On Wed, 11 Nov 98 01:40:44 -0500, graphic@delphi.com wrote:

>I've seen posts alluding to a real focus problem with Canon XL-1 viewfinders.
>How do Panasonic and Sony viewfinders rate in this regard?

Well, if you are looking for the best mini-DV-camcorder viewfinder,
of the ones I've looked at or used, the Panasonic EZ-AG1U has a
really nice color finder (I've not looked at the XL-1). Next is the
color finder in the VX-1000 (which has the advantage of adjustable
brightness and color saturation - the second allows dialing out the
color for a bit sharper-looking B&W finder image [adequate for
focusing with .5X and fisheye converters on the taking lens, if the
eyepiece focus is carefully adjusted {focus unfortunately shifts a
bit when the camera is tilted...}]). I don't find the swing-out
panels of much good for general use (they are OK for monitoring
when the camcorder is on a tripod and the light is suitable for
seeing the panel - or for the occasional odd-position shooting).