Various GL1 / XM1 questions

Chris Hurd · May 31st, 2002, 08:15 PM

Lots of folks really love the Canon WD-58, less than $200.

Don Palomaki · June 1st, 2002, 05:51 AM

The canon WD58 is a good choice, provids 0.7x coverage, and is good value for the money. The Century Precision Optics offers several adapters/converters that are excellent products and give wider options, but cost a good bit more. Kenko and Sony offer adapters that should work too - I've not read much about them though.

Raynox offers some cheap clip on adapters, around $100 or less. But reports are that the quality is disappointing and they may tend to fall off. Probably best to avoid them if image quality is important to you.

Rik Sanchez · June 5th, 2002, 08:04 PM

We are using a Kenko wide angle adapter on the Gl-1 in a doc we are making. The gl-1 has a 58mm lens thread and the Kenko has a 52mm thread so we have to use a step up adapter. Now we can't go fully wide since the image will vignette at the corners. I don't know if Kenko makes a 58mm wide angles but I recommend paying more for a good quality lens that will not need a step up filter adapter.

The canon WD-58 sounds good, I'm assuming the 58 in the name means it has a 58mm thread. The cameraman using the gl-1 now has to always check the zoom and make sure he doesn't zoom all the way out, too much hassle just to save a few buck

Rik Sanchez · June 5th, 2002, 08:42 PM

This could make a nice new thread, people's expericences in film/video school. People could talk about which are worthwhile and which are BS. Seems like there are tons of schools offering video degrees. I know several people here in Japan who went to those video schools(in Japan). Don't know how much they cost but they are expensive. These kids have all negative experiences from the schools.

Glad to hear you will graduate soon, I'm sure you will learn more once you are your own and away from that school.

George Gerez · June 6th, 2002, 09:35 AM

>>http://www.bwayphoto.com/

Also they are charging allot for shipping the GL-1 to recupe the low cost.. ask them for the shipping and handeling..

Marcus Farrar · June 6th, 2002, 09:45 AM

I would not advise anyone to purchase from this group. If you do end up actually getting a product after the intence over prices sales pitch. It will most likely be a grey market item. You can check these guys out and see their reviews of previous clients is about the same in every case. Poor service, item not in at that price, over priced add ons, ordered and never got item, ect.

What is it with Brooklyn, NY. I know that all businesses in this area are not bad. Be aware there are a lot of scam businesses out of this area. My advice, check the reviews b/4 you purchase from any company. Or as Chris always says, go with the sponsors of this site. You will find that most of the ligit businesses prices are close to the same as there reviews are. The super low prices are usually a scam so be smart when ordering.

Don Palomaki · June 6th, 2002, 03:41 PM

The Kenko FRW-065Pro has 58mm thread mount, is 0.65x. Street price should be about the same as the WD58.

Rik Sanchez · June 6th, 2002, 06:29 PM

I think they bought the kenko at the last minute and took whatever they had in stock and used the adapter ring to make it fit the GL-1.

It's good arenhansen is taking the time to research the products out there and get one that is right for the camera.

Thanks for the info on the kenko, I don't know what model number the one we are using is but it is definetely not the right one for the GL-1, he should have bought the FRW-065 Pro.

Mouse7316 · June 8th, 2002, 09:47 AM

Hey, my name is Brandon and im planning on starting school at North Carolina State University next fall and I'm going into media communications and going to minor in film. I have been the president of my high schools film club this past year and we filmed a full length movie we showed to a crowd of 400+ one night at school. A producer at a local news station said it was the best student film he had ever seen. I'm looking to do a lot of filming on Mini DV and I am mainly interested in getting the best cinematic video quality. Im really only interested in filming movies. Im really debating between the Sony TRV900 and Canon GL1. I know they are both exceptional camcorders, but I was just wondering which one would be best for me considering what I want to use it for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Brandon

Don Palomaki · June 8th, 2002, 10:37 AM

Both can do good. Which does the school's film department rcommend? Check what they are using.

Kyle "Doc" Mitchell · June 11th, 2002, 08:36 AM

Brandon:

At State we're using Canon GL1's and Sony VX2000's for the most part. There still are some AG-456's SVHS stuff too, if you can believe that. I had to shoot a project with one of those 456 puppies last semester. Its a good camera. Footage came out good considering the restraints I was under.

I've been pushing them to buy more miniDV cameras, but we're under a budget crisis right now. Funding has been cut. Our department, like all of the others has been hit hard. Talked to the department head about this stuff and all we can do is shrug our shoulders. Theres not much I can do as a student. Maybe in a couple of years when you're able to get in the production classes things will change.

Basically though, I've recieved a beating because I'm an XL1 fan! Those guys in the department don't care much for Canon (but they like the GL1, go figure). They're really big into Sony products. Oh well. I just shrug and laugh with them about it. Of course, the instructors and techs do more documentary shooting and I'm into narratives . . . its all personal choice. They also laugh and shake their heads when they hear I use Premiere . . . oh well.

This post was to basically answer the good question from Mr. Palomaki. Of course I'm giving you my interpretation of the department recommends.

I still think its cool to find someone going to NCSU on this board, got your email too by the way. I plan on being in Ashville next weekend - June 21st. We can shoot the bull for half an hour or so if you've got time to spare while I'm up there.

Regards,

Kyle "Doc" Mitchell

Barry Goyette · June 11th, 2002, 11:06 AM

I use the canon adaptor WD-58. It allows you the full zoom range and most of the time looks just as sharp as the original lens.(Occasionally you may have to give the autofocus a little help.) It is a little heavy...but that can be plus if you've got a 945 battery on the back, as it helps even out the balance.

June 21st, 2002, 05:56 AM

Greetings....

I'm about to step into the DV world with a GL-1 and wondered what cable I need to connect the GL-1 to my iMac...it has a firewire port so some firewire cable right? Do I need a special data card installed on the iMac or is this already inside...I have FCP 2.0 ready to go. Any help around this would be great, thanks to all, its a very informative forum.

Namaste,

Michael Hintlian

Jenn Kramer · June 21st, 2002, 09:55 AM

You'll need a firewire cable (6 pin [on the iMac] to 4 pin [on the camera], I believe) and that's it. Fire up the camera, and then fire up FCP2 and you should be good to go.

Jim Sauza · June 22nd, 2002, 10:42 AM

Hi Michael
A good ref. would be any of these books

The complete idiot's guide to iMovie 2
iMovie 2 fast & easy
making iMovies
The little iMovie book

Have fun and let us know how your doing

Jim

May 31st, 2002, 08:15 PM	#181
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Lots of folks really love the Canon WD-58, less than $200. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

June 5th, 2002, 08:04 PM	#183
Rik Sanchez ChorizoSmells Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Osaka, Japan Posts: 424	We are using a Kenko wide angle adapter on the Gl-1 in a doc we are making. The gl-1 has a 58mm lens thread and the Kenko has a 52mm thread so we have to use a step up adapter. Now we can't go fully wide since the image will vignette at the corners. I don't know if Kenko makes a 58mm wide angles but I recommend paying more for a good quality lens that will not need a step up filter adapter. The canon WD-58 sounds good, I'm assuming the 58 in the name means it has a 58mm thread. The cameraman using the gl-1 now has to always check the zoom and make sure he doesn't zoom all the way out, too much hassle just to save a few buck __________________ ChorizoSmells Video Barrio Tamatsukuri, Osaka, JAPAN

June 5th, 2002, 08:42 PM	#184
Rik Sanchez ChorizoSmells Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Osaka, Japan Posts: 424	This could make a nice new thread, people's expericences in film/video school. People could talk about which are worthwhile and which are BS. Seems like there are tons of schools offering video degrees. I know several people here in Japan who went to those video schools(in Japan). Don't know how much they cost but they are expensive. These kids have all negative experiences from the schools. Glad to hear you will graduate soon, I'm sure you will learn more once you are your own and away from that school. __________________ ChorizoSmells Video Barrio Tamatsukuri, Osaka, JAPAN

June 6th, 2002, 09:35 AM	#185
George Gerez Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 49	Beware of BwayPhoto.Com >>http://www.bwayphoto.com/ Also they are charging allot for shipping the GL-1 to recupe the low cost.. ask them for the shipping and handeling.. __________________ George Gerez Tamarac, FL (Broward County) (954)821-3866 gerez@bellsouth.net --- PC Based editor: Adobe Premier Pro, Canopus DV Storm Pro. SONY VX2000, Panasonic DVX100a

June 6th, 2002, 09:45 AM	#186
Marcus Farrar Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC USA Posts: 110	I would not advise anyone to purchase from this group. If you do end up actually getting a product after the intence over prices sales pitch. It will most likely be a grey market item. You can check these guys out and see their reviews of previous clients is about the same in every case. Poor service, item not in at that price, over priced add ons, ordered and never got item, ect. What is it with Brooklyn, NY. I know that all businesses in this area are not bad. Be aware there are a lot of scam businesses out of this area. My advice, check the reviews b/4 you purchase from any company. Or as Chris always says, go with the sponsors of this site. You will find that most of the ligit businesses prices are close to the same as there reviews are. The super low prices are usually a scam so be smart when ordering. __________________ Marcus Farrar Production Director Katana Productions www.katanapro.com

June 1st, 2002, 05:51 AM	#182
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	The canon WD58 is a good choice, provids 0.7x coverage, and is good value for the money. The Century Precision Optics offers several adapters/converters that are excellent products and give wider options, but cost a good bit more. Kenko and Sony offer adapters that should work too - I've not read much about them though. Raynox offers some cheap clip on adapters, around $100 or less. But reports are that the quality is disappointing and they may tend to fall off. Probably best to avoid them if image quality is important to you.

June 6th, 2002, 03:41 PM	#187
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	The Kenko FRW-065Pro has 58mm thread mount, is 0.65x. Street price should be about the same as the WD58.

June 6th, 2002, 06:29 PM	#188
Rik Sanchez ChorizoSmells Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Osaka, Japan Posts: 424	I think they bought the kenko at the last minute and took whatever they had in stock and used the adapter ring to make it fit the GL-1. It's good arenhansen is taking the time to research the products out there and get one that is right for the camera. Thanks for the info on the kenko, I don't know what model number the one we are using is but it is definetely not the right one for the GL-1, he should have bought the FRW-065 Pro. __________________ ChorizoSmells Video Barrio Tamatsukuri, Osaka, JAPAN

June 8th, 2002, 09:47 AM	#189
Mouse7316 Tourist Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 4	GL1 or TRV900 Hey, my name is Brandon and im planning on starting school at North Carolina State University next fall and I'm going into media communications and going to minor in film. I have been the president of my high schools film club this past year and we filmed a full length movie we showed to a crowd of 400+ one night at school. A producer at a local news station said it was the best student film he had ever seen. I'm looking to do a lot of filming on Mini DV and I am mainly interested in getting the best cinematic video quality. Im really only interested in filming movies. Im really debating between the Sony TRV900 and Canon GL1. I know they are both exceptional camcorders, but I was just wondering which one would be best for me considering what I want to use it for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Brandon

June 8th, 2002, 10:37 AM	#190
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	Both can do good. Which does the school's film department rcommend? Check what they are using.

June 11th, 2002, 08:36 AM	#191
Kyle "Doc" Mitchell Doconomus Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 100	Brandon: At State we're using Canon GL1's and Sony VX2000's for the most part. There still are some AG-456's SVHS stuff too, if you can believe that. I had to shoot a project with one of those 456 puppies last semester. Its a good camera. Footage came out good considering the restraints I was under. I've been pushing them to buy more miniDV cameras, but we're under a budget crisis right now. Funding has been cut. Our department, like all of the others has been hit hard. Talked to the department head about this stuff and all we can do is shrug our shoulders. Theres not much I can do as a student. Maybe in a couple of years when you're able to get in the production classes things will change. Basically though, I've recieved a beating because I'm an XL1 fan! Those guys in the department don't care much for Canon (but they like the GL1, go figure). They're really big into Sony products. Oh well. I just shrug and laugh with them about it. Of course, the instructors and techs do more documentary shooting and I'm into narratives . . . its all personal choice. They also laugh and shake their heads when they hear I use Premiere . . . oh well. This post was to basically answer the good question from Mr. Palomaki. Of course I'm giving you my interpretation of the department recommends. I still think its cool to find someone going to NCSU on this board, got your email too by the way. I plan on being in Ashville next weekend - June 21st. We can shoot the bull for half an hour or so if you've got time to spare while I'm up there. Regards, Kyle "Doc" Mitchell

June 11th, 2002, 11:06 AM	#192
Barry Goyette Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo CA Posts: 1,195	I use the canon adaptor WD-58. It allows you the full zoom range and most of the time looks just as sharp as the original lens.(Occasionally you may have to give the autofocus a little help.) It is a little heavy...but that can be plus if you've got a 945 battery on the back, as it helps even out the balance.

June 21st, 2002, 05:56 AM	#193
StreetShot Posts: n/a	GL-1 connect to an iMac... Greetings.... I'm about to step into the DV world with a GL-1 and wondered what cable I need to connect the GL-1 to my iMac...it has a firewire port so some firewire cable right? Do I need a special data card installed on the iMac or is this already inside...I have FCP 2.0 ready to go. Any help around this would be great, thanks to all, its a very informative forum. Namaste, Michael Hintlian

June 21st, 2002, 09:55 AM	#194
Jenn Kramer Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 389 Images: 1	You'll need a firewire cable (6 pin [on the iMac] to 4 pin [on the camera], I believe) and that's it. Fire up the camera, and then fire up FCP2 and you should be good to go.

June 22nd, 2002, 10:42 AM	#195
Jim Sauza "SuperSparks" Join Date: May 2002 Location: Stafford Va. USA Posts: 41	Hi Michael A good ref. would be any of these books The complete idiot's guide to iMovie 2 iMovie 2 fast & easy making iMovies The little iMovie book Have fun and let us know how your doing Jim __________________ -------------------------- Hump? What Hump?