I just got back from the XL2 Canadian launch at Vistek. Was anyone else there?
Joe Bogacz from Canon Product Development was the first speaker. He mentioned that he wanted to clear up some misconceptions and speculations on the internet about the XL2 and then went into a lengthy explanation of the negative features of HDV, and the reasons why we are all better off having a really good SD 24P camera for the same price point. I have to say that I totally agree with his argument.
Next, he mentioned how we, in the many discussion groups, talk alot about the main functions of the camera, but the most exciting new features are still "undiscovered."
He mentioned some "undiscovered" features like the programmable focus marks, and zoom marks on the new lens, -3dB = 320ASA, 0dB =400ASA, but he concentrated on the "open-architecture" of the software.
This is apparently the first camera to provide third-party software developers with an SDK. This means that almost all functions of the camera are accessible via the firewire cable, and we could soon see various bits of software that could control the camera for many different uses.
One simple example is the potential ability to "share" presets on the internet the way the high-end Sony and Panavision cameras do. That's cool!
He also talked alot about pixels, "Total Image Control", 24P, XLR inputs, superior Canon optics, etc.
Then... it was time to see the demo reel. What a disappointment!
To be fair, the projector setup was too high (blacks were gray) and it was being played back off of miniDV tape via composite input.
The first vignette was probably the best, but was also the most controlled lighting. The second one shot 30P with a car in Times Square - it looked OK. The third was a "documentary" example in 60i about a piano player. The highlights on the interview looked blown out, which really surprised me for a controlled lighting situation.
Joe talked a bit about the first three examples and then played the rest of the demo. They kept cycling between 24P, 30P and 60i, but I think they would have been better served just doing everything in 24P. They also should have hired some better actors and a pro DP for the demo.
I could see how the knee adjustment was helping out in a "bright window" situation, and the black stretch was maintaining detail in a CSI type night scene, but it was tough to assess the scenes because of the poor execution.
Some other presenters went over some of the other features and third party accessories available, and then Tim Hagan showed us some demo footage of a dragon boat race he shot on an overcast day. A few of the shots looked really good, but he had done alot of speed ramping when he cut it in FCP4, so it was tough to get a feel for the 24P look.
From what I can tell from Tim's footage, the camera and kit lens combo seem to have very good resolving power.
It was late so I didn't get to ask any questions afterwards. Did anyone else?
Tim
Joe Bogacz from Canon Product Development was the first speaker. He mentioned that he wanted to clear up some misconceptions and speculations on the internet about the XL2 and then went into a lengthy explanation of the negative features of HDV, and the reasons why we are all better off having a really good SD 24P camera for the same price point. I have to say that I totally agree with his argument.
Next, he mentioned how we, in the many discussion groups, talk alot about the main functions of the camera, but the most exciting new features are still "undiscovered."
He mentioned some "undiscovered" features like the programmable focus marks, and zoom marks on the new lens, -3dB = 320ASA, 0dB =400ASA, but he concentrated on the "open-architecture" of the software.
This is apparently the first camera to provide third-party software developers with an SDK. This means that almost all functions of the camera are accessible via the firewire cable, and we could soon see various bits of software that could control the camera for many different uses.
One simple example is the potential ability to "share" presets on the internet the way the high-end Sony and Panavision cameras do. That's cool!
He also talked alot about pixels, "Total Image Control", 24P, XLR inputs, superior Canon optics, etc.
Then... it was time to see the demo reel. What a disappointment!
To be fair, the projector setup was too high (blacks were gray) and it was being played back off of miniDV tape via composite input.
The first vignette was probably the best, but was also the most controlled lighting. The second one shot 30P with a car in Times Square - it looked OK. The third was a "documentary" example in 60i about a piano player. The highlights on the interview looked blown out, which really surprised me for a controlled lighting situation.
Joe talked a bit about the first three examples and then played the rest of the demo. They kept cycling between 24P, 30P and 60i, but I think they would have been better served just doing everything in 24P. They also should have hired some better actors and a pro DP for the demo.
I could see how the knee adjustment was helping out in a "bright window" situation, and the black stretch was maintaining detail in a CSI type night scene, but it was tough to assess the scenes because of the poor execution.
Some other presenters went over some of the other features and third party accessories available, and then Tim Hagan showed us some demo footage of a dragon boat race he shot on an overcast day. A few of the shots looked really good, but he had done alot of speed ramping when he cut it in FCP4, so it was tough to get a feel for the 24P look.
From what I can tell from Tim's footage, the camera and kit lens combo seem to have very good resolving power.
It was late so I didn't get to ask any questions afterwards. Did anyone else?
Tim
