Use of small camcorders for ENG

In our region it is very common to make use of tools designed for industrial purposes in professional television news production operations generally. Although there are already several models of cameras offered by important houses such as JVC and its GY-DV500 model, located in a range for professional use, or some recent Panasonic models such as the AG-DVC15 or the AG-DVC10, and the world-famous Canon XL1, all designed to work with MiniDV digital formats, We will see below some of its main features and a series of accessories that have been developed especially for the Canon XL1 model, since it has become one of the most faithful companions for those who produce documentary and informative content.

Let's start with Panasonic and the AG-DVC15 model. Designed for professional use uses long diameter lenses for 3 CCD image sensors. It is a low weight camcorder suitable for shoulder camera work that ensures excellent mobility and stability in the shot. It has an IEEE 1394 Firewire terminal to download the images directly to a personal computer or copy it digitally to a DV format recorder. It allows the installation of accessories such as wide-angle conversion lenses and higher capacity lenses, batteries with longer life to make field use more versatile.

It has a 3-inch Color LCD monitor with the possibility of 270-degree rotation, manual audio adjustments with XLR inputs and the option to choose between line and microphone inputs that are located on the back panel. This allows you to select the CH1 and CH2 audio channels separately as well as offering level meters and dials that allow you to record independent audio levels for each channel.

It uses the DV format with a recording system that employs 8-bit digital compression. Its advanced error correction feature virtually eliminates dropouts and improves recording reliability.

The 16-bit digital audio format rivals CD quality. It allows pcm audio recording on either channel at 48-kHz or 32 kHz at 12 bites in four-channel mode. It is also equipped with a stereo microphone and accepts external microphones.

An important aspect in this type of camera is the availability of manual functions such as focus control and the opening of the Iris. The AG-DV15 allows the use of these functions manually together with the adjustment of gains in decibels and neutral density filters.

The IEEE1394 DV connection terminal both input and output features a 4-pin interface on the back to facilitate the download of images in a non-linear editing system that operates on Machintosh or Windows platforms without loss of quality between the camera and a DV VTR of the AG-DV1000/DV2000 models from Panasonic or another manufacturer.

Now let's look at some of the main features of the new Canon XL1S camera model. It is a new version of this renowned camcorder. The new XL1S features the following features and developments that surpass the previous XL1 model. These differences are found more in image processing than actually in exterior features.

It offers the external control function 1394 via a DV cable for recording and pausing. The 4dB noise signal offers a very high resolution in very low light conditions. Presents electronic guides in the viewfinder for the 4:3 and 16:9 image aspects. A very interesting feature is the alternative recording at intervals of 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes and 10 minutes with recording periods of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 seconds.

Something that many Canon XL1 owners will surely appreciate is the SMPTE colour bar generation feature. The new XL1S offers power-saving features, default options for variable zoom operation between Low/Medium/High, variable levels of the Zebra function and the option to mark the best shots during recording.

As a novelty it also includes adjustments for the image such as color, detail, gains and black level, all these functions have 6 different steps. The gain function has two additional settings to +18dB and +30dB. Regarding the white balance, it has two additional settings that are operated manually.

Other new features offered by the XL1S are Audio Dub, audio and video inserts, S-Video and composite video inputs, and some customization options for camera and VCR modes. It also includes three memories for image adjustments and an easy-to-use menu.

The accessories offered by this new camera are the standard lens 16x version II and a new manual lens with 16x servo motor also with manual and automatic iris handling options, the new MA-200 (in the XL1 it is called MA-100) that offers 4 XLR audio inputs and BNC video inputs and outputs.

A very interesting accessory of the Canon house is the development of a compact interchangeable lens for the recording of images in three dimensions. Although it is good to consider the cost of this investment ($8,499), it is a tool that can offer excellent results at a lower cost than solutions designed for professional teams. In recent years, the creation of 3D images has widely caught the attention of filmmakers looking for simple and efficient tools for the production of computer-generated materials, virtual reality environments and online shopping malls hosted on the internet.

The solution offered by Canon is a compact, easy-to-use 3x zoom lens that surpasses the conventional designs of a pair of simultaneous lenses and the respective capture units with the devices for parallax correction and delicate adjustments for good results. This means that the technology is not limited to professional applications but can be used for the development of content in areas such as medicine, education and popular events. It also allows the recording of scenes without color compromises or manual adjustments in the optical zoom movement because its system makes corrections automatically.

Cavision offers a complete set of protection against light reflections on the surface of the lenses with an integrated filter holder and a support system to use the camera on the shoulder. These accessories give the XL1 a professional look, similar to cinema cameras. Cavision's solution enables the use of wide-angle lenses and offers the flexibility needed for future camera equipment upgrades. The support system offers professional rollers of 15 mm compatible with any professional equipment for broadcasting. This system supports the weight of the matte box with a wide-angle converter and glass filters for lens protection. Accepts standard 4x4" measurement filters in special glass or resin for working with low focal length lenses. In the same way, it allows the installation of accessories such as French Flag, fastening handles and balance system for a precise adjustment.

One of the most recognized houses for the quality of its batteries and chargers is definitely Anton Bauer (AB). This company also offers a solution for these cameras that require a power supply of 7.2 V. As Anton Bauer batteries typically offer between 12 and 14.4 V, a specially designed 7/14 Gold Mount (AB) three-point anchoring system is required to transform power and deliver the precise voltage to the camera with hytron 50 battery power, ideal for their size and weight. This solution is also available for Panasonic models AG-DVC10 and AG-DVC15. The reference of this mount is QR-XL-1C, which requires the Canon MA-100 Shoulder Pad accessory for installation. This is an adapter that allows the use of XLR connectors and at the same time, the installation of the mount for the batteries.

Another good alternative to power this camera can be found on the website of the house Bescor, specialized in the manufacture of batteries for many of the video and audio equipment on the market. Bescor offers a special solution for the XL1 consisting of a set of battery and charger, at a very good price and long performance.

Although we mentioned before a Canon accessory that allows the use of XLR connectors for audio, the MA-100Shoulder Pad, the BeachTek house offers a similar adapter that fulfills the same functions but also offers audio level controls and the option to select the type of line or microphone input. It is an adapter that works for many other camera models in this range.

Petrol Bags, offers two solutions for the transport of these cameras. The first consists of a soft suitcase but rigid structure in which the complete camera and a good part of the accessories can be transported and the second, is a cover of protection against rain and dust when it is required to work in difficult weather conditions. This factory offers different solutions for all types of cameras that use the DV format. In addition to solutions for professional teams.

Both Bescor and Anton Bauer offer in-camera lighting solutions. Of course, Anton Bauer offers alternatives for the professional market, with a better invoice and much higher price. An AB option is the UltraLight model that is powered by the camera's battery system or an additional battery. These power supplies must be AB and require the appropriate mount and battery from the same company.

On the other hand, Bescor recently launched a series of very interesting solutions for industrial use to complement the XL1 or Panasonic AG-DVC15 camera equipment. One such model is the Bescor KLK65 which includes a battery and charging system for a fairly reasonable price.

There are many houses that produce accessories and solutions for these cameras. The alternatives described above are only a small sample of them.