XL1 / XL1S various posts

Nathan Gifford · March 17th, 2003, 05:53 AM

The Pelican and Cases Plus come highly recommended. They are rugged, tough, and are built to take the abuse.

If you want to go cheap the Sears Truck Tote is one of those non-professional solutions.

Tong Zhao · March 18th, 2003, 03:40 PM

I have two questions:

1. I need to get a lavalier microphone for my Canon XL1s with MA 200. A friend recommends Sennheiser EW500ENG. Anyone has experience with it? Any other suggestion?

2. I also need to record voice-over on PC. I use adobe premiere to edit video now. What audio setup do you recommend, e.g. which microphone, do I need a preamp/mixer and which one and which audio program to edit it?

Thanks.

Nathan Gifford · March 18th, 2003, 07:03 PM

If the 500 performs as well as the EW112P you will be quite happy.

Christopher Hughes · March 23rd, 2003, 02:35 PM

Well I think i'm THE or at least one of the newest owners in here, so thought I would give my first opinion of the XL1s, for any that, like me may be interested or in deep thought in buying one. I actually bought the XL1s without actually seeing one, it was just in my price range and read a lot and asked a lot of questions in here and a UK forum.

First opinion was that it looks nice, all my friends commented, firstly....wow the camera from Jackass, then the others said how it looked very professional, unusual, but looked the business. or as one calls it the Dirk Diggler (pornstar) camera. hahaha

The images from it are nice and looked great. I gave it a full test, as much as I could, shooting complex matrix shots to test edgeness in pixels, high contrast, varying lined patterns, into light, etc. And all showed great results. I have used Sony PD150s but never seen images from this one, but they look great to me.

I also shot some scenes using frame mode with shutter at 25fps rather than standard 50, and I really liked the images and feel.

The microphone seems OK, but not ideal. I recorded some friends cleaning up a garden leaves while haveing a fun chat, and the mic picked up leaves and voices, so a blend of everything. I went to the beach where i knew it would be windy and recorded with sound using the mic. att. This seemed to cut out a lot of the sound of waves and wind, to the extent that some more quiet scenes seemed to be really quiet, with almost silence. I must admit that I had the levels on auto, but seemed to jam out too much ambience. But perhaps with more time rather than rush, I could have tried manual levels. But looks like I need a new mic. I wish the camera had a bit "logic" to see a mono mic in mic plug and put it onto both L+R rather then just +L. Or better a button to change this, save having to use a mono to stereo adapter plug, such as on the MKE300 I tried.

The lens seems great, but the autofocus seems pretty slow and hunts too much. My little Sony PC100 has much better autofocus than this camera, perhaps cos the sony's lens is smaller or perhaps Sony have a better autofocus "logic" system. I cannot remember the PD150 being as bad. It was a bright day with slight haze (I had no UV or equivelent filter on) so could have been this. Plus I had a clear focus one one shot, but once the ND filter was switched on...the focus just couldnt seem to sharpen, even in manual it was not 100% sharp as without. Perhaps I have put it through a tough test and so perhaps expecting too much. But I guess more testing and using will see how this ND filter fairs up. But most only ever use manual, so probably a problem most come across with ND and autofocus "hunting".

I like the function to switch off motor and tape section. Great to compose shots with lots of time and no dreaded powering up and down.

Mmmm whatelse can I say. Any questions...just ask. Its a great camera to buy....seems very good stuff. I'm just having too much fun using it. And its definitely a camera that inspires you and gives u great creative options.....plus u stand out from the crowd of all those dull black machines....great for atracting the chics!!!

Dylan Couper · March 23rd, 2003, 04:28 PM

Whenever one of my friends sees my XL1 for the first time, they ask me if and when I'm going to shoot porno with it. Dirk Diggler camera, indeed. :)

Christopher Hughes · March 24th, 2003, 03:05 PM

Maybe we should make forum t-shirt with a pic of an XL1s and slogan - The Dirk Diggler of Camcorders! hahaha :)

Or one of the Pornstar skater T-shirts with an XL1s pic on the back. Hahaha.

The XL1s is definately the camera to make u stand out from the crowd!

Andrew Wylie · March 24th, 2003, 04:43 PM

Page 64 of manual states -

"You can adjust the focus temporarily without turning autofocus off! Turn the len's focusing ring to set the focus. Autofocus will resume when you take your hand away from the focusing ring!"

I have tried this on two XL1s's - I can change the focus ok but autofocus returns it within 2 seconds and my hand is still on the focusing ring!!!

I am not in the Easy Recording Mode - a friend has an XL1 and apparently they are suppose to do this as well but he has never been able to get it to work!

What is the secret??? Can everyone please try it and let me know what happens. Then maybe I can get onto Canon!

Thanking you

Andrew Wylie
New Zealand

Ken Tanaka · March 24th, 2003, 05:08 PM

Yes, this is supposed to work and does for a few seconds. But I, too, have never managed to figure out how to make it a useful feature.

Bottom line: when you need to manually focus the lens just press the Manual Focus button.

David LeBlanc · March 26th, 2003, 09:57 AM

Hi all looking for a miixer and self amplified speakers for meetings and wedding receptions. For 6 wireless mics. Is it possible to get AC&DC power. Also when I connect the XLR cable to the mixer will i just have mono sound or does it make a differance. Thank you David LeBlanc

Steve Savanyu · March 28th, 2003, 09:02 AM

Ken & Rick,

Your mic requires a power module (In-line power adapter) which supplys a bias voltage to operate a small pre-amp in the mic capsule. If you try to connect the mic directly to the camera, it will not work.

I use Audio-Technica AT899 Submini Lav mics with my XL1s.

If you end up using a wireless system, often the mic can be connected directly to the transmitter without the need for the power module (the trasnmitter supplys the 5v bias voltage to operate the mic.) Sony's website should have connection diagrams to help you make this connection.

Hope this helps.
Cheers

Pete Balistrieri · March 28th, 2003, 03:31 PM

Does anyone know of any rentable features shot on an XL-1/XL-1S? [Besides Full Frontal]

I am interested to see what has been shot and distributed. Hopfully something that I can find in a video store etc.

Thanks.

Ken Tanaka · March 28th, 2003, 03:48 PM

Here's a list, although not strictly on the XL1.

"Search" is your friend.

Pete Balistrieri · March 29th, 2003, 02:22 PM

Directed by Campell Scott. Shot on an XL-1 with the Fujinon manual lense in Frame Mode, and run through Magic Bullet software. Then blew up to 35mm. Saw it on HBO, so not sure if I was watching the Blow up version or the Digital version, but it looked really, really good [I thought].

My opinion - best looking digital product I've seen [picture-wise].

Jeff Donald · March 30th, 2003, 01:45 PM

AC/DC power is an option but you’ll pay a premium. Shure and Sound Devices both make AC/DC portable mixers. XLR outputs are single channel, so you would get mono sound. Self powered speakers are available, but you may experience some limitations in larger rooms or halls. Many mixers have RCA outputs as well to accommodate speakers, amp, tape decks etc.

Brian M. Dickman · March 31st, 2003, 12:16 PM

For the mixer it sounds like you want the Behringer MXB1002:

http://www.behringer.com/02_products...B1002&lang=eng

For speakers, I guess it depends on what exactly you had in mind size wise. I'd probably head towards some Mackie or JBL self-powered units.

March 17th, 2003, 05:53 AM	#751
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	The Pelican and Cases Plus come highly recommended. They are rugged, tough, and are built to take the abuse. If you want to go cheap the Sears Truck Tote is one of those non-professional solutions. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

March 18th, 2003, 03:40 PM	#752
Tong Zhao New Boot Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 13	Wireless lavalier microphone and recording voice over on PC I have two questions: 1. I need to get a lavalier microphone for my Canon XL1s with MA 200. A friend recommends Sennheiser EW500ENG. Anyone has experience with it? Any other suggestion? 2. I also need to record voice-over on PC. I use adobe premiere to edit video now. What audio setup do you recommend, e.g. which microphone, do I need a preamp/mixer and which one and which audio program to edit it? Thanks.

March 18th, 2003, 07:03 PM	#753
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	If the 500 performs as well as the EW112P you will be quite happy. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

March 23rd, 2003, 02:35 PM	#754
Christopher Hughes Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunderland, England (y Merida, Mexico) Posts: 269	First opinions Well I think i'm THE or at least one of the newest owners in here, so thought I would give my first opinion of the XL1s, for any that, like me may be interested or in deep thought in buying one. I actually bought the XL1s without actually seeing one, it was just in my price range and read a lot and asked a lot of questions in here and a UK forum. First opinion was that it looks nice, all my friends commented, firstly....wow the camera from Jackass, then the others said how it looked very professional, unusual, but looked the business. or as one calls it the Dirk Diggler (pornstar) camera. hahaha The images from it are nice and looked great. I gave it a full test, as much as I could, shooting complex matrix shots to test edgeness in pixels, high contrast, varying lined patterns, into light, etc. And all showed great results. I have used Sony PD150s but never seen images from this one, but they look great to me. I also shot some scenes using frame mode with shutter at 25fps rather than standard 50, and I really liked the images and feel. The microphone seems OK, but not ideal. I recorded some friends cleaning up a garden leaves while haveing a fun chat, and the mic picked up leaves and voices, so a blend of everything. I went to the beach where i knew it would be windy and recorded with sound using the mic. att. This seemed to cut out a lot of the sound of waves and wind, to the extent that some more quiet scenes seemed to be really quiet, with almost silence. I must admit that I had the levels on auto, but seemed to jam out too much ambience. But perhaps with more time rather than rush, I could have tried manual levels. But looks like I need a new mic. I wish the camera had a bit "logic" to see a mono mic in mic plug and put it onto both L+R rather then just +L. Or better a button to change this, save having to use a mono to stereo adapter plug, such as on the MKE300 I tried. The lens seems great, but the autofocus seems pretty slow and hunts too much. My little Sony PC100 has much better autofocus than this camera, perhaps cos the sony's lens is smaller or perhaps Sony have a better autofocus "logic" system. I cannot remember the PD150 being as bad. It was a bright day with slight haze (I had no UV or equivelent filter on) so could have been this. Plus I had a clear focus one one shot, but once the ND filter was switched on...the focus just couldnt seem to sharpen, even in manual it was not 100% sharp as without. Perhaps I have put it through a tough test and so perhaps expecting too much. But I guess more testing and using will see how this ND filter fairs up. But most only ever use manual, so probably a problem most come across with ND and autofocus "hunting". I like the function to switch off motor and tape section. Great to compose shots with lots of time and no dreaded powering up and down. Mmmm whatelse can I say. Any questions...just ask. Its a great camera to buy....seems very good stuff. I'm just having too much fun using it. And its definitely a camera that inspires you and gives u great creative options.....plus u stand out from the crowd of all those dull black machines....great for atracting the chics!!!

March 23rd, 2003, 04:28 PM	#755
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Whenever one of my friends sees my XL1 for the first time, they ask me if and when I'm going to shoot porno with it. Dirk Diggler camera, indeed. :) __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

March 24th, 2003, 03:05 PM	#756
Christopher Hughes Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunderland, England (y Merida, Mexico) Posts: 269	Maybe we should make forum t-shirt with a pic of an XL1s and slogan - The Dirk Diggler of Camcorders! hahaha :) Or one of the Pornstar skater T-shirts with an XL1s pic on the back. Hahaha. The XL1s is definately the camera to make u stand out from the crowd!

March 24th, 2003, 04:43 PM	#757
Andrew Wylie Tourist Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Dunedin, New zealand Posts: 1	XL1s Temporary Focus overide - P64 Manual Page 64 of manual states - "You can adjust the focus temporarily without turning autofocus off! Turn the len's focusing ring to set the focus. Autofocus will resume when you take your hand away from the focusing ring!" I have tried this on two XL1s's - I can change the focus ok but autofocus returns it within 2 seconds and my hand is still on the focusing ring!!! I am not in the Easy Recording Mode - a friend has an XL1 and apparently they are suppose to do this as well but he has never been able to get it to work! What is the secret??? Can everyone please try it and let me know what happens. Then maybe I can get onto Canon! Thanking you Andrew Wylie New Zealand

March 24th, 2003, 05:08 PM	#758
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Welcome Andrew! Yes, this is supposed to work and does for a few seconds. But I, too, have never managed to figure out how to make it a useful feature. Bottom line: when you need to manually focus the lens just press the Manual Focus button. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 26th, 2003, 09:57 AM	#759
David LeBlanc Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cape Breton Nova Scotia Canada Posts: 37	Mixer Hi all looking for a miixer and self amplified speakers for meetings and wedding receptions. For 6 wireless mics. Is it possible to get AC&DC power. Also when I connect the XLR cable to the mixer will i just have mono sound or does it make a differance. Thank you David LeBlanc __________________ Regards David LeBlanc

March 28th, 2003, 09:02 AM	#760
Steve Savanyu Boss Hog Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hudson, Ohio Posts: 51	Ken & Rick, Your mic requires a power module (In-line power adapter) which supplys a bias voltage to operate a small pre-amp in the mic capsule. If you try to connect the mic directly to the camera, it will not work. I use Audio-Technica AT899 Submini Lav mics with my XL1s. If you end up using a wireless system, often the mic can be connected directly to the transmitter without the need for the power module (the trasnmitter supplys the 5v bias voltage to operate the mic.) Sony's website should have connection diagrams to help you make this connection. Hope this helps. Cheers __________________ "Film is Art; Theatre is Life; Television is Furniture!"

March 28th, 2003, 03:31 PM	#761
Pete Balistrieri Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 26	Features shot on XL1 Does anyone know of any rentable features shot on an XL-1/XL-1S? [Besides Full Frontal] I am interested to see what has been shot and distributed. Hopfully something that I can find in a video store etc. Thanks.

March 28th, 2003, 03:48 PM	#762
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Here's a list, although not strictly on the XL1. "Search" is your friend. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 29th, 2003, 02:22 PM	#763
Pete Balistrieri Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 26	Saw "Final" Directed by Campell Scott. Shot on an XL-1 with the Fujinon manual lense in Frame Mode, and run through Magic Bullet software. Then blew up to 35mm. Saw it on HBO, so not sure if I was watching the Blow up version or the Digital version, but it looked really, really good [I thought]. My opinion - best looking digital product I've seen [picture-wise].

March 30th, 2003, 01:45 PM	#764
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	AC/DC power is an option but you’ll pay a premium. Shure and Sound Devices both make AC/DC portable mixers. XLR outputs are single channel, so you would get mono sound. Self powered speakers are available, but you may experience some limitations in larger rooms or halls. Many mixers have RCA outputs as well to accommodate speakers, amp, tape decks etc. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

March 31st, 2003, 12:16 PM	#765
Brian M. Dickman Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 148	For the mixer it sounds like you want the Behringer MXB1002: http://www.behringer.com/02_products...B1002&lang=eng For speakers, I guess it depends on what exactly you had in mind size wise. I'd probably head towards some Mackie or JBL self-powered units.