http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: canon XHA1 - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:46:55 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-72024 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:19:22 +0000 BruceMol 72024@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The SD card is for images only, not video.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-72018 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:40:04 +0000 Justin Hastings 72018@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>A friend of my has an XH-A1 that we shoot with some times, and although we shoot on tapes a lot of the time, if I remember correctly it accepts SD memory cards as an output option.  If this is the case, I would forget shooting on tapes all together and invest in some SD cards.  They are amazingly cheap, and reusable. Just get a couple of back-up hard drives and your set.  </p> <p>This will potentially save yourself many, many hours of capturing that you could be spending in the editing room, which is a big plus when you are on a short deadline to finish a project.</p> <p>That being said, if you are worried about having a back-up on tape, I think the camera may have an option to record to both SD and Mini-DV at the same time.  I know some cameras do that, but I would research that a little more.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71864 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:32:15 +0000 Rocky 71864@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I was a electronics technician in a previous life repairing consumer and professional electronic products including video cameras. From a technical view it is recommended to always use high quality tape such as Sony. Camera manufacturers tapes are always a safe bet, Panasonic JVC Sony etc. Equipment received for service that had used different brands of tapes are easily identifiable by excessive tape deposits both on the tape path and on the video heads. Tape deposits on the tape path are readily transfered to the video heads. </p> <p>Never ever use a cleaning tape unless the video heads are dirty. The actual video heads for want of a better description can be described as the height of a razor blade and the width of a small matchstick with a v shape cut into each of the revolving heads.  The action of a cleaning tape is to remove tape deposits from inside the v shape heads, but every time a cleaning tape passes over the heads it reduces the depth of the v shape.  When the v shape is worn down to nothing the heads are destined the scrap heap.  Needless to say the more hour's video heads do, the more they ware down including transfer firewire use.</p> <p>As to difference between HD and DV tapes, I shoot in HD with DV tapes and edit in DV to broadcast standard and I have not found the necessity to invest in HD tapes. </p> <p>Elena's other question involved tape &amp; DTE. Tape mechanism are always potentially more trouble with multiple mechanical parts both plastic and metal which wear with use/age/conditions, greater humidity more problems. </p> <p>Any time a video camera goes in for service for whatever reason it is a good investment to request the service center to clean the tape path and lubricate the mechanism. Both minor low cost jobs that will save a fortune long term.        </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71844 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:18:31 +0000 BruceMol 71844@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I use an XH-A1 to record, a Canon HV20 to capture, after problems with drop outs I use only the high quality SONY though others have written in this forum (recently) they saw no difference. After 3 years and hundreds of tapes, for two documentaries and over 100 short videos on Youtube, Vimeo and in private hands; I detect no head wear. I use a Maxell head cleaner tape. If you can get a low mileage HV20, 30 or 40 you can extend the life of your XHA1. If you need the XHA1 for one project only I think you can do w/o a capture deck/camcorder. I also use my XHA1 directly into my laptop via firewire and record into Adobe OnLocation. Videomaker recently reviewed a product that the XHA1 can record directly to and it cost about $800 I think.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71843 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:16:06 +0000 Kenkyusha 71843@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;@Ophelia- your deck will depend on what your "A" cam is.&nbsp; As TomB says above, the HV series makes fantastic 'decks' for the XHA1 (because they are smaller and less expensive) but also make solid 'B' cams that can match&nbsp;color and output (including the Canon 24pf that many capture decks don't do).</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71842 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:30:51 +0000 mfish653 71842@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>@TomB I also use a canon xh-a1 as my main camera and use sony mini dv tapes. now what I found was the cheap ($2) are sonys cheapest but they offer a "better tape for about $15. I use there highest grade but got in a pinch once and the cheap ones were the only ones avaliable. I couldnt tell a dif in the quality. What are your thoughts?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71808 Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:02:54 +0000 ophelia 71808@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> @Birdcat re: capture deck - any advice on how to research &amp; choose a deck?  I am one of "those people"  ;-)  who utilizes a "third" camera for capturing footage to my PC.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71804 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:18:52 +0000 Elena 71804@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Awesome. Thanks so much for the advice guys. Really appreciate it.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71800 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:12:15 +0000 TomB 71800@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Elena.......  I shoot with a XH-A1  I agree 100% with his comments.....</p> <p>I also use two HV-40 cams and I capture with one of those to help save on the A1 head wear.  I've always used Sony Standard tapes for HD.  Cost around $2 each. and nothing else.</p> <p>Nope, no external mini-DV player, just use a HV-40.  You will need a second cam anyway.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71799 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 10:37:03 +0000 birdcat 71799@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Elena - </p> <p>OK - To answer some of your questions.  Don't scrimp on tapes - one bogus tape can ruin your heads (it happened to me).  Always buy from a reputable source.  As for which brand - go with one that is compatible with your camera (lubricated vs non-lub, wet vs. dry) and stick with the one brand if possible.  You can but as a rule I never re-used a tape -  they're cheap enough and it gives you built in archival.</p> <p>As for head wear, capturing from your camera will indeed use your heads more than using alternate means - Some folks have a dedicated capture deck for this purpose.  You could also purchase a used camera with issues as long as the firewire, playback and heads are functional and use that (not recommended but others have done this).</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/mini-dv-tapes-firewire-and-heads#post-71790 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:34:14 +0000 Elena 71790@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey,</p> <p>So I'm soon to buy my first prosumer camcorder (looking at the Canon XH A1) and am trying to work out what to do about recording footage. I apologise if these issues have been raised elsewhere (I couldn't find the specifics I'm looking for) or if they're dumb questions, but I'd really appreciate some advice. It seems the XHA1 records video to either mini-DV tapes or a DTE drive. Seeing as DTE drives seem to be extremely expensive (to me anyways), I'm looking more toward mini-DV and then transferring it for editing via firewire. However, I've read that doing this can wear the heads of the camera. Is this true? How quickly and how much damage does it do? Is it repairable? Are there any better solutions, like an external mini-DV player of some kind that could be used for firewire transfer instead?</p> <p>One last question: what do you think are the best type and brands of mini-DV tapes for recording HD? Is the cost difference between standard and HD tape really worth it? We're trying to make our independent feature as professional-looking as possible but on a pretty limited budget, so are investing in the most important quality mark areas (some purchase, some rental). I don't want to go to all the effort of getting good footage only for it to be ruined by crappy media.</p> <p>Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/unable-to-capture-video-to-the-computer-with-adobe-premiere-cs4-or-cs5-trial#post-64494 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:00:42 +0000 Peter Lawrence 64494@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It may just be a limitation of the trial version.  I've heard that the trial version does not include any 3rd party components and so can't do things like encode/decode mpeg files.  Adobe would have to pay a licensing fee if they distributed them with the trial version.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/unable-to-capture-video-to-the-computer-with-adobe-premiere-cs4-or-cs5-trial#post-64477 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:19:17 +0000 BruceMol 64477@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The SD suggestion may work. A friend of mine told me she couldn't use HD files on the trial version. </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/unable-to-capture-video-to-the-computer-with-adobe-premiere-cs4-or-cs5-trial#post-64451 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:30:11 +0000 WSanford 64451@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If your running a PC, set your camera for SD output and see if windows movie maker sees it. If not then it could be something like updating the graphics card driver. You might try a different firewire as well. PP shouldn't have any issue picking up that camera. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/unable-to-capture-video-to-the-computer-with-adobe-premiere-cs4-or-cs5-trial#post-64448 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 10:27:43 +0000 llenthall@cox.net 64448@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Thank you for your fast reply.</p> <p>What kind of hardware problem would that likely be? My computer more than meets the minimum requirements, and the drives are up to date. I had a Sony HD camcorder that worked well until its video card failed and couldn't be replaced.</p> <p>L.Lenthall</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/unable-to-capture-video-to-the-computer-with-adobe-premiere-cs4-or-cs5-trial#post-64444 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:49:25 +0000 WSanford 64444@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Chances are you have a hardware issue, if thats the case other software isn't going to help.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/unable-to-capture-video-to-the-computer-with-adobe-premiere-cs4-or-cs5-trial#post-64443 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 07:47:48 +0000 llenthall@cox.net 64443@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Adobe Premiere CS4 or trial version CS5 will not recognize my Canon XHA1. Is there an inexpensive editing program that I can use to import my clips to the hard drive and then use Premiere to edit? Will the quality be the same if I use a cheaper software for capture? </p> <p>L. Lenthall</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/goofy-comedy-slapstick-collab#post-48765 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:32:14 +0000 starcityfame 48765@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi All,</p> <p>My friend Hans and I have started collaborating on a YouTube comedy series called "Cher on Crack, Sonny is Back." There was no other reason than to do something off-the-wall and be creative about it - not just stand in front of a camera and shout like so many others do (and get millions of hits for). Not knocking that, but everyone has different interests.</p> <p>Our interests are more about filming technique and post-production... a little bit of scripting and ad-libbing... and having fun with customes, props, green screen, animation, and plain silly entertainment in this angry and serious world.</p> <p>This video is our 3rd in a series which started out as a green screen test at first. This week, we will be shooting Part 4 with a more defined script. Please feel free to comment here or on YouTube... preferably YouTube. The cam is a Canon XHA1. Our lighting is not yet perfected. Hans Moore does some animation as a hobby. Both of us are recent filmmakers and will be switching from Ulead to Premiere Pro soon.</p> <p>YouTube link: </p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjmVcuHqHDM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjmVcuHqHDM</a></p> <p>Thanks!!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-tape-for-canon-xha1#post-40731 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:38:35 +0000 robGRAUERT 40731@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I don't think it really matters. I think it's more important to consistently buy the same brand, like, always use panasonic or always use canon or whatever. does that make sense?</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-tape-for-canon-xha1#post-40722 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:56:17 +0000 CarefreeDenny 40722@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Any recommendations on the best High Quality tape for a Canon XHA1 in HD ....?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-canon-xha1-user-advice-on-editing-software-038-burning-to-dvd#post-39480 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:38:23 +0000 MJ 39480@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks also Butterfly Guy....when I buy, will definitely take your advice!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-canon-xha1-user-advice-on-editing-software-038-burning-to-dvd#post-39479 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:37:04 +0000 MJ 39479@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Bruce</p> <p>Thanks for your response.  When feeding through the tv filming looks spot on, but when captured on my computer it's not looking anywhere near as good.. Then when burnt onto a disc and viewed in that manner on the tv, it's looking crap.(ie blurred &amp; pixellated)</p> <p>I am just wondering before I go out and buy a you beaut editing programme whether its actually my notebook that has the issue...like whether I need to upgrade my PC, whether a HMDI card or some other graphics card. It's a HP 504MB of RAM about 3 years old.   </p> <p>Just wondering how much money I have to throw at this to give it a go!</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>MJ </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-canon-xha1-user-advice-on-editing-software-038-burning-to-dvd#post-39460 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:57:06 +0000 BruceMol 39460@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've had a few blurry moments too, learning how to use the XHA1, definitly not a point and shoot even in A mode. Check to see if your MF is on or off. If you can get clear footage in the Automatic modes, then you are good to experiment with Av Tv and the other goodies.</p> <p>I have used my camera with a variety of programs - decided to go with PPCS3 (at non academic price!) and am barely using the many features I know it has. Definity benefittted from Adobe Classroom in a book and Lynda.com tutes. I've had some trouble rendering to DVD using ENCORE CS3 (look up PGC errors in Adobe forums) but you have to expect some probs with software. Also had problems with Sonic and Ulead VS11 so it's not like Adobe is worse than others - sure is different though!</p> <p>I'd get that 'blurry' checked before doing anything else though. Garbage in - garbage out.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-canon-xha1-user-advice-on-editing-software-038-burning-to-dvd#post-39454 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:51:09 +0000 butterflyguy 39454@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Here's the problem I've found, if you go with Premiere, there are generally NO classes in local schools which you can go to to learn how to use the product. So that means you have to educate yourself. If you're up for that, then I'd say Premiere is good for you. It's what I use and in combination with After Effects you can do some amazing things.</p> <p>Here's  a trick to remember - if you take one class at a local community college, then you can get the student discount which is AMAZING.</p> <p>Also there are tutorials on lynda.com and a couple of great Premiere forums that will attempt to answer most of your questions.</p> <p>If I can do it then you can to.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-canon-xha1-user-advice-on-editing-software-038-burning-to-dvd#post-39453 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:56:35 +0000 MJ 39453@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi there</p> <p>I am very new to this, bought a camera have shot some footage &amp; have captured &amp; edited it using WMM and burnt it to disc using Image Burn.</p> <p>The result on playback on the DVD is very blurred &amp; pixellated.  Actually when captured on the computer its quite blurry also. As opposed to just through the TV, looks superb...</p> <p>I have Windows XP.</p> <p>My questions are:</p> <p>Is blurryness due to my hardware or software(or both)? I am considering getting Adobe Premier, but not certain.</p> <p>Any help would be appreciated!</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>MJ  </p>