XL-1 and ZR60

I would have to say that the biggest difference between the family camera and something like the XL-1 is 3CCD's compared to 1.

The XL1 maximizes the capability of the DV format by using a 3CCD system with a separate CCD for each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting prism precisely separates the light passing through the lens into individual color components, and each is sent to its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for the demands of the high-end production field - wide dynamic range, low color noise, natural color resolution and low aliasing. This came from the Canon Website, click here for more.

The ZR60, features a high-performance 1/6" 680,000-pixel CCD to capture high quality video and digital photos. There is no need to carry both video and photo cameras with the ZR60. This came from the Canon Website, click here for more.

Also just the size of the cameras is a big difference.

Also the audio options are good. One can use regular XLR microphones or a boom/shotgun mic, or even wireless lavs.

The XL series of cameras allows for a mulitude of options.

The GL series is also not a bad way to go either, if price is the biggest selling point. Learn more here. GL-1, GL-2.

If Nick keeps doing small movies and stuff I think the ZR60 suits him fine, i'm sure that's not what he wants to hear...I think he could be a little more creative with some of the features available on the more expensive cams, and the quality might be a little bit better, but post production can take care of alot of that stuff... Avid has a new Free version of their software out, it has minimal features but maybe it is something he can tryout and see if he likes it.

I think that depending on how serious Nick is about upgrading he should save up some money and contribute to the purchase...I purchased my camera and laptop. Just a thought.

Let me know if you need more...

For my third post...like ever!

Hey,

I think it would be easiest to address the camera conundrum in a new post...instead of just adding comments to my old post...plus it's my blog and i can use it for whatever i want...hehehe. ;-)

I had to go find where and figure out why I stuck my nose in Nick's business...i guess it was the shifty eyes that drew me in. First off, there are several Canon XL models... XL-1, XL-1s, and XL-2. Nick mentioned something about an XL-1 being $5k on ebay...that would be wrong, an XL-2 is worth $5k on ebay...$4300 on bhphotovideo.com...a normal XL-1 is around $1600 on ebay. Digital cameras are like computers...they always get better, have more features, allow you to work more effeciently and effectively. The big difference between the XL-1 and the XL-2 is the way it captures the action. I don't feel like explaining in my own words so I'll let Canon do it for me...
On this Canon XL-2 features page, the things to pay attention to and click the "Learn More" links are "16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio shooting formats", "Variable frame rates" and "Customizable Cine Look"

That's some info regarding the options available in the XL-2...the XL-1 has "total image control" another link that you can read about from said above link, and a compressed 16x9 option, not native, which from my understanding means that it is not using the full resolution capable of the CCD chips.

So you ask why all these tech terms, i don't claim to know everything, but i'm just trying to catch ya'll up if you didn't know some or all of this already. How does it apply to Nick...the Xl-1 would be fine for Nick, especially with how expensive new equipement can get...The "total image control" would allow him to change settings manually, something the current ZR can't do, which would be a nice improvement. I'm pretty sure you would still see the 60i (interlaced) artifacts that you see now when you shoot, edit, and view the movies. The whole progressive scan technology helps promote a truer film style look, i know it can be fixed in post production, but it saves time and overall does make a difference.

I love Canon, i recommend Canon over all others, I love my D60 and my newest addition the SD200, check it out...i'll post photos that show the quality of the camera when they have relevance to what i post. But I suggested the Panasonic DV cams because they are a little cheaper than the XL-2, and they have similar functions and features for the film feel and look.

I guess it's a matter of preference, and how serious of an investment you are willing to make. As well as the main purpose and use of the equipement. I guess research and aim high. If I was going to spend that kind of money I would shoot for the XL-2 and fall back on the DVX100...or just wait and see what is around the corner when newer models with HD quality come out...JVC and Sony have 'em, but i'm not real impressed yet. Then again I think Sony is over-hyped anyway...

Hey Nick, research and dictate to your secretary a report for Dad that can also count towards school work...two birds with one stone...

There's a chunk to ponder and read, sorry it's so long, I have a hard time condensing my thoughts. :-)
I'm getting sleepy...i'm so happy I don't have class today.

Here is another XL-2 link:
This link talks about Pros and Cons of the XL-2

Sadness

What makes me really sad is that Nick has a broken hand, how sad is that! Really, I wish someone had said something...I find out by reading it on Nick's blog... :-(
Well I guess that means more time to ponder movie scripts...
Oh and my professional opinion, as if I have one...but some people may value it...anyway, is that the Canon XL-1 is great for some stuff, like normal videos and the like...but a Panasonic camera is a better and cheaper way to go. Checkout the AG-DVX100A or the AG-DVC30...they have some really cool features to help with the "film" look for movies. Just a thought...

Well I haven't done much studying this week, I really have a problem with that.
I hope Lars is a little satisfied with my mild attempt at a post. I'll try and do it more often...I didn't know I had a fan base! I feel loved! :-)