Many questions.... at DVinfo.net

Dominik Brandys · September 24th, 2010, 08:18 PM

This is kind of a "I need knowledgeable answers to my questions" thread.
how im just going to list my questions in order and maybe you have an answer :)
1.Whats a tripod i should get for 150$?
2.What other accessory should i get?
3.Is there a software i can install that is free so i can plug in my canon xh a1 and use my laptop as the camcorders monitor?
4.Is there any other way of my going tapeless without spending 700$??
thanks :D

Chris Soucy · September 25th, 2010, 01:05 AM

I was going to respond but realised it was so nasty as to have serioulsy disturbed the children and horses, not a good look.

Er, Dominik, read the bloody Forums!

CS

Steve Wolla · September 25th, 2010, 02:01 AM

+1 for what Chris said....
1. No
2. For what kind of shoot? Tripod 1st, I would say.
3&4. Not that you'd want to use.

Why do you want to risk degrading the otherwise excellent results that the XHA1 can give you?

Dominik Brandys · September 25th, 2010, 02:14 AM

sorry ive actually look around the forums and by posting this i was hoping to get some different anwsers anyway how would i degrade my canon im just looking for a software so i can turn my laptops monitor into my canon's viewfinder because i have a hard time trying to focus in a small screen thats all

Chris Soucy · September 25th, 2010, 03:26 AM

Will you just read the bloody Forums for Christsake!

Every question has been asked and answered a zillion times!

A tripod for $150 for a $3000 HD camera!

Your'e either a CH plant or a complete (deleted).

CS

Mark Watson · September 25th, 2010, 03:54 AM

just kidding...

1. Tripod. For $150 dollars you will not be able to use the tripod for good panning shots. They will not be smooth. The more you zoom in, the worse it will look because of the jitteriness. Trust me. And this topic has been discussed many times. Make do without a tripod, or limit your shots to what you can do well, basically no panning.

2. Accessories. I have no idea. Depends on what you're planning to do with your camera. If funds are so tight, than only buy something when you get to the point where you decide it's a necessity. Don't just go out looking for attachments, etc. You can easily spend big money on microphones, batteries, carrying cases, etc. I normally buy extra batteries for everything I buy that is "portable". Without the juice, you're limited to the battery life of what came with your camera.

3. Software. Nothing for free that I'm aware of. You might want to download Canon's Console software. I think it still sells for $600 USD, but you can get a trial version with limited features. I don't think it's necessary for you to go that route. I have connected my Canon XL-H1 to a HDV recording deck and was able to use its larger screen for better focusing. I tried the firewire (IEEE1394) ports first, but there was about a 1-2 second delay in the recorder's display. I tried the S-Video connections and it was more like real-time, so it was a good solution. Your camera doesn't have S-Video, so maybe a computer capture device with component or composite connections will work. There may be too much processing required from the computer to eliminate the delay, I don't know. Another idea would be to find a DVD player with component or composite jacks and try that. Also, a portable DVD player is much more portable than a laptop.

4. Yes, take your IEEE1394 directly into your computer (assuming you have a sufficiently powerful computer) and you can go straight into your NLE software program, such as Sony Vegas, and it will record directly to your hard drive. If you're talking about the systems that plug right into the camera and attach to the camera, well, let us know if you find one for under $700. There's lots of interest in that sort of thing around here.

Mark

Don Palomaki · September 25th, 2010, 09:14 AM

There is an Favorite Accessories thread under way - follow it.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xh...accessory.html

Brows the several forums here for tripods.

If you are looking for a serious tripod that can actually hold the camcorder steady, and at a $150 price point, look for used on eBay, etc. However, how good you need depend on what you are doing. For my purposes a Bogen 501 head on 3021 (probably discontinued) legs has worked well. About $320 for a similar set today, portable and not overkill for my purposes..

Kevin Lewis · September 26th, 2010, 09:49 PM

Chastising Dominick does no good and I think takes away from all that this forum has to offer. Dominick this forum is a great place to get answers from once you understand its etiquette. People are usually encouraged to search the forum prior to asking a question that’s already been addressed. But like your self, I have asked repeat questions just to get a fresh take on things. Information can change quickly and what was the best answer a few months ago, may not be the best answer today. I think that Mark and Dons answers have gotten you off to a good start. PS. Welcome aboard.

September 24th, 2010, 08:18 PM	#1
Dominik Brandys New Boot Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Langley WA Posts: 14	Many questions.... This is kind of a "I need knowledgeable answers to my questions" thread. how im just going to list my questions in order and maybe you have an answer :) 1.Whats a tripod i should get for 150$? 2.What other accessory should i get? 3.Is there a software i can install that is free so i can plug in my canon xh a1 and use my laptop as the camcorders monitor? 4.Is there any other way of my going tapeless without spending 700$?? thanks :D

September 25th, 2010, 01:05 AM	#2
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Er................. I was going to respond but realised it was so nasty as to have serioulsy disturbed the children and horses, not a good look. Er, Dominik, read the bloody Forums! CS

September 25th, 2010, 03:26 AM	#5
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	For crying out loud............. Will you just read the bloody Forums for Christsake! Every question has been asked and answered a zillion times! A tripod for $150 for a $3000 HD camera! Your'e either a CH plant or a complete (deleted). CS

September 25th, 2010, 03:54 AM	#6
Mark Watson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Whidbey Island Posts: 873	Return the camera to its rightful owner. just kidding... 1. Tripod. For $150 dollars you will not be able to use the tripod for good panning shots. They will not be smooth. The more you zoom in, the worse it will look because of the jitteriness. Trust me. And this topic has been discussed many times. Make do without a tripod, or limit your shots to what you can do well, basically no panning. 2. Accessories. I have no idea. Depends on what you're planning to do with your camera. If funds are so tight, than only buy something when you get to the point where you decide it's a necessity. Don't just go out looking for attachments, etc. You can easily spend big money on microphones, batteries, carrying cases, etc. I normally buy extra batteries for everything I buy that is "portable". Without the juice, you're limited to the battery life of what came with your camera. 3. Software. Nothing for free that I'm aware of. You might want to download Canon's Console software. I think it still sells for $600 USD, but you can get a trial version with limited features. I don't think it's necessary for you to go that route. I have connected my Canon XL-H1 to a HDV recording deck and was able to use its larger screen for better focusing. I tried the firewire (IEEE1394) ports first, but there was about a 1-2 second delay in the recorder's display. I tried the S-Video connections and it was more like real-time, so it was a good solution. Your camera doesn't have S-Video, so maybe a computer capture device with component or composite connections will work. There may be too much processing required from the computer to eliminate the delay, I don't know. Another idea would be to find a DVD player with component or composite jacks and try that. Also, a portable DVD player is much more portable than a laptop. 4. Yes, take your IEEE1394 directly into your computer (assuming you have a sufficiently powerful computer) and you can go straight into your NLE software program, such as Sony Vegas, and it will record directly to your hard drive. If you're talking about the systems that plug right into the camera and attach to the camera, well, let us know if you find one for under $700. There's lots of interest in that sort of thing around here. Mark

September 25th, 2010, 09:14 AM	#7
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	There is an Favorite Accessories thread under way - follow it. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xh...accessory.html Brows the several forums here for tripods. If you are looking for a serious tripod that can actually hold the camcorder steady, and at a $150 price point, look for used on eBay, etc. However, how good you need depend on what you are doing. For my purposes a Bogen 501 head on 3021 (probably discontinued) legs has worked well. About $320 for a similar set today, portable and not overkill for my purposes.. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

September 25th, 2010, 02:01 AM	#3
Steve Wolla Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 477	+1 for what Chris said.... 1. No 2. For what kind of shoot? Tripod 1st, I would say. 3&4. Not that you'd want to use. Why do you want to risk degrading the otherwise excellent results that the XHA1 can give you?

September 25th, 2010, 02:14 AM	#4
Dominik Brandys New Boot Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Langley WA Posts: 14	sorry ive actually look around the forums and by posting this i was hoping to get some different anwsers anyway how would i degrade my canon im just looking for a software so i can turn my laptops monitor into my canon's viewfinder because i have a hard time trying to focus in a small screen thats all

September 26th, 2010, 09:49 PM	#8
Kevin Lewis Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, pa Posts: 705	Chastising Dominick does no good and I think takes away from all that this forum has to offer. Dominick this forum is a great place to get answers from once you understand its etiquette. People are usually encouraged to search the forum prior to asking a question that’s already been addressed. But like your self, I have asked repeat questions just to get a fresh take on things. Information can change quickly and what was the best answer a few months ago, may not be the best answer today. I think that Mark and Dons answers have gotten you off to a good start. PS. Welcome aboard.