Random, kind of OT question - lens cap

[Colin Zhang]

Hi, I have recently been using the Sony Z1 a lot which of course has the barn doors protecting the lens when not in use. I know the A1 only has a lens cap. Personally I prefer the built-in barn doors on the Sony. I would like to know your opinion: which do you prefer, lens cap or built-in system, and how much of a hassle is it to have to take the cap off, store it somewhere safe, put it on, etc? Also, does anyone know if the cap has something attaching it to the A1 like a string attaching it to the shoulder strap?

[Don Palomaki]

It is a standard Canon lens cap. Not tethered, but I suppose one could buy a lens cap tether from any camera store if needed. Personally I have used and do not especially care for a tether.

I've not used the Sony built-in doors very often, so I cannot make a meaningful comparison on convenience, but I can say the A1 it is no more inconvenient than using a still camera with a lens cap and lens hood. And in my workflow, removing/replacing the lens cap is only at the start/end of a shooting session. In 15+ years and with a variety of camcorders I've only lost one lens cap, over 10 years ago, and I found it in a bit later in a shirt pocket (call that lucky I guess).

Does the barn door scheme work well with lens attachments?
Is it one more mechanical system to jam when you least expect it to do so?

In any case, this is not likely to be a significant consideration for most folks in the camcorder evaluation/selection process.

[Philip Williams]

I really liked the built in doors on the PD150s I used to shoot with occasionally. If someone came out with a version that fit the XH-A1 at a reasonable cost I'd get one.