Canon XL1S Accessories suggestions wanted at DVinfo.net

Jeff E Mason · May 26th, 2003, 12:46 AM

Hi

Having been using a hire XL1S I am now planning on purchasing one.

Before I order Ive been told that there are some essential add ons which are preferable to buy, battery chargers / lenses / filters etc, can anybody who actually owns and uses the above camera advise me on what would be the most useful accessories to buy.

Incidentally Im a commercial DVD film-maker with my own digital studio, I also enjoy producing nature documentary as a hobby.

regards

Jeff

.

Arnaldo Paixao · May 26th, 2003, 03:46 AM

Hi Jeff.

Read this article:

http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/articles/article79.php

I use and recomend the LightWave Systems Audio Accessories - The System Isolator and the Mini-Mount.

Regards
Arnaldo

Andrew Petrie · May 26th, 2003, 08:47 AM

Arnaldo - I'll be getting the mini mount, but I question the need for the Isolator.... I'd like to eliminate the zoom motor noise, does the isolator help at all or will the mini mount be sufficient?

Arnaldo Paixao · May 26th, 2003, 09:05 AM

Hi Andrew.

The Mini-Mount will isolate allmost all motor noises coming from the camera/lens. The Isolator will isolate it even further. But you get two added benefits:

1 - If the viewfinder assembly gets a bump, it will be less prone to break, and transmits less vibration to the camera body.

2 - The camera body will be moved a little to the back, resulting in less nose heavy and more confortable when shoulder mounted.

I hope this helps in your decision.
If you need any more help, drop a line.

Best regards,
Arnaldo Paixao

Nigel Moore · May 26th, 2003, 11:59 AM

Quote:

I'll be getting the mini mount, but I question the need for the Isolator

Strangely enough, I see it the other way around. I appreciate the fact that the isolator moves the XL1s back onto the shoulder and reduces motor noise. But it looks like the minimount may obscure the hotshoe. Is the isolator good enough noise reducer on its own?

Christopher Hughes · May 26th, 2003, 02:30 PM

If your going to use ext mic then one very important add-on is either the MA-200 or Beachtek equivalent XLR connections. I went for the MA-200 in favour of Beachtek as it gave the XL1s better shoulder support, even though thats not perfect in itself, needs a better arch in my opinion to rest better on shoulder as it can make cam slightly slanted if your not careful. And I didnt like the idea of the Beachtek to be attached to the base of the camera, but some prefer that.

But if you want to use XLR mic to XLR imputs then this is a bit of kit u really need. Or if your fine with XLR to mini-jack, then you dont need one.

Of course you can never be short of extra batteries for the camera. I got a 6000mAh from Optex and gives plenty power from that, as the standard canon battery is only round about 3000mAh.

Nancy Stefanovic · May 26th, 2003, 07:24 PM

I would also get a UV filter (to be left on the camera at all times) as well as a circular polarizer (this will enhance the colour of skies in your nature filming and reduce glare).

I have the MA-100 which I think is fine if you don't need too many XLR inputs (I believe the MA-200 has four as opposed to two)

Arnaldo Paixao · May 27th, 2003, 03:38 AM

Hi Nigel.

"But it looks like the minimount may obscure the hotshoe."
- It won't since it will be mounted sideways. Take a look a the pictures they have in their site.

"Is the isolator good enough noise reducer on its own?"
- Not in my experience. It will help, but the greatest reduction will be acomplished by the Mini-Mount.

Best regards
Arnaldo Paixao

Nigel Moore · May 27th, 2003, 07:13 AM

...much appreciated. The pictures on the LW site aren't too clear, but your response helps enormously.

Arnaldo Paixao · May 27th, 2003, 08:08 AM

Glad to be of help.

May 26th, 2003, 12:46 AM	#1
Jeff E Mason Tourist Join Date: May 2003 Location: Mauritius Posts: 1	Canon XL1S Hi Having been using a hire XL1S I am now planning on purchasing one. Before I order Ive been told that there are some essential add ons which are preferable to buy, battery chargers / lenses / filters etc, can anybody who actually owns and uses the above camera advise me on what would be the most useful accessories to buy. Incidentally Im a commercial DVD film-maker with my own digital studio, I also enjoy producing nature documentary as a hobby. regards Jeff .

May 26th, 2003, 08:47 AM	#3
Andrew Petrie Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 484	Arnaldo - I'll be getting the mini mount, but I question the need for the Isolator.... I'd like to eliminate the zoom motor noise, does the isolator help at all or will the mini mount be sufficient? __________________ Andrew \| Canon XL1s, ME66, Vinten Vision 3, GlideCam V16 (for sale!)

May 27th, 2003, 07:13 AM	#9
Nigel Moore Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Switzerland Posts: 358	Thanks Arnaldo... ...much appreciated. The pictures on the LW site aren't too clear, but your response helps enormously. __________________ _________________ Time flies like an arrow Fruit flies like a banana

May 26th, 2003, 03:46 AM	#2
Arnaldo Paixao Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vimeiro - Portugal Posts: 255	Hi Jeff. Read this article: http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/articles/article79.php I use and recomend the LightWave Systems Audio Accessories - The System Isolator and the Mini-Mount. Regards Arnaldo

May 26th, 2003, 09:05 AM	#4
Arnaldo Paixao Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vimeiro - Portugal Posts: 255	Hi Andrew. The Mini-Mount will isolate allmost all motor noises coming from the camera/lens. The Isolator will isolate it even further. But you get two added benefits: 1 - If the viewfinder assembly gets a bump, it will be less prone to break, and transmits less vibration to the camera body. 2 - The camera body will be moved a little to the back, resulting in less nose heavy and more confortable when shoulder mounted. I hope this helps in your decision. If you need any more help, drop a line. Best regards, Arnaldo Paixao

May 26th, 2003, 02:30 PM	#6
Christopher Hughes Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunderland, England (y Merida, Mexico) Posts: 269	If your going to use ext mic then one very important add-on is either the MA-200 or Beachtek equivalent XLR connections. I went for the MA-200 in favour of Beachtek as it gave the XL1s better shoulder support, even though thats not perfect in itself, needs a better arch in my opinion to rest better on shoulder as it can make cam slightly slanted if your not careful. And I didnt like the idea of the Beachtek to be attached to the base of the camera, but some prefer that. But if you want to use XLR mic to XLR imputs then this is a bit of kit u really need. Or if your fine with XLR to mini-jack, then you dont need one. Of course you can never be short of extra batteries for the camera. I got a 6000mAh from Optex and gives plenty power from that, as the standard canon battery is only round about 3000mAh.

May 26th, 2003, 07:24 PM	#7
Nancy Stefanovic New Boot Join Date: May 2003 Location: Mississauga, Canada Posts: 8	I would also get a UV filter (to be left on the camera at all times) as well as a circular polarizer (this will enhance the colour of skies in your nature filming and reduce glare). I have the MA-100 which I think is fine if you don't need too many XLR inputs (I believe the MA-200 has four as opposed to two)

May 27th, 2003, 03:38 AM	#8
Arnaldo Paixao Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vimeiro - Portugal Posts: 255	Hi Nigel. "But it looks like the minimount may obscure the hotshoe." - It won't since it will be mounted sideways. Take a look a the pictures they have in their site. "Is the isolator good enough noise reducer on its own?" - Not in my experience. It will help, but the greatest reduction will be acomplished by the Mini-Mount. Best regards Arnaldo Paixao

May 27th, 2003, 08:08 AM	#10
Arnaldo Paixao Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vimeiro - Portugal Posts: 255	Glad to be of help.