digital video camera question

[Julio]

I'm saving money to buy a digital video camera for this winter. I've heard good things about the Canon XL1S and the GL2. Does anyone have any experience with either of these cameras? How hard is the XL1S to figure out for someone that didn't go to film school. Any advice on the subject is helpful. Thanks.

[Mcwop]

What do you want the camera to do? Professional footage, personal? The GL2 is an awesome camera that can film commercial quality footage. The GL2 is not the smallest option.

The Canon Elura 40MC is very small with excellent picture quality, if you don't need commercial grade, not to say this camera could not pull it off.

CNET GL2 Review

[Julio]

I'm not a professional and I doubt I ever will be, I just want to be able to make very high quality video of my friends skiing. I'm leaning towards the GL2 because of price and it delivers the quality that i want. I guess I'm just wondering how much better the XL1S quality is? Also, tripods in the snow, any tips? Thanks for your help.

[Plakespear]

In terms of video quality- the XL1s and GL2 are almost equal.
Advanteges of XL1: Interchangeable lenses, which means you can get a real long lens on there if you want to, or put on a fisheye. (both of these cameras suck for wide angle shots, by the way)

GL2: Smaller, lighter, and I believe has a snow-specific mode. However you can't throw on a big lens and get good shots of someone on the mountain from the base area. That option is available on the XL-1.

Tripod use in the snow: Go to your local ski shop with a 12 pack of good beer, and ask one of the techs to help you come up with a way to affix baskets to the feet. Get the biggest powder baskets you can find.

Also, go the the classified pages on mandy.com- they've got lots of used cameras for sale.

[The AD]

Originally posted by Plakespear
Tripod use in the snow: Go to your local ski shop with a 12 pack of good beer, and ask one of the techs to help you come up with a way to affix baskets to the feet. Get the biggest powder baskets you can find.

You might also want to wrap the legs in some kind of insulation. Otherwise the metal will probably stick to your hands if you take your gloves off.

[Omen]

I've shot both the GL-2 and the Xl-1s. Both have very similar image qualities. The xl-1s is a bit heavier (which I like because its easier to hold a steady shot). Both are great cameras that are extremely durable. For what your doing...it seems like the GL-2 would be a better choice. I also really really like the Panasonic AG-DVX100 which has shoots 24p, giving to image a really nice film look. It doesn't wash out the blacks like video normally does. Only bad thing is no interchangable lense, otherwise I'd buy it. Hope this helps-

[lph]

If you are looking for a camera to carry around in your jacket and get some high quality video of your friends, then don't get one of the two cameras you listed. they are big, heavy, expensive cameras.

Take mcwop's advice and get the canon elura 40mc. you will be very happy.

If you think your are going to make an underground movie to sell cause you wanna get in the business, cause you heard about this guy omen who won powder mags independent film award for "Grounded", then get one of the others.

[Mcwop]

Based on your description give the Elura 40MC a serious look. Imagine storing the camera in your front pocket of your ski jacket. Then easily busting it out to get footage.

Also remember the following:
-You will need good editing software
-You will need lots of hard drive 80-120GB just dedicated to footage storage.
-If your computer is old and pokey, you may need to consider a system that can render effects quickly.

Having a great camera and crappy editing tools, won't cut it. Not trying to steer you away from your first two choices, just urging to give all factors careful consideration. That way you will get the most for your $$.

Of course if you want a kickin' video editing system here is the way to go:

Power Mac G5 $1999 (with DVD burner)
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/...owermac_g5.jpg

or an iMac with DVD burner plus 160GB hard drive- $1899
http://a848.g.akamai.net/7/848/51/1a...p101042003.jpg

Final Cut Express - $299
http://a772.g.akamai.net/7/772/51/e8...op01062003.jpg

DVD Studio Pro - $499
http://a772.g.akamai.net/7/772/51/04...op04072003.jpg

[jibij]

if you're just dorking around with friends, forget the GL or XL's. they're big and expensive. you'll get really tired of hauling those things around and setting up shots. you'll get a lot more use out of a pocket sized camera like the elura or opturas from canon. use the extra dough to buy a 15" powerbook for editing.

[truth]

What do ya think about this Sony? I allready ahve a larger 8mm cam that accepts lzoom lenses...looking for something small for stuffing in the jacket / helmet cam.



Cam link

[Mcwop]

Truth here is a review:
Cnet Review

[snow_slider]

Julio - If you are interested in a high end "pro-sumer" type camera, The Cannon GL-2 is a great one. Also check out the JVC GR HD-1 -
http://www.cameraworld.com/webapp/wc...1003&cat1=1008

It lets you shoot in 1080i - in 16:9 format or 720p - in 4:3 format. Yep, you can record footabge in high definition!!!

Some things to consider when buying a video camera:
1. What are you going to use it for? If you just want to shoot action footage of you and your buds skiing, then you'd be much better off with the camera some folks have already suggested Cannon Elura or Optura, or Sony DCR-PC330. Hell, even the Cannon ZR series is a great buy for that kind of shooting.
2. Go with optical image stabilization. Digital image stabilization degrades the image.
3. Look for cameras with a high OPTICAL zoom. Digital zoom means exactly nothing as it also degrades the image.
4. Don't get too caught up in deciding between single of 3 CCD cameras. Both have their advantages. Generally, single CCD cameras have better low light capabilities as the CCD chip is larger. 3 CCD cameras have better color separation/capture abilities as each primary color (red, green, blue) has it's own processing chip.
5. Play around with the camera and see which ones fit your hand and shooting style. Which ones feel most comfortable to you? Which ones have controls where you want them? Is the zoom too twitchy?

Good luck with your decision/purchase. Shooting and editing your own footage can be a lot of fun.