OT Camera choice

Joe Balsamo|LVX wrote on 7/28/2008, 12:26 PM

Hey guys,

I know this is a tough question to answer, but I am hoping to get some info that I have not perhaps considered yet. I have narrowed down my choices for my main camera to the following:

Canon XH A1
Sony HVR-V1U

They are both in my price range and they are both pretty awesome cameras, from what I can gather. Perhaps a bit better low-light on the XH A1, but since my documentary is going to be mostly shot outdoors in fairly bright light, this is not too big of an issue.

I would appreciate comments on the pros and cons of each of these cameras. I would also appreciate any comments on cameras I have not considered.

Again, this is going to be my primary camera for sometime to come, once I get it. Most of my work will be outdoor adventure type shooting. My current project is a documentary on adventure sports.

Thanks,

Joe

Comments

jrazz wrote on 7/28/2008, 12:37 PM

I don't know that I would be able to tell you anything that you haven't already considered but I have three of the A1u's and find them to be great cameras that are small enough to go just about anywhere but also has the features to give you a little edge (including XLR). I wish they did have more than one assignable button and the focus was tied to the ring manually. Other than that, I find they meet my purposes (although you do have the issue with the cmos with fast motion)

j razz

craftech wrote on 7/28/2008, 12:42 PM

Perhaps a bit better low-light on the XH A1, but since my documentary is going to be mostly shot outdoors in fairly bright light, this is not too big of an issue.
=========
Are you buying the camera just for this one shoot? Of so, why don't you rent a camera.

John

Joe Balsamo|LVX wrote on 7/28/2008, 1:03 PM

Thanks for the replies so far. To answer craftech/John's question. Absolutely NOT buying this camera just for this one shoot. It is the motivation to get the camera *now*, but whatever camera I buy will be my primary camera for sometime to come.

I should've indicated that most of my shooting the foreseeable future will be outdoor type stuff. Of course, as soon as I say this, I'll probably get to do some work with spelunkers! Seriously, though, this is why this is important to me. It's going to be my primary tool, I definitely don't have a lot of money, and I want the best bang for my buck. Of course, rental is always a possibility, but I want something to really learn and grow with.

I really appreciate your time, guys!

Joe

Tim L wrote on 7/28/2008, 1:34 PM

I don't have any recommendation, but to avoid any confusion: when jrazz talks about his "A1u's", he's talking about the Sony HVR-A1U -- a smaller-size HDV camera which seems to be held in pretty high regard for a small (single sensor) camera.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/384527-REG/Sony_HVRA1U_HVRA1U_HDV_Camcorder.html

I just wanted to point that out, since the "A1u" name (Sony) is so similar to the "A1" name -- i.e. the Canon XH-A1 you refer to in your first post. Easy to confuse the two.

Tim L

kairosmatt wrote on 7/28/2008, 3:09 PM

I just took our HVX200 spelunking with nothing but cave lights, and believe it or not, we got some great footage.

If you hadn't considered the HVX200 plus Raylight, its worth a look! They just released one with better CCDs, so its low light is better and smears less (though I haven't gotten to use one yet)

Cheers
kairosmatt

jrazz wrote on 7/28/2008, 8:07 PM

Tim,

Thanks for catching that. I actually thought it said A1u, not V1u- I should read a bit better yeah? I am thinking strongly about getting a V1 (but why stop there why not save a few more thousand and get an EX1), however I can't complain about the A1u's (Sony).

j razz

Cheno wrote on 7/28/2008, 8:32 PM

XH-A1 over the V1U any day of the week. Much more configurable and much better low light / less noise.

cheno

UlfLaursen wrote on 7/28/2008, 8:48 PM

I don't know that Sony, but I have both the Canon XHA1 and 2 other Sonys, the FX7 and the PD170. I know you cannot compare thoose 3 really, but in general terms I think I like the new Canon more.

/Ulf

Joe Balsamo|LVX wrote on 7/28/2008, 10:35 PM

Thanks again to everyone. I think, for a variety of reasons, I'm going to go with the XH A1. For one thing, as someone who's helping me with my project reminded me, we *will* be shooting at night and under less-than-ideal lighting situations. True, this is a small part of the project, but it certainly can't hurt to have a camera that does well in low-light and I'd really hate to spend good money and STILL have to rent something to solve the issue. I may still end up having to rent, but at least it won't be to fill in a deficiency I should've planned for in this purchase.

I'm also really jazzed about the ability to customize everything. One final thing, before I dig the serious money hole, does the XH A1 play reasonably nice with Vegas? Any particular issues I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Joe

Cheno wrote on 7/28/2008, 10:48 PM

with the new Sony HDV reader for Vegas the Canon m2ts work very well. Prior to that, it was hit and miss for most. Regardless of the Canon headaches, for the money, you can't beat the XHA1 and if you're going to be using a 35mm adapter at all, it's one of the top choices in cameras for those as well.

Very, very happy with mine. Canon dun well with this one ;)

cheno

daryl wrote on 7/29/2008, 12:42 PM

I have had mine (XHA1)or about a year now, LOVE it! Incredibly versatile.

enginpost.com wrote on 8/1/2008, 10:08 AM

I own (and love) the XH-A1.

I don't know/ haven't read anything about the "Sony HDV reader" but I can say that the one Vegas drawback is that the best shooting mode in the camera is incompatable with Vegas. I absolutely love the HD 30i mode. It seems amazingly close to film in the way it captures movement as well as the quality. The problem is that, as far as I know, Vegas doesn't seem to play well with it.

There are other modes that might actually suit action/ sports better however, in which case I would definitely go with the XH-A1. Sony will hopefully catch up on Vegas' ability to read the Canon 30i format.

side note: if anyone knows of a good work around, I would love to hear it.