video cameras

[Deer Hunter]

Tigger
Remember if you are going to start using tele lens with an XL-EF adaptor then the focal length of the lens is increased for 4.3 by 8.8x and 16.9 by 7.2x
The most important bit of kit when using tele lens at this mag is a very steady tripod. I use a Arrow/Miller that is rock solid even with a Canon 600mm on the front of the camera. I believe you mentioned a Manfrotto, good tripods but at high mags they are inclined to shudder a bit even in a very light breeze. A remote control is a good investment you can then operate the camera without touching it. I use the new ZR-2000 with a FU-2000 colour Viewfinder unit. With this set up I can control the camera from some distance away. However I don't know if this will work with your camera.

But to re-cap, get a good tripod you won't regret it there's nothing worse than a shaky bit of film that's the result of hand held shots or a light weight tripod blowing around in the wind - remember its the subject that moves, not the camera!

[sanderling]

Hi,

I am also looking round at what would be a good camcorder for wildlife filming. I was wondering how HDD compares with miniDV as regards quality, ease of use, editing etc?

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Wolfhill

I've been thinking for a while now about getting into wildlife filming and I'd appreciate some advice from you all. In total I'd probably have around £1000 to spend and I'd be looking for a good second hand video cam. How much do second hand Canon XL1's or XL2's cost? Also are they compatible with nikon lenses? I'd like one that can use interchangeable lenses.

I'm not aware of any that take nikon lenses - if you want to use an XL you will need to turn away from the darkside and swap to canon

[tigger]

Originally Posted by eeyore

I'm not aware of any that take nikon lenses - if you want to use an XL you will need to turn away from the darkside and swap to canon

If you want to use lenses other than Canon you can get them made... I've found this company who apparently makes them at a reasonable price. Also I think the XL adaptor lets you use lenses that "fit" a canon camera (such as Tamron). I might be wrong... but that is what I've been told.

Jane

[tigger]

Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

Tigger
Remember if you are going to start using tele lens with an XL-EF adaptor then the focal length of the lens is increased for 4.3 by 8.8x and 16.9 by 7.2x
The most important bit of kit when using tele lens at this mag is a very steady tripod. I use a Arrow/Miller that is rock solid even with a Canon 600mm on the front of the camera. I believe you mentioned a Manfrotto, good tripods but at high mags they are inclined to shudder a bit even in a very light breeze. A remote control is a good investment you can then operate the camera without touching it. I use the new ZR-2000 with a FU-2000 colour Viewfinder unit. With this set up I can control the camera from some distance away. However I don't know if this will work with your camera.

But to re-cap, get a good tripod you won't regret it there's nothing worse than a shaky bit of film that's the result of hand held shots or a light weight tripod blowing around in the wind - remember its the subject that moves, not the camera!

I've got a Manfrotto 525MV with a 503 head. It seems pretty stable... weighs a blimin ton! I've also got a remote... so I will give this a go. Thanks

Jane

[tigger]

Originally Posted by sanderling

Hi,

I am also looking round at what would be a good camcorder for wildlife filming. I was wondering how HDD compares with miniDV as regards quality, ease of use, editing etc?

I was told to stick with MiniDV as it's easier to edit.

Jane

[gfilmsuk]

Camera-shake is a problem that all wildlife filmmakers have to live with. Hours and hours of footage end up in the bin for not being steady.Things are ok when using the standard 20x lens that comes with the XL but problems hit you like a ton of bricks when you add the adaptor and long lenses.
My XL kit is well over 2 feet long once a 170-500 lens plus all the other bits and pieces go on, and it's very heavy.

I've added a link for the Manfrotto 'Gimbal' heads that make life easier.
Using your camera on remote/from a distance is ok if you're looking for static shots, but when your subject moves, which the little critters do often, you'll need to track them and quite often adjust focus and zoom range, especially when tracking birds in flight.
Your remote needs to be one that is a part of, or attached to the pan handle which leaves your left hand free for camera/lens controls.
I don't think there is a guaranteed shake-free system out there, if there is then I've never found it.
A lot of camera technique is required to get steady shots which comes with practice.


Manfrotto 393 Gimbal headxe (1) - Nikonians Product Review

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by tigger

Also I think the XL adaptor lets you use lenses that "fit" a canon camera (such as Tamron). I might be wrong... but that is what I've been told.

Jane

yep it will take any ef -ie canon fit- lens (tho i'm not sure about the efs mounts) - ie sigma, tamron, canon, tokina etc - but not other camera fits such as nikon, olympus etc