XL1 to DVX converts

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indieanajonze

Member
First of all, I’d like to compliment the people on this forum as it is one of the best I’ve ever come across in terms of the information and knowledge discussed.

I would like to hear from people who have switched from the XL1 to the DVX. I am close to buying a new camera and am leaning away from the XL2 and towards the DVX. I just need that last kick in the pants to place the order.

I have been loyal to Canon in both video and stills since I owned the Canon L2 Hi8 video camera, which is still the coolest camera design, in my book, of any camera I’ve used. I’ve eroded brand loyalty out of the equation and am now seeking answers to some final questions I have about the DVX.

1. Is there a noticeable difference in focus between the XL1 and the DVX? I know the DVX is sharper, but is it a slight improvement or a significant one?

2. Does anyone use the century optics .6 or .7 wide angle adapters? From what I’ve read, the .7 allows for a bit of zoom and the .6 does not. Does anyone find the ability to zoom on the .7 much of an advantage? Also, how much trouble/time is it to attach and detach?

3. Is there a noticeable difference in audio quality between the XL1 and the DVX? From what I’ve read, the DVX locks audio to picture perfectly in all modes except 24, in which case it captures audio ever so slightly out of sync. Is this correct? Sadly, my $200 crappy cam has better audio sync than the XL1.

4. Are there any accessories anyone would recommend purchasing? Additional items you’ve found invaluable in day-to-day shooting?

5. Any other observances and experiences between the XL1 and DVX would be appreciated.

6. My last question is this. I recently completed a major video project, shot on the XL1, which was well received by the client. They’ve since asked me to shoot a new video for them. While the XL1 picture is good and the client was happy with the way it looked, I want to blow them away with this next project in terms of the writing, shooting, editing, etc. as well as create an incredible product as a tool for future business. From a shooting standpoint, would the “production value” bar be raised significantly enough with the DVX to justify buying it for this next project (and future ones, of course) or would the difference be so minimal as to stick with the XL1 for now?

Thanks in advance.
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

Well, I'll give my normal half-assed answer to a couple of your questions:

2. I think you'll find that you really don't need a wide angle adapter for the DVX because it's stock lens is already extremely wide.

3. The DVX has the best audio of any camera anywhere near this price range. With the DVX100A (the newer version that is available now) all audio is in perfect sync (including 24p).

6. If your client was happy with the look of the XL1, they're going to sh*t themselves when they see the look of the DVX (just one man's opinion).
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

1. It is a huge difference. There are many, many reasons, and I'm sure you could dig up threads going through all of them.

2. .7 is zoom through, .6 is not. I've never used them so I can't comment other than that, except I've heard that the bayonet mount makes them easy to take on and off.

3. I'll echo horse here, the DVX has the best audio of any prosumer camera.

4. Well you've probably already got a tripod, get a UV filter and batteries from this site.

5. Check the XL2 Section.

6. If you want a vast improvement from the look of your old project, it's the way to go.
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

[quote author=indieanajonze link=board=Events;num=1101053434;start=0#0 date=11/21/04 at 08:10:34]
2.  Does anyone use the century optics .6 or .7 wide angle adapters?  From what I’ve read, the .7 allows for a bit of zoom and the .6 does not.  Does anyone find the ability to zoom on the .7 much of an advantage?  Also, how much trouble/time is it to attach and detach?[/quote]
The .6 allows for partial zoom (up to about Z60). The .7 allows for full zoom throughout the entire zoom range.

Attaching and detaching takes about six seconds.
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

thanks for the replies. barry, do you own or have you used either of the wide angle attachments? would you agree with horsefilms statement that he finds the stock lens on the dvx to be wide enough? if i remember correctly, the dvx goes to 4.5mm which translates to around 31mm in 35mm terms. i'm thinking it would be nice to have the option of going wider is some situations. i know this gets into personal preference, but i'd appreciate your thoughts. thanks again.
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

I have the .6, and I've used the .7.

The DVX's stock wide-angle lens is wider than you'll find on any other prosumer camera (excepting only the new FX1/Z1, which have the same wide angle). Whether you find that "wide enough" is a matter of taste... for flexibility purposes I find the .6 to be a good special-purpose tool. On other cameras I viewed a wide-angle as a necessity, with the DVX it's more of a luxury.
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

I bought an XL1s when they launched in 2001. I loved it like I've never loved a camera... until I stumbled on the DVX. The XL1s was actually a work camera (I have a 9-5 aside from my production work) and when it came time to outfit my personal studio with a camera, the 24p was enough to sway me away from the XL1s.

With the DVX, focus is better, audio is better, and overall function of the camera is easier. I'm a manual freak when it comes to camera settings, and I'm still confused when I use the XL1s. With the DVX, it's second-nature.

A big plus for me was the colour LCD screen, which allowed me to be able to see in focus with both eyes after a shoot (I could actually see out of my left eye).

I haven't seen the XL2, but I probably won't bother. Most people say that it brings Canon inline with what Panasonic has been doing for a few years. I sometimes wish for 16:9, but most of my clients couldn't appreciate it anyway.

Just my two-cents.

jchenier
www.beyondtimemedia.com
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

I don't have the .6 or .7 wide angle adaptor but I've read posts from several people that have the .6 adaptor that said they wish they had sprung for the .7 because of the full zoom through. Of course the .7 is about double the price.
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

I just used the XL2 this weekend for the first time and found things that both greatly impressed me and slightly dissapointed me.

I think the deciding factor in the end is money, specifically how much you want to spend. The 20x on the canon is an okay lens, but it's not really suited for the kind of filmmaking a DVX user would be doing. The camera is far more stable and easy to operate then a DVX and the layout and design of the buttons really indicates a lot of careful consideration of the end user.

I'll be reviewing my footage later today, so I won't make any comments on the image or sound quality.

I think it's a seriously nice camera, but it's difficult to justify the difference in price once you consider how many other vital accessories you'll need for either camera.

Still, as a person who doesn't own either...the decision between them has much harder to make after using both in real shooting environments.
 
Re: XL1 to DVX converts

Thanks J. :)

You should start a new thread when get into the footage and give a some more of your thoughts.
 
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