Got one now!! at DVinfo.net

Antony Quintin · August 26th, 2005, 05:52 AM

Just ordered my XL2!! Can't wait!!
I was also looking at a few other items:

Vinten Pro-5 tripod - Opinions>????

Looking for a good radio mic - cheapish!!

and has anyone used the Anton Bau batts that go on the acc back of the XL2? Where can i get these? are they any good?

thanks for your time

Ant

p.s- i know there is a BIG debate on what tapes to use, but does any1 have any personal views on what tapes they use and stick with ???

Greg Boston · August 26th, 2005, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antony Quintin

...and has anyone used the Anton Bau batts that go on the acc back of the XL2? Where can i get these? are they any good?

Anton Bauer are pretty much the Cadillac of battery systems. Look at the back of practically every news camera and that's what you'll see. I've just recently aquired an A/B system for my XL-2. There are several different batteries available. Depends on how power hungry your camera rig is. The best thing is the weight it puts on the rear of the camera is very helpful at bringing it to a more balanced state. This is especially helpful when shooting from the shoulder.

Look to some of the DV-INFO sponsors to buy the A/B system for your camera. They'll take good care of you.

-gb-

Craig Terott · August 26th, 2005, 06:24 AM

Greg... a little off topic but "Cadillac" is no longer an analogous to "best of breed." Aren't there about 20 other cars out there that you would buy before you would buy a Caddy? ummm, yep!

o.k. I'll shut up.

Greg Boston · August 26th, 2005, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Terott

Greg... a little off topic but "Cadillac" is no longer an analogous to "best of breed." Aren't there about 20 other cars out there that you would buy before you would buy a Caddy? ummm, yep!

o.k. I'll shut up.

Ok, I'll bite. How about 'creme de la creme'? Although, Caddy has some cool designs on the market these days. They definitely aren't your father's Caddy!

-gb-

Robert Luke · August 26th, 2005, 09:59 AM

i use panasonic tapes. don't use sony. it's kind of annoying when i work with a university of TExas student cuz they get an endless supply of sony tapes. make sure you have canon head cleaner. use panasonic tapes.

Jeff Carrion · August 26th, 2005, 10:19 AM

I've been using and Anton Bauer set-up for years now on the XL-1 and XL-2. I wouldn't use anything else. They balance out the camera great for shoulder shooting.
We started using Trimpacs and they gave us great power, we eaisly can run for 8+ hours on ONE Trimpac!
However, we just upgraded to the Hytron 50 and wow, what an upgrade. They weigh about half as much (great for travel) as a Trimpac and give wayyy more power. We have run for more than 18+ hours (total daytime hours, like 4 tape hours) on one battery and haven't run the Hytron down more than 50%!!!
Just get yourself the Anton Bauer Gold mount made for the XL-2 and a few Hytrons, you'll love em. We also use only Panasonic tapes.

Ash Greyson · August 26th, 2005, 11:35 AM

Tape stock does not matter at all. Go with a major brand and stay with it. The only time you see tape related issues is almost always with someone using multiple brands. As far as Sony, I have shot close to 5000 hours on Sony tapes with no consistent issues.

ash =o)

Pete Bauer · August 26th, 2005, 12:04 PM

Agree, which tape you choose is not so important. But once you pick a kind of tape, stick with it. If you switch, you'll need to clean the heads.

Not to necessarily discourage anyone from using the "BMW of batteries" (Anton Bauer), but as a "be aware"...we did just have a recent thread highlighting that 3rd party battery use CAN void your warranty:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=49445

Antony Quintin · August 26th, 2005, 03:52 PM

thank you guys :)

Eric Brown · August 29th, 2005, 05:08 PM

You might want to think about a lower cost alternative as well. Buying a Canon CH-910 battery charger/holder with two BP-945's mounted on the rear of the camera. The Anton's are extreme quality and their superior power is useful especially if you will be using accessories such as camera lights, etc.
The problem is they cost out the nose. The Hytron battery for example is close to $500.00 street price. Although they do have lower cost alternatives they are still well above your standard fare lithium ion battery.
Determine your shooting requirements and what your power consumption needs will be.
My set up works fine for what I need it for as I don't run an on camera light or monitor(sans the 2" LCD).
I've used this set up and ran the camera a total of 9 hours before needing to switch out to a charged BP-945.
The Anton Bauer's are indeed nice if you can afford them, but it's all about options. Just giving you another.

Greg Boston · August 29th, 2005, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Brown

You might want to think about a lower cost alternative as well. Buying a Canon CH-910 battery charger/holder with two BP-945's mounted on the rear of the camera.

Doesn't the 945 mounted on the left side hit you in the head? I had heard this was an issue with the XL-2.

Quote:

The Anton Bauer's are indeed nice if you can afford them.

DV-INFO classifieds to the rescue again. I was fortunate enough to find a good deal on a used set-up with two batteries, twin charger, and mounting plate. The batteries aren't the latest and greatest, but that's just it. I can buy newer battery technology from A/B and know it will work. Should I step up to a high end eng type camera, the batteries and charger will be usable. So, I look at it as a long term investment.

-gb-

Eric Brown · August 29th, 2005, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Boston

Doesn't the 945 mounted on the left side hit you in the head? I had heard this was an issue with the XL-2.

DV-INFO classifieds to the rescue again. I was fortunate enough to find a good deal on a used set-up with two batteries, twin charger, and mounting plate. The batteries aren't the latest and greatest, but that's just it. I can buy newer battery technology from A/B and know it will work. Should I step up to a high end eng type camera, the batteries and charger will be usable. So, I look at it as a long term investment.

-gb-

Hey, Greg. I heard something like that, but mine comes flush with the side of the camera body (viewfinder side)
So either I did something wrong in mounting it or someone else messed up. (probably the former) All I know is that it fits well and balances the camera out beautifully.
But, if someone can swing cheap Anton Batteries they should go for it. Just trying to lay any and all options on the table.

Greg Boston · August 29th, 2005, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Brown

Hey, Greg. I heard something like that, but mine comes flush with the side of the camera body (viewfinder side)
So either I did something wrong in mounting it or someone else messed up. (probably the former) All I know is that it fits well and balances the camera out beautifully.
But, if someone can swing cheap Anton Batteries they should go for it. Just trying to lay any and all options on the table.

Eric,

Good to hear that about the left side 945 not bothering you. Maybe it was just a nasty rumor that has now been put to rest. I agree that having the dual batteries on the 910 is a good setup. Rest assured, I'm not looking forward to laying out big bucks for those newer battery packs.

-gb-

Declan Smith · August 30th, 2005, 03:58 AM

I did find that with the larger battery on the left hand side of the 910 it was banging my head when wearing headphones. Easily overcome by adjusting the viewfinder out further to the left and forward. Also makes the camera more comfortable.

Martin Costa · August 30th, 2005, 07:13 AM

Hey Declan, just saying hello, didn't realise you were a member!

(I posted the FU- this morning and they said you'd get it tomorrow.

All the best

August 26th, 2005, 05:52 AM	#1
Antony Quintin Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 83	Got one now!! Just ordered my XL2!! Can't wait!! I was also looking at a few other items: Vinten Pro-5 tripod - Opinions>???? Looking for a good radio mic - cheapish!! and has anyone used the Anton Bau batts that go on the acc back of the XL2? Where can i get these? are they any good? thanks for your time Ant p.s- i know there is a BIG debate on what tapes to use, but does any1 have any personal views on what tapes they use and stick with ???

August 26th, 2005, 10:19 AM	#6
Jeff Carrion New Boot Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 19	I've been using and Anton Bauer set-up for years now on the XL-1 and XL-2. I wouldn't use anything else. They balance out the camera great for shoulder shooting. We started using Trimpacs and they gave us great power, we eaisly can run for 8+ hours on ONE Trimpac! However, we just upgraded to the Hytron 50 and wow, what an upgrade. They weigh about half as much (great for travel) as a Trimpac and give wayyy more power. We have run for more than 18+ hours (total daytime hours, like 4 tape hours) on one battery and haven't run the Hytron down more than 50%!!! Just get yourself the Anton Bauer Gold mount made for the XL-2 and a few Hytrons, you'll love em. We also use only Panasonic tapes. __________________ Jeff Carrion Director/Editor Midwest Outdoors Television "TV said that? Then it must be true." -Homer Simpson

August 26th, 2005, 12:04 PM	#8
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Agree, which tape you choose is not so important. But once you pick a kind of tape, stick with it. If you switch, you'll need to clean the heads. Not to necessarily discourage anyone from using the "BMW of batteries" (Anton Bauer), but as a "be aware"...we did just have a recent thread highlighting that 3rd party battery use CAN void your warranty: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=49445 __________________ 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!

August 26th, 2005, 03:52 PM	#9
Antony Quintin Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 83	.. thank you guys :)

August 29th, 2005, 05:08 PM	#10
Eric Brown Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 427	batteries You might want to think about a lower cost alternative as well. Buying a Canon CH-910 battery charger/holder with two BP-945's mounted on the rear of the camera. The Anton's are extreme quality and their superior power is useful especially if you will be using accessories such as camera lights, etc. The problem is they cost out the nose. The Hytron battery for example is close to $500.00 street price. Although they do have lower cost alternatives they are still well above your standard fare lithium ion battery. Determine your shooting requirements and what your power consumption needs will be. My set up works fine for what I need it for as I don't run an on camera light or monitor(sans the 2" LCD). I've used this set up and ran the camera a total of 9 hours before needing to switch out to a charged BP-945. The Anton Bauer's are indeed nice if you can afford them, but it's all about options. Just giving you another.

August 26th, 2005, 06:24 AM	#3
Craig Terott Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 691	Greg... a little off topic but "Cadillac" is no longer an analogous to "best of breed." Aren't there about 20 other cars out there that you would buy before you would buy a Caddy? ummm, yep! o.k. I'll shut up.

August 26th, 2005, 09:59 AM	#5
Robert Luke Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 45	i use panasonic tapes. don't use sony. it's kind of annoying when i work with a university of TExas student cuz they get an endless supply of sony tapes. make sure you have canon head cleaner. use panasonic tapes.

August 26th, 2005, 11:35 AM	#7
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	Tape stock does not matter at all. Go with a major brand and stay with it. The only time you see tape related issues is almost always with someone using multiple brands. As far as Sony, I have shot close to 5000 hours on Sony tapes with no consistent issues. ash =o)

August 30th, 2005, 03:58 AM	#14
Declan Smith Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Gloucestershire, UK Posts: 187	910 Viewfinder side I did find that with the larger battery on the left hand side of the 910 it was banging my head when wearing headphones. Easily overcome by adjusting the viewfinder out further to the left and forward. Also makes the camera more comfortable.

August 30th, 2005, 07:13 AM	#15
Martin Costa Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: London UK Posts: 76 Images: 2	Howdy Hey Declan, just saying hello, didn't realise you were a member! (I posted the FU- this morning and they said you'd get it tomorrow. All the best