xl1s purchase Local Retail vs Long Distance
 

I am about to purchase a XL1s. My question is what is the benefit of purchasing it locally, say from a Wolf Camera shop vs purchasing it over the phone from say B&H Photo. Besides the $500 price difference wouldn't they both have to send it back to Canon to get it repaired.

Initially, if the camera didn't work right out of the box, you could easily exchange it. Beyond that, though, there is little (or no) advantage. Warranty & routine maintenance work needs to done by Canon.

B&H is one of the "Gold Standards" for service & dependability. However, ZGC is one of this forum's sponsors, and everyone that deals with them raves. Most are repeat customers. Don't let the bottom line be your only criterion. Read the threads about ZGC in the Community Marketplace section on this board.

Also depends on the local outlet too. If your Wolf outlet is like ours, it will not be of much help beyond warranty problems.

ZGC gets its money by being a real videographer outlet.

C.Sharpness on XL1?
 

I've had a GL1 for a couple of years - just added an XL1 to my arsenal, and I'm still learning my way around the 'X'.

On my GL1, when in camera mode, there is a function in the menu called 'C.Sharpness' that allows you to turn the sharpness all the way up or all the way down (that, coupled with Frame Mode makes for a nice cinematic look)

Does any such menu option exist somewhere on the XL1 as well?

Scott,
No, the XL1 does not feature a Sharpness adustment. That was a feature added with the XL1s.

Two mono 3.5mm jacks to one stereo 3.5mm jack adaptor?
 

I have two sony micorphones for recording ambient location sound. However they are both mono and I wish to combine to signal to make a stereo signal. This will enable me to place the two mics wide apart so I can obtain a cool ambiant sound. My question is where can I get an adaptor that combines two mono signals and creates a stereo signal, placing one mono signal in each of the stereo channels. Also what would such a device be called. Hope someone can help!

You might want to try www.equipmentemporium.com. They manufacture and sell a variety of connectors, and can probably make what you want, if they don't have it already...they also have a wealth of info on their site regarding sound for video. Nice guys, quality and service are exceptional, and their prices are reasonable.

Barry

capturing footage / cropping
 

Hey All,

No matter what NLE system I use, I've noticed that when capturing footage via Firewire from my Xl-1, there are always black bars on the left and right frame. They are only seen on RGB monitors, NTSC output is fine.

They are 2 pixels wide and I've always removed them in Cleaner by cropping, but has anyone else noticed this?

Philip

So in light of this.....
 

....the logical step to reproduce this look would simply be
to let the focus ring be just slightly out of focus ?
(In your opinion?)

This issue of black bars has been seen before and noted by many. Depending on what your needs and output medium is, it may or may not, be an issue for you.

you're right
 

Jeff,

I first did a search for black bars and saw most of the threads were for the black bars at the bottom of the frame. I should have checked some of the other pages which refer to the vertical lines I'm experiencing.

Using Cleaner, I crop off the the pixels without fear, because 90 % of my projects are for 320 X 240 for streaming and CD delivery.

Up til now it's never been an issue. But now that I'm moving into the DVD space as well, there could be a JVC 5000u in my future.

Where to buy a Pal XL1s in Hong Kong
 

I live in Australia and have a friend who is passing through Hong Kong in a week. I know if I buy a Canon XL1s there I can save a lot of money. BUT!!! I know that there are many "shonky" camera dealers there. Can anyone give me info on where to buy my camera in Hong Kong, I need to find someone I can trust..

Thanking you in advance

Tony Morrison

XL1 Owners Club Phone Number
 

Does anyone know the Canon XL1 Owners Club Hotline Number?
I searched for it everywhere and no luck. Thanks!

They keep this number guarded so that "only Club members may call," but if you dial 1-800-OK-CANON and cycle through the automated menu, you'll eventually drill down far enough to reach a live human being who will assist you in getting that phone number. Hope this helps,

starvision 7"
 

hello,
for anyone using one of these, how do you like it? i did a search and there was only a couple threads just mentioning it in passing more or less. for a 7" lcd they seem pretty darn cheap (price-wise). thank you for any personal experiences with this display.

matt