I have a few basic questions for an instructional video. Will there be much difference in the finished quality between using a Canon XL1 or the much more expensive Canon XLH1. What if anything are the practical differences between the XL1, XL1s and the XL2.
XL1 has a bad backfocus problem with the lense (avoid)
XL1s fixed but is a 4:3 SD sensor system
XL2 has a 16:9 SD sensor system
XLH1 I've seen some issues with chromatic aberrations near the fringes and else where and I really wasn't overwhelmingly impressed.
XHA1 I've not used but have been utterly pleased with the footage I've seen from it, as well as the control that the camera enables but I would highly suggest a training DVD for it such as this one.
Own an XL2 and absolutely LOVE it. Love the picture, "native" 16:9 and the 24P cadence. I use it for everything (have not had clients screaming for HD yet, so haven't seen the need to move up).