Peripherals
 

Just wondering, what kind of accessories are out there for the XL1?? I am familiar with the usual suspects (viewfinder, lenses, adapters, etc.) But what are some of the "unknown" peripherals that compliment or enhance the XL1s performance?? (i.e. matte boxes, filters, things of the like) What are the must have "unknowns??"

Chris, search these topics, because volumes have been written on matte boxes, filters, focusing aids etc. There are articles on the XL1 Watch Dog (part of the DV Info Network) that go over accessories too.

Thank you. I'll check it out.

Argghghg, all right, one more time guys. . .setup?
 

Okay, so I've been to the Adam Wilt site, and read some threads on here, but the setup thing still confuses me.

What the deal is, is that digital cameras DON'T add setup, right? So you actually get a wider contrast range, due to the lowered blacks, then you are capable of broadcasting on NTSC, right?

So, if I use the XL1s' presets to lower the black level, say, two notches, will this negatively affect me?

We already have a thread running on this subject here, so
I'm closing this one.

But basically, see it like this. In the standard setting (which is
broadcast SAFE more or less) the camera is NARROWING your
available bandwidth / contrast. You are not getting the whole
range. If you lower setup you get a larger dynamic range, but
it won't be NTSC safe anymore. Is this an issue? That depends.
When going to DVD, VHS or web it shouldn't be a problem. If
the tape goes straight to a TV station it might (although they
can compress it there too realtime I think, not sure).

Animal Planet
 

Did any of you catch the new show on Animal Planet last night (20 Jan)? It takes place in Africa and all the wildlife shots are done with the XL-1 and G-1.

UK: SinCities on FTN
 

If you happen to have FTN (comes with freeview, sky etc) look out for the programme 'Sin Cities'. I think it was entirly shot on the XL1s.

(WARNING- THIS SHOW CONTAINS MILD ADULT FOOTAGE)

Need some good points to justify using XL1s over DVX100 for meeting today
 

Hi all,

I work for a company that shoots a news show and uses 3 Canon Xl1s. We have been instructed this year that all shows will be delivered in a 16x9 format. The main company is moving to HD. They have not required us to do HD (as they do not want to pay more for the show). Actually they are not currently giving us anymore money, so this puts us in a bind. We shoot all over the world on an extremely tight budget (sometimes almost impossible).

To cut to the chase they did a upconvert of our show to HD from our 4:3 master (protected for 16:9). They liked some scenes but saw artifacting in others. Curse of 4:1:1. Unfortanetly the show is shot in frame mode (oh makes it tougher), great picture (reduced resolution). The frame mode look is part of the style of the show. Plus the Canon is professional looking, detachable lens, camera. Gives us more respect and happy shoulder mounted camera men.

The big company is now talking about us using a DVX 100 (requiring unless we can show why the XL1s is needed). I suggested the SDX 900, but unfortanetly it comes down to no increase in pay, which means no way for that beauty of a camera.

So if you were me and wanted to put points on the table for keeping the XL1s, as opposed to the DVX100 what would you list. I have made a list but I want to make sure I got everything for my boss when he goes to the meeting tommorow in the afternoon.

I truely believe that for many reasons this is the best solution when no further pay (budgets tight with all companies now-a days)is availble.

Also we have started shooting so waiting for the mythical XL2 coming at NAB is to late.

Thanks

Michael

P.S. Already used a 16x9 adapter, it limits us on the adapters we can use on the lens and does not work with style of shooting.

You already own the Canon's. That should be a pretty good
point, I'd say. Keep in mind that the DVX100 is still 4:1:1 DV,
so if they are complaining about compression / color space
artifacts then the DVX100 should have it too. Also your crew
has the experience and knowledge to operate those camera's.
With the DVX100 you will need to learn a new camera. And it
definitely isn't shouldermount ofcourse!

From your piece about shouldermount I figure you guys have
invested in some/quite a lot of accessoires. Those will be wasted
on the DVX100 as well and you will have to buy new things if
you require additional stuff.

Voiceover ME66 or Senn 100 wireless?
 

Voiceover ME66 or Senn 100 wireless?

Any suggestions as to which would sound better? I have some acoustical foam in the room I'd be recording in that softens the sound some & has made a big difference.
I'd also take this as advice for any interviews in the same space.
Thanks, Chris.

For a voiceover you want as clean a clear a mic as possible. Generally a lav and wireless in particular is used when another mic can't get close enough to the subject. I would try the me66 first. Stand away from any walls, but with your back to ward the corner with the most absorption. Put the mic a little above your mouth, to avoid breath, but so that it points toward your mouth and this dead corner. You'll want it as close as possible, while avoiding any breath and the over indulgence of proximity effect. I would use your wind protection to avoid t's and p's blowing into it. {unless you only have a full blimp, it might make it hard to read}

In an interview, you may not want a mic six inches from your subject.

Adapter to hold two BP-945 batteries
 

Hi all

Is there such a thing that will hold two of the above batteries on an MA-100?

Thanks
Donie

The device you're looking for is known as the CH-910. It can hold two batteries, can be used to charge the batteries and can be mounted on the MA-100's plate.

White noise over headphones
 

Hi all

When I listen to the sound with manual gain (happens in auto as well) and I have the volume fairly high (70%) I can hear this hiss noise that is amplified if I increase the volume.

I plugged out the mic to see if it's coming from the mic but it is still there (no change) when the mic input is disconnected.

The sound is similar to a anologue tape drive. Just low level white noise.

Is this normal? Will this effect my recordings?

Donie