Jay Gladwell

They're all over the Internet... just do a search and you'll find plenty of examples. Also, try http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/ and do a search there as well.

Go here http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=73 and do a search. Seems I read something similar to this recently.

Mike, you've already been told that it's a great camera, as are most of them. Go to DV Creators and watch the XL2 Feature Video Tour. That will "show" you what the features are and what they do. The real question is, and it applies to us all, are you any good? http://www.dvcreators.net/canon-xl2/

What's wrong with the 3x lens?

Understood, Stephen. I know you know this, but it's all relative. One could shoot a full-figure shot and have the background out of focus. It would simply require that the relative distances from b.g. to subject and from subject to camera be increased with the lens at it's longest focal length. ;)

Stephen, what's the prize for those of us who could accomplish your challenge?

One question I always ask myself before investing large sums of money into various pieces of equipment, such as a $4,125 monitor, is: "Will this particular piece of gear make such a monumental improvement in the quality of my video that it justifies the expense?" Sure, we'd all like to own such a monitor, but, in the end, will it really make that big a difference in our finished work? After all, there are other pieces of equipment that will have an immediate and visible impact on the quality of our videos. That's where the money deserves to go. Just my two cents.

The lens alone will not give you a "cinematic" look. Some prefer the manual lenses over the stock lens. The web is overloaded with articles and various forums are stuffed with techniques on how to achieve a more cinematic look while shooting on video. Do some (web) homework and you'll find more than you probably care to know on the topic. Just use the "search" feature and you'll be all set.

No, it will not have any affect on picture quality. Tape is not like film, film having different image qualities from film type to film type. Like was said eariler, tape is tape, insofar as picture quality is concerned. All the tape--any tape--is recording is 0s and 1s. Some tapes are more dependable than others, some are more robust than others. Canon does not manufacturer tape. It simply buys ship loads of tape from someone else that makes tape and slaps their name on it. For best results and reliability, stick with what you're using. If you go switching tape brands you run the risk of gumming up your recording heads. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

This is not an issue with your XL2. You really should post this question elsewhere.

1.) The focus issues are a myth. The stock 20X lens is a joy to work with and is capable of capturing images that are razor sharp. That said, you MUST put in the time to LEARN how to use this lens. I've owned and used every camera in the XL series since 1999, all with the stock lenses and the stock viewfinders and NEVER had a problem with focus. Just remember, it's a poor artist that blames his tools. 2.) The stock 20X lens allows you to get extremely close on any object when zoomed in to its longest focal length. When zoomed in on a penny, the coin, from top to bottom, nearly fills the screen. 3.) No, it's not jerky. Smoother (more consistent) than you can do manually. 4.) Battery life depends on your work habits. See the XL2 website for details. 5.) The XL2 is a sturdy camera. But like any camera, it must be treated with a certain amount of care. The better care you take of the camera the better it will treat you! ALL video cameras have issues with dusty environments. When in doubt, use a slicker. 6.) The XL2 uses a native 16:9 chip that is far superior to the DVX100. Simply put, the XL2 is an excellent, versatile camera. It's not a take-it-out-of-the-box-point-and-shoot-camera like the DVX 100. It requires some talent, knowledge and expertise to use the XL2. It is NOT a camera for beginners. However, beginners can grow into the XL2, whereas beginners can outgrow the DVX 100. That's my opinion, based on what I've heard from some DVX 100 users. The bottm line is: No matter which camera you use, the quality of the end result will rest entirely upon your talents and your abilities.

CONGRATS, Tom, on your new XL2. I'm confident you're going to love this camera. One thing you may want to look at, if you haven't already, is the XL2 Feature Video Tour: http://www.dvcreators.net/canon-xl2/

Shoot a test with each and choose the one that gives you the look you prefer.

Go to DC Creators and watch the XL2 Feature Video Tour. http://www.dvcreators.net/canon-xl2/

To be painfully honestly, it sounds like the lack of confidence or uncertainty lies in the owner/operator, not the camera. The XL2 is a fine camera. It's not for everyone. No one camera is. The XL2 is not a beginner's camera. However, the good thing about it is you can grow into it. Did you make the right decision? Only you can answer that. Stop worrying and go out and shoot video. Play with it. Experiment with the settings, find out just what it is and is not capable of doing. And remember, it's a poor artists that blames his tools!

Josh is right on just about all counts. The quality from one brand to another can and will vary, as will the price. Just remember the old addage: "You get what you pay for." Some tapes are most robust than others, hence they cost more. Do your own research. Use the Internet and read whatever you can find about different brands of video tape. Compare the differences between brands and tape grades. There is a difference! That's what you're paying for. Considering what people spend on video equipment these days, I cannot for the life of me figure out why so many people skimp on video tape. It's the least expensive part of the equation regardless of what you pay.

No, it's not quite that simple. That may work on very short takes, just a few seconds. Even though both are digital, unless there is some device keeping the two--camera and recorder--in sync, they will drift.

How would you sync the Nagra to the XL2? Can it be done (I don't know)? If you could, then you'd have to digitize the audio in post and worry again about maintaining sync. Back in the day, the audio from the Nagra was transferred to magnetic film. Ah... those were the days... very expensive days!

I'm of the opinion that if you are planning to stay in SD and if you want multiple XL-somethings, then stay with the XL2. However, if you have deep pockets and the time to learn HDV (shooting HD is neither as easy nor as forgiving as SD), then go for it. As far as shoulder stability goes, I've read untold numbers of shooters who complain about the XLs and their being too "nose-heavy." I've been shooting with them for over 6 years and had no problems with stability that was out of the ordinary.

The sound recording quality of the XL2 is excellent. The quality of the microphones and their proper placement will have a far greater impact on the quality of your sound. That said, if you plan to use multiple mics, then you will need some sort of a mixer. However, if you go this route, you'd darn well better have a sound person who knows what he's doing, regardless what he's recording to!

Maybe I've misunderstood you. How does over exposing (as originally suggested) give you a "slightly saturated image"?

I can't for the life of me imagine what's going there, but it definitely sounds like the lens needs to go into a Canon service center.

I've never known a private owner who was willing to rent out his equipment. I certainly wouldn't!

Yes, the television doesn't have the Apple logo on it, hence the savings. Truth is, the gamma is considerably different on each... a computer monitor vs. a CRT television.

If that's the case, you didn't do it correctly. Watch these videos and learn how to use the manual settings! http://www.gooddogproductions.com/exposure.htm