New XL2 user could use a bit of help

[Tim Bickford]

Hi-

I'm new to this forum + new to the XL2. Was hoping to get some advice.

I have been using a Hi-8 Sony (point and shoot) camcorder for 3 years. I've been editing (after converting to DV) with Premiere Pro. I recently bit the bullet and purchased a Canon XL2. I was drawn to the camera for many reasnons - mostly the 24P capability.

I still have lots to learn..... was hoping for some advice to get me going.

I recently shot about 20 minutes in 24P mode of a rock band (outdoors). I captured the video via premiere pro 1.5.1. I'm really not sure if there is more that I can do to get the video to look more "cinematic". I've tried playing around with color correction etc.

Can anyone make any recomendations? I realize that the question is a bit broad. Perhaps there is something that can be done with the "pull down" method. Then again - I really do not know too much about that.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks....

Tim

[Greg Boston]

Tim,

Welcome to the forum and the XL2. The best advice I can give you is to 'bone up' on all the great information already posted here. You can also peruse the XL2 forum and find many posts related to your film look question..

You've made quite a leap forward in camera technology. There's also some software available here from Blue Barn Software. It's a preset manager program that runs on Windows and will allow you to load various preset files (also available here) into your XL2. One of those presets might just give the look that you're after.

As a final note, I know it's considered wimpy, but have a good read of the owner's manual which will help with the basic operation of your camera and then come here to ask questions to fill in the blanks.

regards,

-gb-

[Tim Bickford]

-gb-

Thank you for the quick response.

I have been reading the posts in this forum. Some real good stuff. I did see the Blue Barn Stuff too. Sounds like something I need to read up on more first.

Yes - the leap in cameras has been big. I'm trying to learn as much and as quickly as possible.

I was fortunate enough to use my new XL2 for the first time at a tripple -A- baseball game (Red Sox) last month. Boy, the footage was realy bad. I was experimenting like crazy.

There's lots to learn. I will take your advice and read up. The manual too.

Thanks again!

Tim

[Tim Bickford]

Hi-

I found a 9 Blue barn presets in this forum. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ight=blue+barn

Are there others?

Thanks...

Tim

[Ash Greyson]

There are limitless set-ups... if you post a grab of a look, I can tell you how to get it... do it in the XL2 forum though...



ash =o)

[Andrew Cleary]

tim,
you can get a lot of cool effects filmlike with Magic Bullet filmlooks. http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/mbforeditors.html

you can also do a lot with after effects by blending duplicated layers.

[Tim Bickford]

Thank you for all the advice. I downloaded and installed the Bluie Barn Pictures - preset program. Having lots of fun with it.

Thanks again!

Tim