XL 3x 24-72mm f/1.8-2.2 Extra Wide-Angle Lens for Canon XL1S Digital Camcorder user reviews (XL1S)

4.5 stars

"Great camera even though its old it gets the job done right" on January 24, 2008 by Trekdude

Pros: Open architecture, Ergonomic design, long battery life, optical image stabilization

Cons: Akward at times, Low rez viewfinder, front heavy

Summary: Great camera It has all the controls on the body so you don't have to go looking through menu's for them. The open architecture design allows you to change the viewfinder, shoulder pad and lens, all very nice features. I have used it for live events with superb results, the batteries last so long that I have never used more than 1 for a 3-4 shoot leaving it on the whole time. This camera is a traffic stopper, when you walk around with this you are bound to get some heads turning so don't expect to be stealthy and be able to film in all locations. The standard viewfinder isn't high resolution so its hard to get focus right. It is a improvement over the xl1 not only is the lens have better focus and slightly brighter image but for live events there is a button that takes all the displays off. In the previous xl1 you needed to get the remote and was a real inconvenience.

3.0 stars

"Okay Camera" on May 7, 2007 by rnaoncfixd

Pros: Excellent DV quality, relatively good in low light areas

Cons: Terrible ergonomics, no flip out viewfinder, back focusing problems, noise from lens zoom, no XLR input, worse on camera mic than any other at this price range

Summary: I work for a hospital filming their simulations with this camera. Considering the small quarters I have with them, this camera is bulky and heavy.
The weight of the lens is so heavy that you will have to get the shoulder pad with it as well (you might as well want it anyways as there are no XLR ports on it anyways). I am constantly trying to fight against the camera to get in good shots in tight areas and in most cases I lose.
The ergonomics of this camera is absolutely terrible. I'm not sure who thought of the design, but it seems like there are parts of the body that seem like they forgot to put in and added it hastily towards the end. It does not easily fit in many cases.
The stock lens that I got with it also tends to make noise when I zoom in and out. There also tends to be a shadowing in the corners of the screen when you zoom in due to the lens. When your zoomed all the way the camera seems to move around even though it may be on a tripod. I've had it sit still on a tripod locked down, and zoomed across the hall to film a conference and it kept "floating" around, not staying in on place. I feel it has something to do with the image stabilizer within the lens making it do something strange. My old video teacher also told me the reason that it was hard for me to focus on the camera was because of a weak locking mechanism in the camera. It doesn't hold onto the lens in a specific manner that it tends to cause problems with its back focusing. More professional cameras will allow you to control the back focusing as well. More beef with the stock lens is that it is servo controlled sluggish when compared to the lens of the Panasonic DVX100s.

But enough about what's bad, what's great about this camera is it's image quality. For a DV camera, it performs incredibly well. While it doesn't have the 24p that so many young film makers are looking for, it is great for shooting documentary and news coverage events.

My recommendation is that if you are a young film maker who wants to shoot movies, then this camera is wrong for you. It is much too expensive and don't let anyone tell you that the interchangeable lenses are important because they aren't. How can you even afford the other lenses for this camera if your on such a tight budget? Not only that you will have to buy the shoulder pad with XLR's to get good audio (unless you have someone recording sound on a different machine). There is also no easy way to see what you are shooting when you are going for those dynamic angles without buying another viewfinder or monitor to go along with it. Guerrilla shooting is also a no go as everyone can plainly see that you have a camera out. You are immediately the center of unneeded attention. You may look cool standing there with it on your shoulder but you will not get the versatility you would get with other (much better) cameras in this price range.

If you however are shooting ENG like stuff, then this camera is excellent. It gives you enough options to control the image. The shutter control is great when compared to its competitors as is its image quality.

4.5 stars

"A real joy to own!" on September 1, 2004

Pros: Excellent quality video Many shooting modes to choose from Sound quality is impressive. Very adaptable with accessories. Great battery life.

Cons: Soft focus with color viewfinder necessitating monitor. Must have MA-200 for good balance when handheld.

5.0 stars

"I you don't use autofocus fantastic features." on March 26, 2004

Pros: Great camera for overall conditions and usage. Interchangeable lenses make it very versital. Even night vision is available.

Cons: Low light use without nightvision.