I need of your personal experience: XL1s vs XL2

C Walker

C Walker

Well-known member
I'm looking around to find a deal on, preferably an XL2. However, what is the difference between the XL1s and XL2. I know what the numbers say, but what are your experiences?
 
Also, this is going to be used along side my DVX, which will probably be turned into a secondary camera.
 
I´d forget the XL1 emediately, besides image quality, you´ll be lucky to find one with reasonable low hours anyway.
If you need a second cam, why not get another DVX?
I prefered the XL2 over the DVX, but if I alreadey had a DVX and needed a second cam, I´d get another DVX...
But maybe you have special reasons for opting for a XL model?
 
Yeah, I didn't consider the hours for some reason. Scratch the XL1s.

First of all, the reason I bought the DVX was price. I used an XL2 for months at a TV station, and prefer the shoulder mount and viewfinder. I like the flip out screen and at times I wished the XL2 had one, but when the LCD gets washed out by another lightsource, namely the sun, it's difficult, for me, to adjust automatically to the eyepiece. So chalk one for ergonomics.

Secondly, the ZOOOOOM!!! I do many live events, and the zoom is incredibly valuable. Sometimes I can't get close enough for the DVX's zoom to be as effective as I want it. I thought about buying a 1.6x extender, and it may be the cost effective option, BUT I need a second camera anyway and the extender doesn't match the zoom of the XL2.

So, ergonomics and lens are the deciding factors.
 
For better viewing the LCD you can just get a Hoodman or sth similar...
The XL2 ergonomics are really strange, we had it for 1 year and I never used it from the shoulder.
When we bought our first HVX I also got a DVmultiRig to get the shouler mount look, but actually I prefer using a monopod now, for run and gun situations.
(The DVmultiRig is sth I cannot longer recomend, execept for people who need sth to fold down very small and have enough time to setup their rig.)
Zoom is of course XL2 domain, also if you can get a good deal on the manual lens, you will love it...
But still, for event/ENG type of work I prefer the "handycam" style now, but maybe because our DP really nows how to use the advantages of HVX size cameras...
If you don´t need the second cam for 2 camera setups, you can of course buy any other cam.
We have two HVXs and intercutting is of course flawless and can add a lot of production value...
 
Do you ever feel limited by the lens on the HVX with it's "short" focal length? Have you used extenders?

I really like the DVX's size and that's one BIG plus. I've also put a Varizoom on the holiday wishlist.
 
There have been situation where a longer focal length would have been nice (filming the stage from accross the convention center...), but when doing things like these (extreme zoom ins), the demand on tripod and zoom control are often the more limiting factor.
So with the XL2 i can get closer but also have to stop breathing;o)
I use the tele end of the lens mostly for reducing DOF in interview situations and even with the HVX it isn´t possible to back up enough to get anything bigger than a CU.
So with the XL2 fully zoomed in, you need to back up even further...

On big selling point for the XL2 simply is its more "pro" appeal to clients, we had a Vocas mattebox on it and along with extra battery and wireless transmiter attached it gave you that "wow" factor with clients...
(But actually the HVX with a Mattebox also is a beast, never had any problems with clients...)
And yes I also use grads and a polarizer, so it ain´t just about showing off;o)
 
I hear ya. I need to buy one more camera, soon. Well, soon being by March! I don't know if I'd need a mattebox anyway, at least not now. It'll be a used camera, so I'll end up with the better deal. Another DVX would probably be more convenient.
 
As for ergonomics, the XL series really stinks. It isn't a true shoulder cam, it sits in front of your shoulder, putting all the weight square on your arm. I can't really compare the XL and the DVX, they both have good images, but you have more options for lenses with the XL. On the point of which is more pro, that point is moot. You'll see a whole bunch of XLs being used at sporting events, but most of the Travel Channel shows use the DVX, and most news stations are using the larger Panny cams. What you are doing will really be the deciding factor.
 
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