How Do I Use a Canon XL1 More Efficiently?

The Canon XL1 is a professional level video camera that is designed primarily for documentary use. The XL1 typically rests on the shoulder of the cameraman who can see their shot composition through a viewfinder. The setup of the XL1 benefits cinematographers who want to get a steady shot without the help of a tripod or steady-cam. The lack of a fold-out LCD screen tends to keep filmmakers from using the XL1 for anything other than hand-held shots, however there are various ways to make the XL1 work as a more versatile movie camera.

• 1

  Attach an LCD screen to the XL1 so that you do not need to look through the viewfinder to see video. The XL1's viewfinder is primarily meant for hand-held shots and is optimal when the camera is mounted on the user's shoulder. Having an LCD screen for the camera will be helpful for dolly, tripod and steady-cam shots, where the viewfinder is typically not at eye level. Cinematographers will save time reviewing their shots with their entire crew at once rather than taking turns to look in the viewfinder. Use the "Video Out" port on the back of the XL1 to connect to an LCD screen.

• 2

  Use the XL1's carrying handle to get low angles. Instead of holding the XL1 in its traditional shoulder position, hold it by the top handle and point it upward. The new angle will look more interesting because it is not coming from the normal eye level of an adult. The effect will create more visual interest in your shots with little added effort.

• 3

  Replace the XL1's supplied 5.5-88 millimeter lens with an EF lens made for Canon still cameras to create a zoom lens. Because the XL1 has a smaller sensor than Canon DSLRs, it will only pick up the middle portion of what the lens is seeing. The XL1 will magnify the zoom distance of the EF lens 7.2 times. If you own a typical Canon EF lens, using it as a zoom lens can save you a lot of money.