DN-60 and Canon XH-A1

Jim Bucciferro · April 9th, 2014, 07:59 AM

Well, it's been a while since the DN-60 fiasco. I resolved to not trying to get a decent unit and purchased the FS-CF Pro. So far it looks pretty solid. My tests reveal that it works with my camera, can be controlled by the A1, and will record 1080i 30F M2T files without any issues.
I have a job this weekend and will be using the FS-CF Pro - along with a tape for backup. Hopefully this will work and I can stop using tapes.
I like that I can get 2.5 hours on one 32GB CF card.

I'll post an update on my results.

Thanks for keeping this thread alive.

JB

Terry Wall · January 24th, 2015, 01:05 PM

Hi, all! Looks like it's been almost a year since someone contributed to this string, so I hope someone will see this post! After following all the dialogue here, it looks like I'll be ordering 2 of the FS-CF Pro units. Doesn't sound like the DN60 is a viable solution, based on the hiccups folks are experiencing. That said, what is the best way to mount the FS? On sticks? Handheld?

I just finished an all day seminar session and the thought of capturing all that footage--on two cameras--was the convincing factor. I'd love to go out and buy newer cameras with card technology built in, but it's not in the cards right now. Plus those ol' XH-A1s still shoot nice images--as long as the light's good!

Thanks, everyone!
TW

Roger Van Duyn · January 26th, 2015, 12:58 PM

Yeah, it's been more than a year. I was having trouble with one of my cameras back then, and it was the firewire port on the camera. Since having the port repaired, I've experienced no problems whatsoever with either of my cameras and their DN-60 units. No problems at all. The big warning, be careful with the firewire port on the XH-A1. They are fragile. Probably why Canon changed the design on the A1S port.

Greg Clark · January 27th, 2015, 08:10 AM

Three DN-60's worked great for me once I learned how to turn off and on the XH-A1's. You need to use a good quality thick FireWire cable and follow the instructions.
I still haven't found a quality alternative to the A1.

Roger Van Duyn · January 27th, 2015, 03:10 PM

I love the A1 when I'm shooting outdoors with plenty of light. Not so good indoors unless I use lights. Just recently got a relatively new DSLR that shoots video. Need to practice with it a while before using it on any paying jobs. Since getting the two DN-60s, still have some life left in my A1 and A1S.

Terry Wall · May 7th, 2015, 06:05 PM

Roger, I sent you a PM about the Focus vs Datavideo debate, but it's probably moot, since Focus Enhancements discontinued the FS-CF(pro) units. Guess I'll be picking up a couple DN60s...largely on the strength of your positive feelings about the units--as long as they're used correctly! Is there a YouTube or Vimeo tutorial? Thanks for the feedback, and for picking up the thread!

~TW

Greg Clark · May 7th, 2015, 08:23 PM

Terry follow these steps if you are recording to tape and CF:
Format CF within DN-60 only
1. Turn on DN-60 with CF card installed
2. Turn on XH-A1 and wait for green light. It can take up to 20 seconds.
3. Put in tape.
4. Press record and both should start recording
5. Every time you pause it starts a new file.
6. You can change tape and continue
7. Reverse order to shut down.
8. Do a (Make Media) before removing CF card
Hope I got it right.

Roger Van Duyn · May 8th, 2015, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Wall

Roger, I sent you a PM about the Focus vs Datavideo debate, but it's probably moot, since Focus Enhancements discontinued the FS-CF(pro) units. Guess I'll be picking up a couple DN60s...largely on the strength of your positive feelings about the units--as long as they're used correctly! Is there a YouTube or Vimeo tutorial? Thanks for the feedback, and for picking up the thread!

~TW

Hey Terry.

Haven't received your PM. Greg's post is what I do with my two units, except I don't use tapes anymore.

DataVideo has posted a number of videos on YouTube for the DN-60. Typing DataVideo DN-60 in the YouTube search bar pulls them all up. Perhaps they are still manufacturing units. Maybe not. Last time I checked B&H still had some in stock.

Don't forget to set the Digital Video Control the way it says on page 74 of the XH-A1 manual. That would be on page 85 of the XH-A1S manual. I just leave it set that way all the time.

Also, don't forget to stop recording before turning the DN-60 off or you might lose some of your footage. Just pressing stop on the camera works for me.

After a while, it all becomes second nature.

Hope this helps.

Dave Barnes · May 9th, 2015, 09:28 AM

Roger - question for you... I was looking at the DN-60 , but it looks like its powered by AA batteries? How long of a span do you usually get before having to swap them?

All - I too use XH-A1S cameras still, due to the amazing image quality... I do not have the $$ yet to invest in an XF300 , which would be my next step... I have done research on the Focus unit vs the DN60 , it seems that those who have either working, it works well, but there seem to be many who seem to have problems...

Obviously I am still using tape... :)

Roger Van Duyn · May 9th, 2015, 11:35 AM

The AA batteries I use seem to last at least as long as the batteries for the camera. I use PowerX AA Rechargeables and have gotten 4 hours out of them. I bought a charger, also a PowerX, that lets me charge 8 of them at one time.

I also used Eveready Lithium AA batteries all day once. That would be expensive to do all the time.

However, for long indoor gigs I use the AC Power adapters that come with the DN-60s, and also use the adapters for the camera too.

Outdoor shoots, I try to use good judgement to pick a time for swapping out batteries in the cameras and the recorders.

Greg Clark · May 10th, 2015, 06:46 AM

I just completed a 4 hour dance show using the DN-60, but also using tape. I thought my batteries would last but they didn't. I should have changed them at Intermission. Thank goodness I was using tape as well but I definitely learned about life expectancy of a battery using the DN-60. My wife had no problems because she used electrical to power her DN-60. Using only the DN-60 will come with trust.

Terry Wall · May 12th, 2015, 05:37 PM

Question to the group here, since we're all holdin' on to our A1's and A1s's as long as we can: Because the HDV format is 1440x1080, do you guys get any resistance from folks expecting 1920x1080?

Thx!

Greg Clark · May 12th, 2015, 06:22 PM

I never get complaints in Bluray or DVD. I have come to the realization that the customer is interested in content first. Tell a good story and you can use only DV if you wish.

Terry Wall · May 12th, 2015, 06:38 PM

Glad to hear it, Greg, and my sentiments exactly!

~TW

April 9th, 2014, 07:59 AM	#16
Jim Bucciferro Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Shelton, CT USA Posts: 125	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Well, it's been a while since the DN-60 fiasco. I resolved to not trying to get a decent unit and purchased the FS-CF Pro. So far it looks pretty solid. My tests reveal that it works with my camera, can be controlled by the A1, and will record 1080i 30F M2T files without any issues. I have a job this weekend and will be using the FS-CF Pro - along with a tape for backup. Hopefully this will work and I can stop using tapes. I like that I can get 2.5 hours on one 32GB CF card. I'll post an update on my results. Thanks for keeping this thread alive. JB

January 24th, 2015, 01:05 PM	#17
Terry Wall Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 164	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Hi, all! Looks like it's been almost a year since someone contributed to this string, so I hope someone will see this post! After following all the dialogue here, it looks like I'll be ordering 2 of the FS-CF Pro units. Doesn't sound like the DN60 is a viable solution, based on the hiccups folks are experiencing. That said, what is the best way to mount the FS? On sticks? Handheld? I just finished an all day seminar session and the thought of capturing all that footage--on two cameras--was the convincing factor. I'd love to go out and buy newer cameras with card technology built in, but it's not in the cards right now. Plus those ol' XH-A1s still shoot nice images--as long as the light's good! Thanks, everyone! TW __________________ Rule #1: Don't sweat the small stuff. Rule #2: It's ALL small stuff! Last edited by Terry Wall; January 24th, 2015 at 05:26 PM. Reason: typo

January 26th, 2015, 12:58 PM	#18
Roger Van Duyn Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakeland Florida Posts: 692	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Yeah, it's been more than a year. I was having trouble with one of my cameras back then, and it was the firewire port on the camera. Since having the port repaired, I've experienced no problems whatsoever with either of my cameras and their DN-60 units. No problems at all. The big warning, be careful with the firewire port on the XH-A1. They are fragile. Probably why Canon changed the design on the A1S port. __________________ Roger My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAp...2AHr_pHFID5LDA

January 27th, 2015, 08:10 AM	#19
Greg Clark Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Surprise Arizona Posts: 297	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Three DN-60's worked great for me once I learned how to turn off and on the XH-A1's. You need to use a good quality thick FireWire cable and follow the instructions. I still haven't found a quality alternative to the A1.

January 27th, 2015, 03:10 PM	#20
Roger Van Duyn Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakeland Florida Posts: 692	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 I love the A1 when I'm shooting outdoors with plenty of light. Not so good indoors unless I use lights. Just recently got a relatively new DSLR that shoots video. Need to practice with it a while before using it on any paying jobs. Since getting the two DN-60s, still have some life left in my A1 and A1S. __________________ Roger My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAp...2AHr_pHFID5LDA

May 7th, 2015, 06:05 PM	#21
Terry Wall Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 164	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Roger, I sent you a PM about the Focus vs Datavideo debate, but it's probably moot, since Focus Enhancements discontinued the FS-CF(pro) units. Guess I'll be picking up a couple DN60s...largely on the strength of your positive feelings about the units--as long as they're used correctly! Is there a YouTube or Vimeo tutorial? Thanks for the feedback, and for picking up the thread! ~TW __________________ Rule #1: Don't sweat the small stuff. Rule #2: It's ALL small stuff!

May 7th, 2015, 08:23 PM	#22
Greg Clark Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Surprise Arizona Posts: 297	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Terry follow these steps if you are recording to tape and CF: Format CF within DN-60 only 1. Turn on DN-60 with CF card installed 2. Turn on XH-A1 and wait for green light. It can take up to 20 seconds. 3. Put in tape. 4. Press record and both should start recording 5. Every time you pause it starts a new file. 6. You can change tape and continue 7. Reverse order to shut down. 8. Do a (Make Media) before removing CF card Hope I got it right.

May 9th, 2015, 09:28 AM	#24
Dave Barnes Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Buffalo NY Posts: 66	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Roger - question for you... I was looking at the DN-60 , but it looks like its powered by AA batteries? How long of a span do you usually get before having to swap them? All - I too use XH-A1S cameras still, due to the amazing image quality... I do not have the $$ yet to invest in an XF300 , which would be my next step... I have done research on the Focus unit vs the DN60 , it seems that those who have either working, it works well, but there seem to be many who seem to have problems... Obviously I am still using tape... :) __________________ Canon XL-H1A / Canon XH-A1S / Still shooting some tape / Mac Pro 2013 / Final Cut Pro X

May 9th, 2015, 11:35 AM	#25
Roger Van Duyn Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakeland Florida Posts: 692	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 The AA batteries I use seem to last at least as long as the batteries for the camera. I use PowerX AA Rechargeables and have gotten 4 hours out of them. I bought a charger, also a PowerX, that lets me charge 8 of them at one time. I also used Eveready Lithium AA batteries all day once. That would be expensive to do all the time. However, for long indoor gigs I use the AC Power adapters that come with the DN-60s, and also use the adapters for the camera too. Outdoor shoots, I try to use good judgement to pick a time for swapping out batteries in the cameras and the recorders. __________________ Roger My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAp...2AHr_pHFID5LDA

May 10th, 2015, 06:46 AM	#26
Greg Clark Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Surprise Arizona Posts: 297	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 I just completed a 4 hour dance show using the DN-60, but also using tape. I thought my batteries would last but they didn't. I should have changed them at Intermission. Thank goodness I was using tape as well but I definitely learned about life expectancy of a battery using the DN-60. My wife had no problems because she used electrical to power her DN-60. Using only the DN-60 will come with trust.

May 12th, 2015, 05:37 PM	#27
Terry Wall Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 164	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Question to the group here, since we're all holdin' on to our A1's and A1s's as long as we can: Because the HDV format is 1440x1080, do you guys get any resistance from folks expecting 1920x1080? Thx! __________________ Rule #1: Don't sweat the small stuff. Rule #2: It's ALL small stuff! Last edited by Terry Wall; May 12th, 2015 at 05:38 PM. Reason: Can't spell!

May 12th, 2015, 06:22 PM	#28
Greg Clark Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Surprise Arizona Posts: 297	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 I never get complaints in Bluray or DVD. I have come to the realization that the customer is interested in content first. Tell a good story and you can use only DV if you wish.

May 12th, 2015, 06:38 PM	#29
Terry Wall Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 164	Re: DN-60 and Canon XH-A1 Glad to hear it, Greg, and my sentiments exactly! ~TW __________________ Rule #1: Don't sweat the small stuff. Rule #2: It's ALL small stuff!