Where to buy the XL1S

Ken Tanaka · May 14th, 2002, 06:58 PM

To a great extent the practicality of such a scheme depends on whether you are a professional or a hobbbyist. That is, will you be relying on this camera to meet contractual obligations?

In general, I think that the Japanese camera plan is shaky regardless of your plans. But it's rediculous if you are a pro.

Just my 2 cents.

Keith Loh · May 15th, 2002, 10:07 AM

I would use the XL1s mostly to shoot short films mostly as I don't think I would ever work myself up to using it professionally.

Are you saying that a professional would probably need to use the warranty and wouldn't skimp on the price to begin with? Is that the 'shaky' part of the plan?

Ken Tanaka · May 15th, 2002, 10:35 AM

Yes. For professional applications I would suggest just getting the best price you can within Canada and biting the bullet on the exchange rate. Losing a lucrative job or, worse, getting hauled into court for breach of contract (because your XL1s was somewhere in a Japanese repair shop) would make the price differences look paltry.

Keith Loh · May 15th, 2002, 10:41 AM

Right. That is sensible advice.

I'm leaning more toward getting the best price I can in North America based upon the reaction I've received on this and other boards. Especially being new to this type of equipment I would want warranty protection.

I'm more used to computer hardware where if something isn't working I usually just throw it out and get a replacement.

Mike Butler · May 15th, 2002, 12:30 PM

I think I would be more upset if I were a hobbyist and something happened and the warranty was no good. At least as a pro, there is a good likelihood that the equipment will have paid for itself by the time any trouble occurs. I bought my XL used (no warranty, obviously) and it has made me a fist full of dollars, and if something happened to it now, I'd grit my teeth and buy another XL in a heartbeat, now that I know how much I use it. Probably would buy from an out-of-state dealer like B&H Photo (they're good) or one of Chris' supporting dealers. Very doubtful any of my local shops stock it, so we are forced to order it anyway, and if I buy from somebody in my home state I get stuck paying 6% sales tax.

Chris Hurd · May 16th, 2002, 09:51 AM

About the Japan option, you've noticed that shipping for the initial purchase as well as for maintenance will be expensive and time consuming. You also need to consider that the very extensive internal menu system in the XL1S will be entirely in Japanese, which will represent a serious compromise in your ability to utilize the camera to its full capabilities. Hope this helps,

Keith Loh · May 16th, 2002, 10:20 AM

Right. I had searched around previously to see if this was configurable or could be somehow updated in English assuming that it was software but couldn't find any answers. If this is the case then I would not be going for the Japanese option. Thanks for the warning.

Chris Hurd · May 16th, 2002, 10:31 AM

It probably *can* be changed from Japanese to English, but *how* is a completely different question for which I've never heard an answer.

May 24th, 2002, 12:47 AM

Just bought the US version, full fit, NTSC for $3299.99 yesterday.

Talked to the store manager, Billy and confirmed it was US/ full kit.

I was looking at $3650 at B&H. With the money saved, I went for the MACK 4yr warranty for $399.00. This warranty is not on the site, only on the phone. You'll find the $299 version of it online. The extra $100 gets you a "no fault/idiot" version. Meaning if you drop it, it's fixed. Only cost is shipping to Allstar, they pay for the shipping back to you.

Normally I never touch extended warraties (cars, eletronics, etc.) but what the hell, I'm rolling the dice.

Keith Loh · May 24th, 2002, 10:20 AM

The extended warranty, especially the idiot proof one is definitely something I would get.

Let me know how your camera arrives as I'm interested in the reliability of this vendor.

I'm saving up to afford a North American price.

EDIT: I found the site you were referring to.

May 28th, 2002, 06:33 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Airchinapilot : The extended warranty, especially the idiot proof one is definitely something I would get.

Let me know how your camera arrives as I'm interested in the reliability of this vendor.

I'm saving up to afford a North American price.

EDIT: I found the site you were referring to. -->>>

It arrived in perfect condition and at a very attractive price.

Chris Hurd · May 28th, 2002, 06:48 PM

Glad to hear this worked out; but please take any further discussion to private e-mail. On this board, we discuss the dealers who help sponsor the site, making it available for you to use. In fairness to them, I must ask that discussions of other vendors who do *not* support what we do here, be taken to private e-mail. Thanks for your cooperation,

May 14th, 2002, 06:58 PM	#16
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	To a great extent the practicality of such a scheme depends on whether you are a professional or a hobbbyist. That is, will you be relying on this camera to meet contractual obligations? In general, I think that the Japanese camera plan is shaky regardless of your plans. But it's rediculous if you are a pro. Just my 2 cents. __________________ 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

May 15th, 2002, 10:35 AM	#18
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Yes. For professional applications I would suggest just getting the best price you can within Canada and biting the bullet on the exchange rate. Losing a lucrative job or, worse, getting hauled into court for breach of contract (because your XL1s was somewhere in a Japanese repair shop) would make the price differences look paltry. __________________ 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

May 15th, 2002, 12:30 PM	#20
Mike Butler Machinist Mate Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Connecticut Posts: 644	I think I would be more upset if I were a hobbyist and something happened and the warranty was no good. At least as a pro, there is a good likelihood that the equipment will have paid for itself by the time any trouble occurs. I bought my XL used (no warranty, obviously) and it has made me a fist full of dollars, and if something happened to it now, I'd grit my teeth and buy another XL in a heartbeat, now that I know how much I use it. Probably would buy from an out-of-state dealer like B&H Photo (they're good) or one of Chris' supporting dealers. Very doubtful any of my local shops stock it, so we are forced to order it anyway, and if I buy from somebody in my home state I get stuck paying 6% sales tax. __________________ I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer. Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mc. My only words of wisdom are just, "Radio Edit."

May 16th, 2002, 09:51 AM	#21
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	About the Japan option, you've noticed that shipping for the initial purchase as well as for maintenance will be expensive and time consuming. You also need to consider that the very extensive internal menu system in the XL1S will be entirely in Japanese, which will represent a serious compromise in your ability to utilize the camera to its full capabilities. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

May 16th, 2002, 10:31 AM	#23
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	It probably can be changed from Japanese to English, but how is a completely different question for which I've never heard an answer. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

May 15th, 2002, 10:07 AM	#17
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	I would use the XL1s mostly to shoot short films mostly as I don't think I would ever work myself up to using it professionally. Are you saying that a professional would probably need to use the warranty and wouldn't skimp on the price to begin with? Is that the 'shaky' part of the plan?

May 15th, 2002, 10:41 AM	#19
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	Right. That is sensible advice. I'm leaning more toward getting the best price I can in North America based upon the reaction I've received on this and other boards. Especially being new to this type of equipment I would want warranty protection. I'm more used to computer hardware where if something isn't working I usually just throw it out and get a replacement.

May 16th, 2002, 10:20 AM	#22
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	Right. I had searched around previously to see if this was configurable or could be somehow updated in English assuming that it was software but couldn't find any answers. If this is the case then I would not be going for the Japanese option. Thanks for the warning.

May 24th, 2002, 12:47 AM	#24
Mr.Cisco Posts: n/a	Cha-Ching Just bought the US version, full fit, NTSC for $3299.99 yesterday. Talked to the store manager, Billy and confirmed it was US/ full kit. I was looking at $3650 at B&H. With the money saved, I went for the MACK 4yr warranty for $399.00. This warranty is not on the site, only on the phone. You'll find the $299 version of it online. The extra $100 gets you a "no fault/idiot" version. Meaning if you drop it, it's fixed. Only cost is shipping to Allstar, they pay for the shipping back to you. Normally I never touch extended warraties (cars, eletronics, etc.) but what the hell, I'm rolling the dice. Last edited by Chris Hurd; May 24th, 2002 at 06:23 AM.

May 24th, 2002, 10:20 AM	#25
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	The extended warranty, especially the idiot proof one is definitely something I would get. Let me know how your camera arrives as I'm interested in the reliability of this vendor. I'm saving up to afford a North American price. EDIT: I found the site you were referring to.

May 28th, 2002, 06:33 PM	#26
Mr.Cisco Posts: n/a	<<<-- Originally posted by Airchinapilot : The extended warranty, especially the idiot proof one is definitely something I would get. Let me know how your camera arrives as I'm interested in the reliability of this vendor. I'm saving up to afford a North American price. EDIT: I found the site you were referring to. -->>> It arrived in perfect condition and at a very attractive price.

May 28th, 2002, 06:48 PM	#27
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Glad to hear this worked out; but please take any further discussion to private e-mail. On this board, we discuss the dealers who help sponsor the site, making it available for you to use. In fairness to them, I must ask that discussions of other vendors who do not support what we do here, be taken to private e-mail. Thanks for your cooperation, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!