I am new to videography; I have just purchased a Canon xl1-s. I would like to know if anyone can tell me, can you use IR with this camcorder. I have been reading that most cameras pickup IR. I have used a remote and can see the IR lights on the remote. But, that doesn't tell me if I would be able to use and external IR source, such as an illuminator and be able to capture video with it.
Eric
Eric,
The XL1s is more than capable of working with IR. However, the nasty bit is you'll need an IR or 'Night Vision' adapter lens to have that capability. NV adapters get really expensive. There's only one outfit I know of that makes a rig dedicated to fit the XL series cameras and that's Astro-Physics. They make solid gear and you may find a used 9350XL on E-bay for a grand or two, but beware at that price there's sure to be damage. New or nearly new you're looking at $5900 and up just for the lens. There's two adaptors that go with it that houses the functioning part and they cost $1200+ a piece. Now you can get by with a cheap IR illuminator for when it's too dark even for the NV unit.
Here's a link for what you're looking for:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/399154-REG/AstroScope_914657_Night_Vision_Adapter_9350XL_3PRO.html
If you're looking to buy a good used one message me as I might sell my unit if the price is right.
H.Wolfgang Porter, Composite Media Producer Dreaded Enterprises Unlimited, Inc. www.dreadedenterprises.com
IR is probably what I will do. I probably will be shooting in complete darkness. Someday I may be able to afford a high end unit, but right now I'm not worried about any IR light being visible to anyone else. So, I can use an IR Illuminator?