. That is the one lens I use the most with the XL1S. I shoot handheld with this lens all the time. This is the lens I use the most. Same 72mm screw-on thread mount as the other XL lenses. Do I miss the IS when using the 16X M/S lens? No. I tend to use accessories which add a bit of weight to camera anyways, so it all balances out.

The Manfrotto 3283B/ 501 combo is your best value at the moment. Spend a little more and you can get the even nicer 503 head which has an extendable pan-handle (rather than a fixed length pan handle as on the 501) and a more fluid feel.

For an LCD panel, the Nebtek/ Panasonic NEB70XL is the way to go. You can buy this from ZGC as well.

- don

I agree with Don. I would not get two lenses, nearly identical, off the bat. Spend the extra money on the 3X if needed, or better tripod, or more batteries, or a case or . . . You get the picture, there are lots of things to spend money on rather than two lenses that are almost the same.

Agreed, you are better off with just one of the 16x lenses, plus the 3x, rather than only both of the 16x lenses.

Brad, another thing that you might want to look at, if you're doing outside work is a blimp and a furry for your microphone to cut down wind noise.

As mentioned by Jeff, you'll want a case to hold that lovely camera in and stop it from getting smashed. I have an XM2 and use a plastic toolbox which I bought REAL cheap (NZ$17). While adequate at the moment, it's not particularly convenient and not watertight. I will eventually buy a proper one, but those things just seem ridiculously expensive for what they are....Hey what the hell am I saying, this is the video industry, everything is expensive ;)

Depending on whether you have some help or not, you might want a LANC controller so you can zoom and all that from the panhandle on the tripod and not have to touch the camera. I did a series of workshops at a conference over easter and I've decided I want one of those things real soon. I had to use the controls the on camera and while possible was a little awkward.

You mentioned the FILM DV filter kit. You might be able to do without that and do your stuff in post if you want to save some $$. Some people here recommend just shooting clean and doing it in post, that way you get most freedom of choice.


Cheers
Aaron

Thanks Aaron, and everyone else. I'll look into all of these things. So many accessories, so little cash now. ;)