Greetings,

Although I've been a still photographer for 30 years, I've never so muched as touched a video camera. As far as still photos, I know all about lighting, composition, and editing in Photoshop. However, I want to incorporate video, edit it myself, and produce DVDs of short family and documentary subjects.

I like what I've read about the Canon XH-A1. I have no clue what XLR is, how to use a mic or what the heck a Zebra Pattern is. But I can learn. And I don't want to use a toy-like camera bought at Best Buy (my friends say that their camcorders last about 1-1.5 years and then they are toys for their toddlers).

What advice can you give? Be gentle.

--Numinous

In some ways photography and videography are indeed very similar, however in a lot of ways they are quite different as well, and not just technically. There are probably a lot of books out there you could read to gain some knowledge about video, or if you are really serious you might look at doing a short course somewhere? Also, as it appears you've already figured out, the internet is of course a great source of information (definately add this website to your favourites in any case ).

In terms of deciding which camera to buy; like a lot of things, one size doesn't fit all. The XH-A1 is a great camera (I own one myself), however you might prefer another camera for whatever reason. I may be wrong because I don't know a lot about photo cameras but because photography is technically a lot simpler than video, there is probably a lot more variety in video cameras available (at the semi-professional/professional level). While on the one hand one camera may suit all semi-professional/professional photographers regardless of what they shoot (not taking into account a budget), there are numerous cameras that semi-proffessional/professional videographers might use depending on what they shoot. In any case there are a LOT of cameras between the 'Best Buy camera' level, and the XH-A1 level.

Lastly, I know you were just giving examples, but hey you've got to find out some time :
XLR (also sometimes referred to as a 'Cannon connection' =
A type of electrical connection. Most of the time when video
people talk about XLR it will be in regards to audio, so in that
case it's a type of audio connection and usually carrying a
balanced audio signal (what "balanced audio" is is another story)
Zebra bars =
Bars that appear on the viewfinder/LCD of a camera over the
parts of the image that are over a determined exposure level

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I live in a PAL Country!

Thanks so much for the information. That's why I like this board so much--folks ready to give good words of knowledge.

I look forward to hearing others' advice as well.

Hello again,

It seems like for the uninitiated, videography is daunting. First there's the problem of how to use a video camera. Then, according to the posts I've read, all sorts of problems crop up regarding sound, downloading (i.e., transferring footage), and finally processing. I'm familiar with some of these pitfalls from the digital still photography world.

So, from those of you who own an XH-A1 I need to know how you transfer your footage to your desktop computer. Is it as easy as hooking up the firewire cable and away you go? Or, do you have to perform acrobatics and have crossed fingers? And, once on your computer, do the real problems begin or do you open your non-linear editor and away you go?

I apologize in advance for the pedantic approach I take, but I have to be sure that if I buy a new XH-A1 it won't become an expensive paperweight.

Cheers

You will have no problem with photo related situations such as DOF and exposure settings. The principles of proper lighting such as white clipping are the same in video as in photography.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle is both mechanical and technical. The mechanical handling of the camera such as panning, trucking etc. comes with experience as does taming zooming.

Technically, the camera can be a challenge in regards to settings such as gain, white balance etc.

I highly recommend that you seek out a DVD by VASST; "Inside the Canon XHA1" as it is an excellent training DVD that explains ALL of the settings and features. Don't depend on the manual.

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Lou Bruno
MODERATOR

Lou,

Thanks so much for the information. I will seek the video you mentioned.

It is quite easy to transfer video. After connecting your camcorder using a firewire cable, all you need to do this playback your tape and your video will be captured. The only thing you need to know is the transfer is in real time meaning it takes 1 hour to transfer 1 hour video. After that import it to your NLE and you are good to go.

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I want a red cam

vsansal,

Thanks! I've heard of people having trouble getting their footage into Adober Premier CS3. I'm thinking of using Vegas Video or some other program. What do you use?

Numinous, I don't own an A1, I am an HV20 user but I've always used Sony Vegas with all my camcorders and didn't experience a single problem. You can download a trial of vegas before actually buying one and play with it. I've tried Adobe premier but I find vegas to be more user friendly. It is enough for my needs.

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I want a red cam