XL2 or Pimp out the XL1s

[Shaggy Franks]

Hey Guys,

I just can’t decide what to do with my setup, do to my Budget I can choose from one of this two option.
Just go out and buy a Plain XL2 or Pimp out my XL1s (PAL)
With a 3x Lens, 16x Manual Lens, LCD Screen, Sachtler DV-4II System, New Matte Box (if I can find a good one) and a Sony GVD to playback my
Footage.

What yall think? I do kind of dig the new 16x9 format on the XL2 since I shoot everything in so called
16x9 on my XL1s…


Shaggy

[Bill Ravens]

Don't misunderstand, the XL1s is a fine camera. However, having upgraded to an XL2 I will note that no amount of additional accessories for the XL1 will bring its image quality up to that of the XL2.

[Robin Davies-Rollinson]

Shaggy,
If you need to shoot 16:9, then there is no question really is there?
XL2!!!

Robin

[Shaggy Franks]

Yeah, to bad there is no PAL system to buy in the US, but about this 16x9 issue is very interesting.
I can remember when the XL1s came out allot of XL1 users sworn on the 16x9 feature on the Camera.

Anyway what about this, how much difference would you think there will be compare to a XL2 NTSC
transfer to PAL footage, compare XL1s PAL system footage.

Shaggy

[Rob Lohman]

I have to say that I don't agree with any of the replies people
have given you thusfar. In my opinion the correct answer is:
depends on what you want to do with a/the camera.

Whether or not the increased resolution is important to you
depends on what you are using the camera for. Usually you
will NEED a whole set of accessoires (like support gear and
wide angle lenses) depending on what you are shooting with
the camera.

For example, a wide angle lens and good tripod will easily set
you back $2000 - $3000. So if that is something that you NEED
to have then this would be far more important than resolution in
my mind, depending on what kind of shooting you do.

So let's start again by you telling us what you are doing with
these camera's or what you want to do and what kind of
equipment you already own.

[Shaggy Franks]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the help out, ok here we go.
At the moment nothing big due to the Job I’m doing. It’s my personal Camera that I bought just
to play around with do some Personal shooting maybe some short films
But again sometimes I do some small projects where some money is involved as like image/product films for Companies.
So far nothing that will get broadcasted just for Web and DVD (Television.)

When I get back home from this job I do like to do some Music Videos more a small budget thing or even for free.
Usually the Production Company I work or Freelance for rents the equipment for big budget film/video projects since that will go on to the clients bill (if the client wants it they can get it right).
Yes I do believe the XL2 is better in many ways then the XL1s but is it worth the Money to upgrade to it know for my needs?
So back to my XL1s it’s my personal Camera for Hobbies shooting, independent filming between us friends,
small budget things like web/DVD video and then Music Videos when I get back. Let’s say like a small independent solo shooter ;o)
I mainly do editing and CGI/motion design but like to have my own nice little setup, hey you never no right?
Oh yeah yes I shoot in 16x9 and Frame mode with the XL1s

At the moment I have no really high standard equipment (got to take care of them bills) but since I will be stacking with cash with this Job I’m doing, I was planning to get some equipment to upgrade my little friend like:
Heavy Tripod (maybe someone can give me good sample)
Wide lens
Maybe the 16x manual if needed
Mattbox (Century)
A course a DV deck like the Sony GVD 1000E
Maybe a Hardcase or a softcase from Portabrace

Shaggy

P.S. I figure pimp out the Xl1s (hey it’s only 1 ½ years old) and maybe get the XL2 later when the Price drops or even when Canon brings out a HD version.
Then again we might see better formats to come cheaper or even a better one will get released, but that a different story.

[Rob Lohman]

It sounds like you really do not need a new camera at this specific
point in time. As you say, it may be interesting a bit futher down
the road and there might be some interesting equipment like the
new Sony HD camera.

It all boils down to money in the end. Since you are in this business
I won't have to tell you that for things like music videos you will
usually need extra support gear like lighting, camera support
(tripod, dolly, steadicam, crane) and other stuff. I however imagine
that you might be able to loan or cheaply rent this from the place
you work, so that might be a very nice bonus for you.

I'm not convinced that the extra resolution with the XL2 will help
in the kind of stuff you are doing. Certainly not for the web and
still a lot of TV's cannot resolved the extra resolution. Unless
probably played on HDTV sets.

Personally I would much rather have an XL1S with a couple of
lenses like a manual one, the wide angle and some other
extra items then a new XL2 with nothing else.

However, you may be in a unique situation where your company
can help you out equipment wise, I don't know. That might chance
things. Also your budget is another thing.

If this new gig can land you some more cash and you can shoot
it with your current camera I would do that. After the gig it might
be more approriate to upgrade?

Yes, the XL2 is brandnew and the price will drop in the time to
come (although not soon would be my guess). So I would only
buy it now if I would really need it or if I could easily pay it off
with work in a reasonable amount of time.

[Shaggy Franks]

Hey,

Well at the moment I’m not doing anything that is Video related. Got me a Job in my other filed as an Automation Technician.
Which pays very big bucks that some yall might know,
with some of that cash I wanted to get me some extra add-ons
for my XL1s or the XL2

But most likey I’ll stick with my and get the add-ons, not bad the
company or the once I knew from privies jobs don’t have any Hardware to
Loan me out, since they rented it from other Business.
Yeah you’re right about the Steadycam and so, in fact I’m still doing some research in that.
Thank god I don’t have to worry about light since have close friends that are
really big into light and they are good :oD
Also as you mentioned it about HDTV, I don’t even think people own them in Germany.

Thank you for your Help

Shaggy

[Rob Lohman]

Indeed, here in Holland there is no HDTV what-so-ever as well.
I'm sticking with SD resolution stuff, for now. Yes it might be nice
to have the original footage in HD for possible use later in the
future, but at this point in time it is highly unlikely that the stuff I
shoot now will ever be transferred to film or re-used in the future.

[David Lau]

I would say give the Xl2 a rest a stay with the Xl1s for the time being. It isnt a bad camera, pimping it out would be nice. Content over quality and save the cash for something like a steadicam or something that will be useful to shooting. I have an old XL1 not the S. Its pretty pimp out. but its all I need to make shorts with.