Hank Parker

If I can buy a canon xl1s body only camera, and purchase along with it a 16x or 14x fully manual XL lens, would it be better for the money it costs than to buy a panasonic dvx100a? I've heard great things about the panasonic, except that it has a bad focus ring and a not so good lens overall. I've heard that the standard 16x automatic lens for the xl1s is not so good either. Would it be worth it to buy a cheap, new body only canon xl1s and the manual lens, or should i just go for the panasonic? I can get a body only new canon xl1s for under 1000 USD, and can probably get the lens for relatively cheap, too. What do you all think? Thanks for any input at all.

Thanks a lot guys. I always learn so much. You guys are great, patient, helping and everything - thanks.

What's the "snout" of the parcan? What's a WFL lamp? What's a little extra speed? Sorry, I'm not to experienced with parcan lights. Or any lights, for that matter. I've used ARRI fresnels, but that's about it.

I live in the U.S. and am looking for a new camera to buy. I've occasionally seen PAL cameras, however they've been uncommon. Is there a disadvantage to a pal camera, picture quality wise? What would I have to do to accomodate a pal camera. As in, could I edit it on Final Cut? Could I use normal minidv tapes bought in the U.S.? Would I have troubles importing? Thanks for any input at all.

Check out the panasonic dvx-100a. It's an amazing camera, and it's relatively cheap. It retails some places for under 3000. Look into it. It's got 24p shooting mode, which is a huge advantage.

Where's the best place (online or otherwise) to get those par cans and bulbs? I also need to get some CTB and CTO gels... Any great online stores you can suggest? Thanks

Thanks alvin

What are the advantages of getting a matte box with french flags for a panasonic dvx100a? What is the purpose of the matte box? The french flag?

Thanks a lot guys. The reason I asked is that I'm looking to make some shorts with low budget, and the highest wattage I can buy a lamp at at Lowes is 500 watt. I was just wondering if I could save several hundred dollars by buying a few of these and not a 1k fresnel, for example.

If I put two 500 watt lights next to each other and shone them in the same direction, would they have the same effect as a 1k? Thanks

I'm a relatively inexperienced filmmaker. I've done only one five-minute film for a five week film program at the north carolina school of the arts. We used a panasonic-dvx100a there, and now I'm looking to buy my own camera. I can't decide, though, whether I should get the canon xl1s or the panasonic. The canon is cheaper, and has interchangable lenses. The panasonic, though, has 24p, which makes a huge difference. If I want to shoot a 10 minute film with only a very short low-light scene (which will be lit with a 500 watt CTB gelled light to simulate moonlight), which camera would be better, keeping budget in mind? I have a year and a half until I go to film school for undergrad, and I'm looking for a camera that will get my through that time. Thanks a lot for any of your input.

In my search for a good DV camera with which to shoot my second short film, I came across something called a "follow focus". I don't have much film experience, but am going to film school in a year or so and need a camera that's reliable and will get me through the time before film school. I'm probably getting a Canon XL1s, and was wondering if I should get a "follow focus". What are the advantages of this? What exactly does follow focus enable you to do that normal focus does not? Also, I have been looking into buying a Panasonic dvx-100a, which has 24p shooting mode, unlike the Canon xl1s. How much of an advantage is that? I've worked with the panasonic before, with good results. I haven't worked with the canon, but seen shots taken with it that look great. Does a 24p shooting mode make or break a camera? Should I buy the more expensive panasonic so I can shoot in 24p or should I go for the canon which doesn't have that?

Has anyone worked with this camera? I'm hearing good things about it but, because of it's low price, I'm hesitant to buy it. I am also considering buying either the DVX100a or the canon xl1s. What do you think? Is it worth buying this camera at a cheap price which apparently has good features, or should I just play it safe and go for the panasonic dvx100a or the canon?