It was my first camcorder, and mine cost me $1500 mail order, it was stolen at work, and dearly missed, I used Ebay later to get myself an L1 and L2, but I pawned the L2 for cash, it only adds User Time Code, AKA RC Time Code. I can tell you all the features. The best Canon feature is a REAL CLOCK mode, it both allows TIME LAPSE and Time SHIFTING, which is what a VCR does, record unattended at a set time, using the internal clock, which they all should do, it's a no brainer to use the clock!
@default1337 I know a retired tech who does only Canon repairs for around $200, no fee if it's not fixable. Sadly, I'm too broke to do the required repair, but I hope to when my luck changes
this cam is like 16 yrs old why doesn't anyone bother with it. The quality is alright but if you end up spending 500 bucks you can get a canon hv30 (a camera that beats the crap out of the this l2 and the newer xl2). That hv30 even matches newer pro 2k-5k hd cams. Trust me I own the xl1 (which most ppl say beats that old l2 and now I have the hfs100 tapeless avchd with manual gain!)
I have a Canon HV30, and it takes excellent HD video. This Canon A1 Digital takes excellent hi-band analog video. They both work great for different purposes.
what can an a1 do that a hv30 or hfs100 can't. I mean it looks more professional. The interchangeable lens feature is kind of worthless cause there is about a 7 times magnification when u use 35mm lenses. I have an xl1 and the only thing that is better about it is controls and build quality than my hfs100. The hv30 is about on par with low light with an xl1. Soon i will have a canon 7d (have u heard of the 5d mark II video feature) that has an s35 sensor that will destroy both of my cams.
@provid1234 Because mate this camcorder has character that you just do not see any any of the newer ones. They all look the bloody same these days!!!!
@GanEdenAustralia Cookie cutter cams came about because Sony's Handycam was an extreme success, and it worked, logically, it lacked however, all the Canon attributes here, that make these ProSumer models, Sony didn't cater well to Prosumer videographers sadly
@GanEdenAustralia I think Sony had the winning touch when it came to ergonomics and basics that you could rely on, that's where the Handycam excels. I don't know all the models, but I've owned perhaps about 10 different ones since the 1990s
@provid1234 Mine cost $1500 new, and I loved it, the downside is what hurts it, not the video quality, that worked well, the battery system was terrible, they had no "Sony Stamina" and died unpredictably, there is also the sheer size, but think about Canon's L1 and L2, both Interchangeable 35MM SLR camera lens systems using VL Mount and adapters, those are ProSumer to the hilt, costing $2000 to $3000 dollars. Now, when HD and DV formats were introduced, you still had large price tags
I've got the exact same camera you're showing in the video. I can record video (nice quality) & play the video in another hi8 & it plays fine. Unfortunately when I try to play it in the Canon all I get is a fuzzy screen. I don't think its an alignment issue since it records fine but what do I know. Any insights as to the cause of the problem?
Your problem could either be in the playback heads or the preamp stages that the PB heads are connected to.
It could also be due to the capacitors in the camera going bad, as mentioned in the video here (cap failure being a common problem with the A1 Digi), I have an A1 myself in the same situation.
There's a fellow that does specialize in A1/L1 repair (my A1D will be going to him soon for repair), his website is camcorder-repair(dot)com (forgive the plug).
OK... so my camera got flickering vision in the viewfinder and it does not record video.... Sound is recorded great but no vision.... playback is also fukt up.... I have disasambled the camera and looked at ALL of those caps inside O_o lol ok so now i will replace them... at list some of them .... I'm just a bit scared that i could not put it back together after i finish work ;] echhh lots of work an only one working hand tyll 4th of december ;] CU
@ZETANEGETIVE L1 and L2 are basically the same, best of the 1990s bar none, if you ask me. They share the same features but L2 only adds Rewritable Consumer Time Code, RC Time code. Marks each and every frame for editing accuracy. Because it's a consumer Time code however, it's not as accurate as a professional tape would have. These also have Lanc connectors to daisy chain multiple cams for editing
I recently took this camcorder with me to Blowing Rock, NC. I had a great time with it, even though it does get quite heavy and cumbersome to carry around too much, it did not bother me though. I recently acquired a Canon LX-100A, which is similar to this model but it has the ability to have interchangeable lenses. I will have to make a video of it soon.
@ozzman9292 Canon pioneered using the VL mount system and SLR lens adapter, I obtained those accessories and I hang on to the L1 even now, I don't plan to sell it, but rather replace the capacitors on the logic board. I filmed live shows using the manual audio vol and Decibel cut feature, now to get that effect, I plug headphones into the Sony's mic jacks! It does the Db cutting of loud audio that way!
When I first got the camcorder, it was completely dead and when you attempted to connect it to a battery or the AC Adapter, it actually created a burnt smell, which was the leaky electrolyte from the capacitors burning off. 161 capacitors and 2 fuses had to be replaced to bring it back to life again - but it was well worth it, it's an awesome analog camcorder.
@ozzman9292 I've had that happen to me, it was DV taped being captured via Firewire on a slow HDD, If it's not 5400 rpm, or loaded with Bloatware, for lack of a better word, you'll have an easier go over speedy capture without lag
is it HD
or standar deff
2migell 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
what pc and software and drivers do you use to access the TRV9's video?
I have a TRV9 but can't read it with my pc.
narivasant 9 months ago
It was my first camcorder, and mine cost me $1500 mail order, it was stolen at work, and dearly missed, I used Ebay later to get myself an L1 and L2, but I pawned the L2 for cash, it only adds User Time Code, AKA RC Time Code. I can tell you all the features. The best Canon feature is a REAL CLOCK mode, it both allows TIME LAPSE and Time SHIFTING, which is what a VCR does, record unattended at a set time, using the internal clock, which they all should do, it's a no brainer to use the clock!
MetallicBill 9 months ago
How much were these cameras going for back when you bought it?
c016872 11 months ago
@c016872 $3000
GanEdenAustralia 9 months ago
is it dital
awaisyoyo 1 year ago
Can you show us how to fix one? I have three of these that need to be fixed.
wg082648 1 year ago
@wg082648 On camcorder technicians can fix them, which I am sure Zachary took his to.
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
hey zac, can you do a video of how to fix this thing? it's dirt cheap on ebay if broken
default1337 2 years ago
@default1337 I know a retired tech who does only Canon repairs for around $200, no fee if it's not fixable. Sadly, I'm too broke to do the required repair, but I hope to when my luck changes
MetallicBill 9 months ago
looks like a pro dslr ha
sardo97 2 years ago
I recent spent $2000 on getting my Panasonic AG-DP800H getting all new capacitors but the camera is over 15 years old and brand new condition!
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago 2
this cam is like 16 yrs old why doesn't anyone bother with it. The quality is alright but if you end up spending 500 bucks you can get a canon hv30 (a camera that beats the crap out of the this l2 and the newer xl2). That hv30 even matches newer pro 2k-5k hd cams. Trust me I own the xl1 (which most ppl say beats that old l2 and now I have the hfs100 tapeless avchd with manual gain!)
provid1234 2 years ago
I have a Canon HV30, and it takes excellent HD video. This Canon A1 Digital takes excellent hi-band analog video. They both work great for different purposes.
ozzman9292 2 years ago
what can an a1 do that a hv30 or hfs100 can't. I mean it looks more professional. The interchangeable lens feature is kind of worthless cause there is about a 7 times magnification when u use 35mm lenses. I have an xl1 and the only thing that is better about it is controls and build quality than my hfs100. The hv30 is about on par with low light with an xl1. Soon i will have a canon 7d (have u heard of the 5d mark II video feature) that has an s35 sensor that will destroy both of my cams.
provid1234 2 years ago
Can we see some new vids Zach with this HV30? Maybe even redo this video but in HD! :)
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago
Because cameras like this are special and one of a kind with character, not these fly by night digital rubbish!
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago
@provid1234 Because older camcorders are better made and have character! Something generation Y today will never know!
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
@provid1234 Because mate this camcorder has character that you just do not see any any of the newer ones. They all look the bloody same these days!!!!
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
@GanEdenAustralia Cookie cutter cams came about because Sony's Handycam was an extreme success, and it worked, logically, it lacked however, all the Canon attributes here, that make these ProSumer models, Sony didn't cater well to Prosumer videographers sadly
MetallicBill 9 months ago
@MetallicBill The VX1/3 was about the only competitor to the A1 and L1/EX1 wasn't it?
GanEdenAustralia 9 months ago
@GanEdenAustralia I think Sony had the winning touch when it came to ergonomics and basics that you could rely on, that's where the Handycam excels. I don't know all the models, but I've owned perhaps about 10 different ones since the 1990s
MetallicBill 9 months ago
@provid1234 Mine cost $1500 new, and I loved it, the downside is what hurts it, not the video quality, that worked well, the battery system was terrible, they had no "Sony Stamina" and died unpredictably, there is also the sheer size, but think about Canon's L1 and L2, both Interchangeable 35MM SLR camera lens systems using VL Mount and adapters, those are ProSumer to the hilt, costing $2000 to $3000 dollars. Now, when HD and DV formats were introduced, you still had large price tags
MetallicBill 9 months ago
Add &fmt=18 to the end of this url to get HQ.
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago
who did your work on this...I have two that need repaired.
bluesiguana 2 years ago
i have one canon A1 Hi8 / 8mm..
it is good and sometime off / on..
not good to my computer
bestamerica 3 years ago
I've got the exact same camera you're showing in the video. I can record video (nice quality) & play the video in another hi8 & it plays fine. Unfortunately when I try to play it in the Canon all I get is a fuzzy screen. I don't think its an alignment issue since it records fine but what do I know. Any insights as to the cause of the problem?
solman333 3 years ago
Comment removed
pvx 2 years ago
Your problem could either be in the playback heads or the preamp stages that the PB heads are connected to.
It could also be due to the capacitors in the camera going bad, as mentioned in the video here (cap failure being a common problem with the A1 Digi), I have an A1 myself in the same situation.
There's a fellow that does specialize in A1/L1 repair (my A1D will be going to him soon for repair), his website is camcorder-repair(dot)com (forgive the plug).
pvx 2 years ago
@pvx Probably the guy I know as well, he's retired and I checked in via email to see if he's still at it (the past year)
MetallicBill 9 months ago
OK... so my camera got flickering vision in the viewfinder and it does not record video.... Sound is recorded great but no vision.... playback is also fukt up.... I have disasambled the camera and looked at ALL of those caps inside O_o lol ok so now i will replace them... at list some of them .... I'm just a bit scared that i could not put it back together after i finish work ;] echhh lots of work an only one working hand tyll 4th of december ;] CU
jackuzy 3 years ago
I have a Canon L-1 hi8 Video camera, same trouble, If I move the view finder it flicker's also. What did you do to fix it? thank's.
ZETANEGETIVE 3 years ago
@ZETANEGETIVE L1 and L2 are basically the same, best of the 1990s bar none, if you ask me. They share the same features but L2 only adds Rewritable Consumer Time Code, RC Time code. Marks each and every frame for editing accuracy. Because it's a consumer Time code however, it's not as accurate as a professional tape would have. These also have Lanc connectors to daisy chain multiple cams for editing
MetallicBill 9 months ago
I recently took this camcorder with me to Blowing Rock, NC. I had a great time with it, even though it does get quite heavy and cumbersome to carry around too much, it did not bother me though. I recently acquired a Canon LX-100A, which is similar to this model but it has the ability to have interchangeable lenses. I will have to make a video of it soon.
ozzman9292 3 years ago
@ozzman9292 Can we see a vid of the LX100 Zach? I have this camera also.
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
@ozzman9292 I'm selling my LX-100, see below for a video all about it. :)
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
@ozzman9292 Canon pioneered using the VL mount system and SLR lens adapter, I obtained those accessories and I hang on to the L1 even now, I don't plan to sell it, but rather replace the capacitors on the logic board. I filmed live shows using the manual audio vol and Decibel cut feature, now to get that effect, I plug headphones into the Sony's mic jacks! It does the Db cutting of loud audio that way!
MetallicBill 9 months ago
Ok what was the simptoms that camera had, so you you had to replace all of those capacitors? 168? if i understand right ;)
I've got the same camera for europe, that's A2Hi :) and will see how will it work :)
jackuzy 3 years ago
When I first got the camcorder, it was completely dead and when you attempted to connect it to a battery or the AC Adapter, it actually created a burnt smell, which was the leaky electrolyte from the capacitors burning off. 161 capacitors and 2 fuses had to be replaced to bring it back to life again - but it was well worth it, it's an awesome analog camcorder.
ozzman9292 3 years ago
@jackuzy Sometimes, bad capacitors can also be flicker and horizontal lines seen in the viewfinder.
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
have one digital videocamera canon A-1 HI8MM..
it is not too good clear pretty video in here computer video
bestamerica 3 years ago
wow way to rub it in man. i hope your happy, im green with envy. the only thing that sucks about these cameras is there is no usb out.
assassinyears 3 years ago
Sorry about the audio/video flicker every-so-often, I think that I had a bad connection to the computer. Enjoy!
ozzman9292 4 years ago
@ozzman9292 I've had that happen to me, it was DV taped being captured via Firewire on a slow HDD, If it's not 5400 rpm, or loaded with Bloatware, for lack of a better word, you'll have an easier go over speedy capture without lag
MetallicBill 9 months ago