Old Film Guy Needs XL2 Advice for Son!

[Film Fart]

First off, let me just say this forum is a godsend for folks like me (and kudos to Barry for all the help he’s given so many)… I’ve directed film for some time but know zip about digital. Thing is, I’d like to get my son set up to shoot and edit his own work in this medium and figured this is the place to come for credible advice, so…

After researching Canon vs. Panasonic, I’m opting for the XL2. Any suggestions on the optimal place to purchase this gear (ie: best price and reputation)?

Also, I’ve gathered that it might be preferable to purchase just the XL2 body and use the Canon 16x manual lens. Suggestions on where to purchase this lens?

And finally, while I know this forum is aimed at cameras, any opinions on the best post set-up for my son? It’s been suggested I go with the Power Mac dual G5 with cinema display and the Final Cut software.

Thanks much in advance for any replies!

Old Film Fart

[LloydC]

like most people would say on this forum.... evsonline.com is the best place to purchase a camera

the G5 is an amazing comp for editing. Make sure you buy your son one of those 30" monitors :)

[Shaw]

Can I be your son too? =D ;)

[Film Fart]

i can only afford to send one of you to college... and he's got first dibs. ;o)

[Film Fart]

i'm checking that web site now. thanks!

[Travis_Andersen]

Film fart I see you are from Boston. I have the XL2 and 16X manual lens. Its great. I know EVS is great but since your East Coast Id go with B&H. You will have the camera and lens the next day.
As and film buff you may also want to look at Avid Express Pro to edit with. Just my 2 cents.

[mgalvan]

Hey Film Fart,

I'm thinking about possibly selling my XL2 as I have been way too busy with work and it just sits in my closet :-(

I bought it back in October and it has very low hours. And it looks virtually new as I take EXTREMELY good care of it (and the fact that it sits in the closet helps too). Let me know if you are interested in puchasing.

[TOUCH]

Film Fart -
Not only am I in Boston too - but I've got pretty much exactly the same set-up as you're planning for your son. The exception being a Sony GV-D900 deck and a JVC check monitor. It's a great set up. Be sure to beef up the G5 with at least 2GB of RAM and he'll be a happy camper. I bought all my gear locally, so PM me and I can fill you in.

[DTE]

check out zgc.com or someting like that. they sell an xl2/manual lens package and i hear it's relaly good. they are a recomended seller on the xl2 watchdog site.

[Policar]

Great Northern Video in New Hampshire sold me my DVX and it was reasnably priced (no sales tax, either), and the people there were friendly and informative. I know they sell Canon gear, too, so I'd give them a call.

Also, they let me demo the pd170 versus the dvx. It might be worth your time trying out both the dvx and xl2 before buying. I'm no trying to sway you to getting a dvx, but it's really worth knowing the equiptment well before buying it.

The G5 is an ideal editing system. Final Cut Pro is amazing, works well with 24p footage, and Apple's monitors are second to none. That said, you might want to reconsider blowing so much money on a single cinema display when Final Cut Pro works best with a dual monitor set up. (Or, you could buy one good display and one 100 dollar 17'' monitor.)

I'm from Boston, too...well, just outside of it (in Connecticut now). Didn't realize how many dvx owners lived around me.

And your son is still very lucky. I had to work as a cashier (full time) for four months to save upf or my dvx, and I'm going to be 40 grand it debt after college and with a likely to be worthless major (film studies, yay!). Oh well.

[Film Fart]

thanks for the suggestions fellas! this has been incredibly helpful... what a great forum!!! and policar... i'm way over forty grand in debt after college-- just didn't figure it'd be after my kids went to school.

son's a hard working guy with a real love of the craft-- thought i'd just give him a leg up. and, by the way, i've been where you are... came out of nyu grad film before the tuition went through the roof. yeah, the major's semi-worthless when it comes to film biz cache (can't speak to video biz), but the value is in the contacts, the friends made, and the opportunity to do the work. best of luck to you... and thanks for the advice... especially about the extra monitor!

thanks to all... and i'm still checking the thread. maybe you dv guys here in new england should get together and have coffee on weekends! or maybe something a tad stronger. :o)

[STORYTELLER32]

B&H photo/video are top notch for reputation. I used to go there all the time when I lived in Manhattan. They have a 7 day return policy, no questions asked and they keep their prices competitive because they do high volume. Do a search for their website online.

Post work I recommend the G5. Apple has the more stable platform to work with.