Canon XL2 - Kit Anton-Bauer de Camcorder DV

Comments about Canon XL2 Prosumer DV Camcorder Package:

This camera works best as a close up, interview, and documentary camera. It is good for shooting in tight spots, and when used with an Anton Bauer brick it is not too nose heavy. It does produce a nice picture under the right lighting conditions, but it can never compare to a 1/2 inch chip machine.

Expertise: Professional industrial and commercial video

Problems Encountered: The thumb wheel iris does not open and close as smoothly as a traditional manual ring. I hate the way it clicks down in stages instead of a nice fade. The focus ring does not stop at infinity, but instead keeps spinning around for infinity. There is no true back focus and you need to rely on auto focus more than you should.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sony 327, Sony 537, Sony DSR 250, JVC GY-DV5000

Items I Recommend: Anton Bauer Batteries, a 20 watt on camera light or full light kit, wide angle lens.

Comments about Canon XL2 Prosumer DV Camcorder Package:

I have used this camera for about over a year. My previousexperience is with the canon gl2, sony 150 & 250. Whileit does have a good lens, there are several troublesomefeatures. No separate LCD screen. And a big problem forus is the audio features. After hours of tinkering bymyself and several colleagues, we are yet to find a way useseparate channels on the front shotgun mike and a back xlrconnection. This has been a major pain for in the work we do.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sony 150 & 250, canon gl2

Comments about Canon XL2 Prosumer DV Camcorder Package:

This camera produces the highest-quality video that I haveseen. On capture the video is clean without errors and theaudio with the onboard stereo mic is quite passable. Itsability to record in 16:9 (widescreen) and at 24p (cine)make it an absolute must for anyone considering dramaticwork. The camera is front-heavy with the 20x zoom lens on itand careful counterweighting must be done to use theVarizoom Flowpod or Glidecam 400, but once mastered thesystem will give you professional-quality results.