Canons Console Software at DVinfo.net

Ravi Kumar · November 14th, 2006, 01:57 PM

Has anyone used this software from Canon. Currently canon is giving it to try out for XLH1 and XL2 owners I guess. Does any one know if this comes along with either A1 or G1 in the box ?

Bill Doyle · November 14th, 2006, 03:19 PM

Ravi,

Console is approximately $500-$600 and is fully supported by the A1 and G1. There is a 30-day trial available to see if it meets your needs. I have not seen any comprehensive reviews or how it compares to the other tapeless solutions, but obviously you have much more control with Console than the others when you use a Canon camera.

Bill Doyle

Brian Farris · November 14th, 2006, 04:02 PM

Too bad it only runs on Windows :(

Jonathan Plotkin · December 6th, 2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Doyle

Ravi,

Console is approximately $500-$600 and is fully supported by the A1 and G1. There is a 30-day trial available to see if it meets your needs. I have not seen any comprehensive reviews or how it compares to the other tapeless solutions, but obviously you have much more control with Console than the others when you use a Canon camera.

Bill Doyle

I just got off the phone with Canon after a frustrating morning trying to get my XH-A1 to talk to the console software. They say that it requires version 1.1, which isn't available yet. Have you been able to get the download to work?? Thanks!

JP

Richard Hunter · December 8th, 2006, 09:31 PM

I just downloaded and installed the console software, but it says "camera not supported" when I connect up my A1. Wonder when V1.1 will come out.

Richard

Pete Bauer · December 9th, 2006, 07:02 AM

I'm puzzled about this, because Canon sent out version 1.1 of Console with the loaner-for-review XH A1's last month. AFAIK, it looks to be a release version and since the A1 has been out for over a month...

I'll check with a Canon rep on Monday (but probably only if y'all remind me).

FWIW, I've given the Canon guys a hard time about the price of Console in the past and didn't buy it for my XL H1's. I still would label it as "expensive" but the more I've worked with it over the past few weeks with the A1, especially regarding the speed and ease with which you can play with presets, the more I feel it is a "must have" if you really want to get the most out of the camera.

Dan Keaton · December 10th, 2006, 07:01 AM

I can confirm that you definitely need Console Version 1.1 to work with the XH A1 or XH G1.

I can also confirm that it is a very nice piece of software.

It is most helpful when adjusting presets.

It is also very nice if you have to duplicate the lighting from a previous setup. You can compare one previously recorded image to the live image from the camera.

With Version 1.0, you can not "Onion Skin" or overlay one image exactly on top of another, so that you can place the camera in the same exact spot as a previous setup, or see if some prop has moved. You have to compare two side by side images to do this. I have not tested Version 1.1, but I assume that this has not changed.

"Console" does a great job of recording. To ensure that your computer is fast enough, it has a test function in which it makes a trial recording and then reports the results.

I found that my desktop, a Pentium 4, 3.4 ghz with SATA drives far exceeded its requirements.

I tested an HP Laptop, an average laptop, costing under $1,000 when new 2 years ago, also exceeded the requirements. I thought this was great because this laptop had a slower disk drive which is typical of most laptops.

The software appears to be bug free, as far as I can tell.

I highly recommend that you call Jason Price at TapeWorksTexas (866-827-3489) and get a quote for the Canon Console Software. Be sure to specify that you need Version 1.1. TapeWorksTexas is one of DVInfo.net's sponsors and provides outstanding customer service.

One word of caution. While your camera is in External Control mode, you can operate the zoom, focus, and other controls, and the Console software operator can also adjust any of these controls and presets.

However, while in External Control mode, the LANC port which is usually used for tripod mounted zoom and focus controllers will not work. You can still use the controls on the camera.

One would normally operate the camera in External Control mode as this enables all of the Console software's features and functions.

If you just intend on using the Console software just to view the camera's image and record the footage as desired, then you can put the camera in any of the normal camera modes (as opposed to External Control mode). In this mode, the LANC port works as normal so you can use your zoom/focus controllers.

If you are in a situation wherre you can be attached to a laptop or desktop computer via a firewire cable, then I highly recommend this software over other dual or tapeless recording solutions. I have not tried long firewire cables, but I understand that they do work.

Please note that the image you see via the Console Software is delayed. For this reason I think it is best to allow the camera operator to control the zoom/focus in some situations.

Jay Fisk · December 21st, 2006, 03:14 PM

Has anyone been successful in running Console on a Mac with Parallels or Bootcamp? The Ver 1.1 owner's manual is up on the canon website now as a PDF. Hmmmm.....

Michael Y Wong · December 21st, 2006, 05:59 PM

Does the Console Software successfully split up m2t 60i, 30f, and 24f material shot from the A1? This would prove invaluable (for me @ least) since HDVsplit doesnt seem to be compatible with Canon HDV.

Chris Hurd · December 21st, 2006, 07:45 PM

Hi Michael,

If I'm understanding your question correctly, if you're referring to clips that have been recorded with Console, all it can do at that point is simply play back files. There's no capability for changing them by splitting or trimming, etc. (you can always re-name them from Windows File Explorer, of course).

Rick Hensley · December 21st, 2006, 11:05 PM

here is a very short review of the console

http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomon...ssue/7398.html

Richard Hunter · December 22nd, 2006, 04:54 AM

I managed to download V1.1 and it works fine with my XH-A1. Has some nice features, and if it was $100 or less I would purchase it. At >$500, it's not that useful to me.

Richard

Michael Bartolo · December 28th, 2006, 02:01 AM

I am looking at Console for my A1 but am a little concerned about its useability. I am looking to buy a laptop with the Vista operating system. Does any know if I can move and operate the Console v1.1 software and license to my new computer when I buy the computer in a few months. I got really concerned when I learned that the current version of Nikon NX photo raw software is not VISTA capable. At $600 a pop I do not want to pay for Console again because it either is not compatible with the operating system or the license cannot be transfered to another machine.

Tom McDougal · December 28th, 2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Bartolo

I am looking at Console for my A1 but am a little concerned about its useability. I am looking to buy a laptop with the Vista operating system. Does any know if I can move and operate the Console v1.1 software and license to my new computer when I buy the computer in a few months. I got really concerned when I learned that the current version of Nikon NX photo raw software is not VISTA capable. At $600 a pop I do not want to pay for Console again because it either is not compatible with the operating system or the license cannot be transfered to another machine.

Im currenlty running demo verison of Console (not sure which verison but i d/l it stairght from adobe site) in Vista RC2...so i doubt their would be a problem with RTM

Brendan Marnell · December 28th, 2006, 04:46 PM

Would anyone please suggest a pc laptop + small monitor combo for wildlife videography; preferably with 2 USB ports and a firewire port ... robust + compact + easy on rechargeable batteries for less than $1000?

November 14th, 2006, 01:57 PM	#1
Ravi Kumar New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 17	Canons Console Software Has anyone used this software from Canon. Currently canon is giving it to try out for XLH1 and XL2 owners I guess. Does any one know if this comes along with either A1 or G1 in the box ?

November 14th, 2006, 04:02 PM	#3
Brian Farris Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 99	Too bad it only runs on Windows :( __________________ Videography Blog - http://www.video.thirdprong.com/blog/

December 9th, 2006, 07:02 AM	#6
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	I'm puzzled about this, because Canon sent out version 1.1 of Console with the loaner-for-review XH A1's last month. AFAIK, it looks to be a release version and since the A1 has been out for over a month... I'll check with a Canon rep on Monday (but probably only if y'all remind me). FWIW, I've given the Canon guys a hard time about the price of Console in the past and didn't buy it for my XL H1's. I still would label it as "expensive" but the more I've worked with it over the past few weeks with the A1, especially regarding the speed and ease with which you can play with presets, the more I feel it is a "must have" if you really want to get the most out of the camera. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

December 10th, 2006, 07:01 AM	#7
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	I can confirm that you definitely need Console Version 1.1 to work with the XH A1 or XH G1. I can also confirm that it is a very nice piece of software. It is most helpful when adjusting presets. It is also very nice if you have to duplicate the lighting from a previous setup. You can compare one previously recorded image to the live image from the camera. With Version 1.0, you can not "Onion Skin" or overlay one image exactly on top of another, so that you can place the camera in the same exact spot as a previous setup, or see if some prop has moved. You have to compare two side by side images to do this. I have not tested Version 1.1, but I assume that this has not changed. "Console" does a great job of recording. To ensure that your computer is fast enough, it has a test function in which it makes a trial recording and then reports the results. I found that my desktop, a Pentium 4, 3.4 ghz with SATA drives far exceeded its requirements. I tested an HP Laptop, an average laptop, costing under $1,000 when new 2 years ago, also exceeded the requirements. I thought this was great because this laptop had a slower disk drive which is typical of most laptops. The software appears to be bug free, as far as I can tell. I highly recommend that you call Jason Price at TapeWorksTexas (866-827-3489) and get a quote for the Canon Console Software. Be sure to specify that you need Version 1.1. TapeWorksTexas is one of DVInfo.net's sponsors and provides outstanding customer service. One word of caution. While your camera is in External Control mode, you can operate the zoom, focus, and other controls, and the Console software operator can also adjust any of these controls and presets. However, while in External Control mode, the LANC port which is usually used for tripod mounted zoom and focus controllers will not work. You can still use the controls on the camera. One would normally operate the camera in External Control mode as this enables all of the Console software's features and functions. If you just intend on using the Console software just to view the camera's image and record the footage as desired, then you can put the camera in any of the normal camera modes (as opposed to External Control mode). In this mode, the LANC port works as normal so you can use your zoom/focus controllers. If you are in a situation wherre you can be attached to a laptop or desktop computer via a firewire cable, then I highly recommend this software over other dual or tapeless recording solutions. I have not tried long firewire cables, but I understand that they do work. Please note that the image you see via the Console Software is delayed. For this reason I think it is best to allow the camera operator to control the zoom/focus in some situations. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

December 21st, 2006, 03:14 PM	#8
Jay Fisk Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CSL BCS MX Posts: 67	Has anyone been successful in running Console on a Mac with Parallels or Bootcamp? The Ver 1.1 owner's manual is up on the canon website now as a PDF. Hmmmm..... Last edited by Jay Fisk; December 21st, 2006 at 03:53 PM.

November 14th, 2006, 03:19 PM	#2
Bill Doyle Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 40	Ravi, Console is approximately $500-$600 and is fully supported by the A1 and G1. There is a 30-day trial available to see if it meets your needs. I have not seen any comprehensive reviews or how it compares to the other tapeless solutions, but obviously you have much more control with Console than the others when you use a Canon camera. Bill Doyle

December 8th, 2006, 09:31 PM	#5
Richard Hunter Trustee Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lipa City Batangas, Philippines Posts: 1,110	I just downloaded and installed the console software, but it says "camera not supported" when I connect up my A1. Wonder when V1.1 will come out. Richard

December 21st, 2006, 05:59 PM	#9
Michael Y Wong Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada! Posts: 353	Does the Console Software successfully split up m2t 60i, 30f, and 24f material shot from the A1? This would prove invaluable (for me @ least) since HDVsplit doesnt seem to be compatible with Canon HDV. __________________ dreaming hobbyist + storyteller www.michaelywong.com

December 21st, 2006, 07:45 PM	#10
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Hi Michael, If I'm understanding your question correctly, if you're referring to clips that have been recorded with Console, all it can do at that point is simply play back files. There's no capability for changing them by splitting or trimming, etc. (you can always re-name them from Windows File Explorer, of course). __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

December 21st, 2006, 11:05 PM	#11
Rick Hensley Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 52	here is a very short review of the console http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomon...ssue/7398.html

December 22nd, 2006, 04:54 AM	#12
Richard Hunter Trustee Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lipa City Batangas, Philippines Posts: 1,110	I managed to download V1.1 and it works fine with my XH-A1. Has some nice features, and if it was $100 or less I would purchase it. At >$500, it's not that useful to me. Richard

December 28th, 2006, 02:01 AM	#13
Michael Bartolo New Boot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Francisco, California Posts: 21	Console VISTA capable? I am looking at Console for my A1 but am a little concerned about its useability. I am looking to buy a laptop with the Vista operating system. Does any know if I can move and operate the Console v1.1 software and license to my new computer when I buy the computer in a few months. I got really concerned when I learned that the current version of Nikon NX photo raw software is not VISTA capable. At $600 a pop I do not want to pay for Console again because it either is not compatible with the operating system or the license cannot be transfered to another machine.

December 28th, 2006, 04:46 PM	#15
Brendan Marnell Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 938	Laptop as viewfinder++? Would anyone please suggest a pc laptop + small monitor combo for wildlife videography; preferably with 2 USB ports and a firewire port ... robust + compact + easy on rechargeable batteries for less than $1000?