XL1 / XL1S various posts

Donie Kelly · January 27th, 2004, 06:26 PM

thank you, just bought one on ebay for $138

regards
donie

Don Palomaki · January 28th, 2004, 05:29 AM

You are hearing the noise floor of the preamps. All preamps have an noise level. Earphones close couple the sound to your ears and make it more apparent than normal listening with speakers. With the XL1 it is typically more than 60- dB below peak record levels at the mic setting. It will not cause a problem for typical program material and applications.

If you need lower noise floor, try MIC ATT or line input level settings and use higher quality (read expenisve) external preamps, or swtich to separate professional audio recording systems.

Donie Kelly · January 28th, 2004, 05:32 AM

Ok, thanks. It seems awful loud but I will do a few more experiments to see if it's going to effect recordings.

Thanks for the help
Donie

Chris Korrow · January 29th, 2004, 01:54 AM

Thanks Martin, but I just found out that a close friend got a digital recording set up + a very nice mic (don't know what kind) so it looks like I've got a much better alternative. Chris

Don Libby · January 31st, 2004, 09:42 AM

Just did my weekly visit to their web site to visit my "wish list" They have the 3x used for $899. I've ordered one so don't know how many are left. If your looking for a place you can trust I'd recommend B&H (after all that's where I got the XL1S from).

Yi Fong Yu · February 1st, 2004, 12:48 AM

been playing around with it, it's a neat little thing. v. expensive but i honestly think it was worth every penny. briefly flipping over the manual i notice there's a setting for field of depth. will this truly give you a 35mm look? i haven't had time to experiment.

Frank Granovski · February 1st, 2004, 02:19 AM

Congrats on your new XL1s. For depth of field information, go to articles and click the DOF Skinny link.

Yi Fong Yu · February 1st, 2004, 09:59 PM

thx. =).

Annie Cheatham · February 3rd, 2004, 02:27 AM

I sent my XL1s into the Canon Service Center last week because there was a hot pixel which was showing up on the video. I got the estimate from them today to fix it - close to $900. They say they have to replace the CCD - appx $400 for parts and more than that for labor. Has anyone run into this problem before. Is there any other solution? I had read somewhere that some pixels can be mapped to an ajecent pixel.

Anyway, I just think $900 is a lot for one hot pixel. Just making sure I'm not getting ripped off when there is another solution (besides only shooting in bright light situations). The camera is no longer under warranty by the way. Thanks for any input!

Annie Cheatham

Phil French · February 3rd, 2004, 12:39 PM

Should I be setting the white level for my XL1s manually when I use a polarized filter or is it ok to just use the auto or sunlight setting when I'm shooting outdoors?

Ken Tanaka · February 3rd, 2004, 01:32 PM

Using the daylight preset white balance when using a polarizer will be fine, Phil. (I don't recommend ever using the Auto white balance feature.)

Phil French · February 3rd, 2004, 01:36 PM

Thanks Ken - I think neglecting to set my camera to daylight might have been my problem in a few clips. I can fix in post.

Jaz Garewal · February 4th, 2004, 02:46 PM

Okay, this may be a dumb question, but here it goes:

Is the only difference between the XL 1S and XL 1SE just that the SE is PAL? I am thinking of getting the SE (for the better resolution, and closer to flim fps), and I want to know if I would have to get accessories from Europe or if I could use accessories made purchased in N. America for the XL 1S (i.e. lenses, MA-100 or MA-200 mounts).

Also, anyone have any good recommendations on where to get an XL 1SE?

Thanks all!

Chris Hurd · February 4th, 2004, 03:09 PM

The "E" designation is not part of the standard Canon model nomenclature, but might be used by some advertisers to designate a PAL system (European) version. Although Canon's model number system is different for every other PAL camcorder than make (for instance, the GL2 is the XM2 in PAL system countries), the XL1S is still the XL1S according to Canon.

Many shooters in NTSC countries prefer using PAL system camcorders for the exact reasons you state (higher resolution and 25fps). Most all XL1S accessories are interchangeable between the NTSC and PAL versions, including lenses and XLR adapters.

There are no authorized Canon dealers in the U.S. that can sell the PAL version of the XL1S (the sole exception might be B&H). However any Canon dealer in Australia or England (or Europe) would probably be happy to sell one to you. Keep in mind, PAL system camcorders are not serviced in the U.S. Hope this helps,

Joshua Cohen · February 4th, 2004, 08:27 PM

Hi guys, been a while, but I've got a few questions that I really need some quick answers on.

I bought the sennheiser wireless mic set for my camera. At the moment, the camera isn't picking up anything from the wireless mics. So I thought, ok, maybe I just need to play around with it.

So, to make sure the mic input was working, I took a mic and via XLR, plugged it into the MA-200, like I've done so many times before. For some strange reason, the camera isn't picking up the wired mic. No matter which slot I plug it in to.

I'm going to consult the book, maybe I hit something, and since I didn't think I changed anything for quite some time, I probably forgot how to properly set up the camera for another mic.

Anyways, I was hoping to get some help from you very smart people, in what might be causing this, and how to remedy the situation. I'm going to be needing the camera this coming weekend.

Thanks

January 27th, 2004, 06:26 PM	#1096
Donie Kelly Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ireland Posts: 159	thanks thank you, just bought one on ebay for $138 regards donie

January 28th, 2004, 05:29 AM	#1097
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	You are hearing the noise floor of the preamps. All preamps have an noise level. Earphones close couple the sound to your ears and make it more apparent than normal listening with speakers. With the XL1 it is typically more than 60- dB below peak record levels at the mic setting. It will not cause a problem for typical program material and applications. If you need lower noise floor, try MIC ATT or line input level settings and use higher quality (read expenisve) external preamps, or swtich to separate professional audio recording systems. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

January 28th, 2004, 05:32 AM	#1098
Donie Kelly Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ireland Posts: 159	Noise Ok, thanks. It seems awful loud but I will do a few more experiments to see if it's going to effect recordings. Thanks for the help Donie

January 31st, 2004, 09:42 AM	#1100
Don Libby Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 48	B&H has used 3x Just did my weekly visit to their web site to visit my "wish list" They have the 3x used for $899. I've ordered one so don't know how many are left. If your looking for a place you can trust I'd recommend B&H (after all that's where I got the XL1S from). __________________ Don Libby www.ironcreekphotography.com

February 1st, 2004, 12:48 AM	#1101
Yi Fong Yu Trustee Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vulcan Posts: 1,564	so this is what they call the 'dark side'. got me xl1s finally! been playing around with it, it's a neat little thing. v. expensive but i honestly think it was worth every penny. briefly flipping over the manual i notice there's a setting for field of depth. will this truly give you a 35mm look? i haven't had time to experiment. __________________ bow wow wow

January 29th, 2004, 01:54 AM	#1099
Chris Korrow Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Whidbey Is, WA Posts: 326	Thanks Martin, but I just found out that a close friend got a digital recording set up + a very nice mic (don't know what kind) so it looks like I've got a much better alternative. Chris

February 1st, 2004, 02:19 AM	#1102
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Congrats on your new XL1s. For depth of field information, go to articles and click the DOF Skinny link.

February 1st, 2004, 09:59 PM	#1103
Yi Fong Yu Trustee Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vulcan Posts: 1,564	thx. =). __________________ bow wow wow

February 3rd, 2004, 02:27 AM	#1104
Annie Cheatham Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 45	Expensive repair for hot pixel!?! I sent my XL1s into the Canon Service Center last week because there was a hot pixel which was showing up on the video. I got the estimate from them today to fix it - close to $900. They say they have to replace the CCD - appx $400 for parts and more than that for labor. Has anyone run into this problem before. Is there any other solution? I had read somewhere that some pixels can be mapped to an ajecent pixel. Anyway, I just think $900 is a lot for one hot pixel. Just making sure I'm not getting ripped off when there is another solution (besides only shooting in bright light situations). The camera is no longer under warranty by the way. Thanks for any input! Annie Cheatham

February 3rd, 2004, 12:39 PM	#1105
Phil French Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lousana, Alberta, Canada Posts: 146	white level for polorized filter Should I be setting the white level for my XL1s manually when I use a polarized filter or is it ok to just use the auto or sunlight setting when I'm shooting outdoors? __________________ Nature Boy

February 3rd, 2004, 01:32 PM	#1106
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Using the daylight preset white balance when using a polarizer will be fine, Phil. (I don't recommend ever using the Auto white balance feature.) __________________ 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

February 3rd, 2004, 01:36 PM	#1107
Phil French Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lousana, Alberta, Canada Posts: 146	Thanks Ken - I think neglecting to set my camera to daylight might have been my problem in a few clips. I can fix in post. __________________ Nature Boy

February 4th, 2004, 02:46 PM	#1108
Jaz Garewal New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 10	Canon XL 1SE and accessories Okay, this may be a dumb question, but here it goes: Is the only difference between the XL 1S and XL 1SE just that the SE is PAL? I am thinking of getting the SE (for the better resolution, and closer to flim fps), and I want to know if I would have to get accessories from Europe or if I could use accessories made purchased in N. America for the XL 1S (i.e. lenses, MA-100 or MA-200 mounts). Also, anyone have any good recommendations on where to get an XL 1SE? Thanks all!

February 4th, 2004, 03:09 PM	#1109
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	The "E" designation is not part of the standard Canon model nomenclature, but might be used by some advertisers to designate a PAL system (European) version. Although Canon's model number system is different for every other PAL camcorder than make (for instance, the GL2 is the XM2 in PAL system countries), the XL1S is still the XL1S according to Canon. Many shooters in NTSC countries prefer using PAL system camcorders for the exact reasons you state (higher resolution and 25fps). Most all XL1S accessories are interchangeable between the NTSC and PAL versions, including lenses and XLR adapters. There are no authorized Canon dealers in the U.S. that can sell the PAL version of the XL1S (the sole exception might be B&H). However any Canon dealer in Australia or England (or Europe) would probably be happy to sell one to you. Keep in mind, PAL system camcorders are not serviced in the U.S. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 4th, 2004, 08:27 PM	#1110
Joshua Cohen Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Roslyn Heights, NY Posts: 50	mic help! Hi guys, been a while, but I've got a few questions that I really need some quick answers on. I bought the sennheiser wireless mic set for my camera. At the moment, the camera isn't picking up anything from the wireless mics. So I thought, ok, maybe I just need to play around with it. So, to make sure the mic input was working, I took a mic and via XLR, plugged it into the MA-200, like I've done so many times before. For some strange reason, the camera isn't picking up the wired mic. No matter which slot I plug it in to. I'm going to consult the book, maybe I hit something, and since I didn't think I changed anything for quite some time, I probably forgot how to properly set up the camera for another mic. Anyways, I was hoping to get some help from you very smart people, in what might be causing this, and how to remedy the situation. I'm going to be needing the camera this coming weekend. Thanks __________________ Ye who asks a question remains a fool for five minutes, ye who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.