Camera Differences? at DVinfo.net

David Ellis · December 22nd, 2005, 09:16 PM

I'm possibly going to buy a XL1 or a XL2, but would rather go for the cheaper camera if possible. Could someone tell me what's the difference between the two? I'm going to use the camera to film my hunts in the upcoming years, but want to get a camera that will be adequate enough to last me for a couple of years. I've also looked at the GL2, but I'm leaning on the XL1. Hope I can get some helpful information on these wonderful cameras. Take care and happy holidays!

David Ellis
Active Duty Air Force
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Les Wilson · December 22nd, 2005, 09:48 PM

First, thank you for serving our country.

Next, I think you will find some helpful articles on this site outlining the differences. I have an XL1s. Beyond the beautiful picture one gets from this camera, it is very versatile. The cost of that versatility is run and gun-ability. The camera is plain old gangly compared to the form factor of the GL2, PD170, DVX100b etc. The XL cameras are also not light. So while I absolutely love my XL1s, I am not slugging it through the woods in a hunt where mobility is a large factor. For the times where I do run and gun, I use a Spider Brace along with a body harness I designed so the camera weight (at rest) is handled by my shoulders and back instead of arms or neck. You're mileage may vary.

Mike Teutsch · December 22nd, 2005, 10:06 PM

Welcome David,

The XL2 is the newer version but not necessarly better for what you are going to do. More for film look and such than the XL1s. I have both, and I would recommend you start with the XL1s and then adding accessories to it like additional lenses, filters, tripod and heads etc.. The money you save getting an XL1s will buy the other items you need.

Then when you are ready to move up, the accessories you bought will work on your XL2 or even XL H1.

Best of luck and keep watching this forum for all you need.

Mike---US Army 1967-1974

Mathieu Ghekiere · December 23rd, 2005, 03:16 AM

If you go for the cheaper one, go for the XL1s, and not the XL1, but I think this maybe is a stupid remark, because chances are big you'll only find an XL1s and not the XL1.

Well, the XL2 has real widescreen, is really progressive, has a much sharper image, and more features.
But the XL1s still is a great cam, and if you light well, have good actors and such, I think it won't make a difference.
The XL1s gives you maybe a more filmic image out of the box, looking at the saturated colors.

I bought my XL1s from someone on these boards who was gonna buy the XL2. Afterwards I asked him how it was, he said the new camera was perfect, but essentially, if you are creative, you could get the same results with an XL1s. Now, that's maybe a little bit exagerating, but I hope you get the point?

And what Mike says is a very good advice: the extra money can go into accesoires, and that can really be more helpfull sometimes then the extra features of the XL2.

Whatever you choose, good luck!

December 22nd, 2005, 09:16 PM	#1
David Ellis Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 35	Camera Differences? I'm possibly going to buy a XL1 or a XL2, but would rather go for the cheaper camera if possible. Could someone tell me what's the difference between the two? I'm going to use the camera to film my hunts in the upcoming years, but want to get a camera that will be adequate enough to last me for a couple of years. I've also looked at the GL2, but I'm leaning on the XL1. Hope I can get some helpful information on these wonderful cameras. Take care and happy holidays! David Ellis Active Duty Air Force Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

December 22nd, 2005, 10:06 PM	#3
Mike Teutsch Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida Posts: 2,614	Welcome David, The XL2 is the newer version but not necessarly better for what you are going to do. More for film look and such than the XL1s. I have both, and I would recommend you start with the XL1s and then adding accessories to it like additional lenses, filters, tripod and heads etc.. The money you save getting an XL1s will buy the other items you need. Then when you are ready to move up, the accessories you bought will work on your XL2 or even XL H1. Best of luck and keep watching this forum for all you need. Mike---US Army 1967-1974 __________________ Chapter one, line one. The BH.

December 22nd, 2005, 09:48 PM	#2
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	First, thank you for serving our country. Next, I think you will find some helpful articles on this site outlining the differences. I have an XL1s. Beyond the beautiful picture one gets from this camera, it is very versatile. The cost of that versatility is run and gun-ability. The camera is plain old gangly compared to the form factor of the GL2, PD170, DVX100b etc. The XL cameras are also not light. So while I absolutely love my XL1s, I am not slugging it through the woods in a hunt where mobility is a large factor. For the times where I do run and gun, I use a Spider Brace along with a body harness I designed so the camera weight (at rest) is handled by my shoulders and back instead of arms or neck. You're mileage may vary.

December 23rd, 2005, 03:16 AM	#4
Mathieu Ghekiere Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,195	If you go for the cheaper one, go for the XL1s, and not the XL1, but I think this maybe is a stupid remark, because chances are big you'll only find an XL1s and not the XL1. Well, the XL2 has real widescreen, is really progressive, has a much sharper image, and more features. But the XL1s still is a great cam, and if you light well, have good actors and such, I think it won't make a difference. The XL1s gives you maybe a more filmic image out of the box, looking at the saturated colors. I bought my XL1s from someone on these boards who was gonna buy the XL2. Afterwards I asked him how it was, he said the new camera was perfect, but essentially, if you are creative, you could get the same results with an XL1s. Now, that's maybe a little bit exagerating, but I hope you get the point? And what Mike says is a very good advice: the extra money can go into accesoires, and that can really be more helpfull sometimes then the extra features of the XL2. Whatever you choose, good luck!