Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 4/11/2007, 4:20 PM
Given a choice between the FX1 and the Canon XHA1, I'd have to take a Canon XHA1, and fast. Given the choice between a Sony V1U and an XH A1, it's a tough call. Both are fantastic cams, we have both. I like the build and color of the V1 better, but the A1 has a slight edge in the low light dept, and has a *lot* more controllability.
FrigidNDEditing wrote on 4/11/2007, 6:05 PM
I think that XHA1 might be my next cam, I'm still not sure though because I do like the idea of the V1U.

Dave
Wolfgang S. wrote on 4/11/2007, 11:14 PM
The A1 requires a lot more in terms of settings - you have to develop presets first, then you can shoot fantastic material. If you are not familiar with how to do that, you may find yourself in some troubles. The FX1/FX1 has better autmatic modes, what helps you to shoot good material without a lot of presets. The question is not, if that is good or bad, but what fits better to your specific needs.

Desktop: PC AMD 3960X, 24x3,8 Mhz * RTX 3080 Ti (12 GB)* Blackmagic Extreme 4K 12G * QNAP Max8 10 Gb Lan * Resolve Studio 18 * Edius X* Blackmagic Pocket 6K/6K Pro, EVA1, FS7

Laptop: ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED * internal HDR preview * i9 12900H with i-GPU Iris XE * 32 GB Ram) * Geforce RTX 3070 TI 8GB * internal HDR preview on the laptop monitor * Blackmagic Ultrastudio 4K mini

HDR monitor: ProArt Monitor PA32 UCG-K 1600 nits, Atomos Sumo

Others: Edius NX (Canopus NX)-card in an old XP-System. Edius 4.6 and other systems

Grazie wrote on 4/11/2007, 11:49 PM
Having "cut-my-teeth" on the minuscule set of XM2s Presets, and having read MUCH about the A1s presets and its controllability, and unless Canon have plans for an A2, this WILL be my next camera.

What I don't like is that it doesn't - even for the money! - have a substantial Sony-Like lens cap/protector. Also the small LCD is not what I would expect - something a bit bigger would have been better.

However . . . . I've seen the footage, read and continue to read much about it and its Presets (quite a globally-shared preset library developing huh?), all I need now is a substantial run of projects and I'm ordering.

farss wrote on 4/12/2007, 12:21 AM
How come no one mentions Canon's Console software?
To me that's got to be a huge selling point.
And then there's the G1, that HD SDI port opens up a lot of possibilities, although the V1's HDMI into a Convergent box and then to HD SDI isn't too shabby either.
Or the BMD Intensity card in a laptop recording CFDIs.

There's such an explosion off not too outrageously expensive options these days that let mere mortals record footage that doesn't look too shabby even up against a F900 by all accounts.

And if you're wondering what to put on the other end of that HD SDI coax, well there's the Wafian and now Colorspaceincinc.com have the ICON fo 4:4:4 capture and the soon to be released and the cheaper Indie for 4:2:2.

Apart from anything else these lower cost cameras and recorders really lower the cost of production, there's probably no crane, tripod or steadycam rig that will not support the weight of these cameras. Getting the heavy duty recorder away from the camera can really save a lot of hidden costs and lower the wieght of the camera adds even more to the advantage.

Bob.

Spot|DSE wrote on 4/12/2007, 7:18 AM
IMO, Canon's Console is far too expensive. bu I do like the SlashCam version which is somewhat similar. it's a freebie.
It's too bad these cams don't have HDMI output, but great they offer BNC composite or quick connect RGB.
I'm very impressed with the A1/G1 overall. The G1 seems a bit pricey just for the Jack-Pack though.
Jeff9329 wrote on 4/12/2007, 7:35 AM
The XH-A1 is the current gold standard in the 3 to 4$K range.

Go to dvinfo.com and read the comments & look at the sample clips you can download for both cameras.

It also has a rebate going on.
Grazie wrote on 4/12/2007, 7:42 AM
The G1 seems a bit pricey just for the Jack-Pack though.

Damn straight Douglas! Just what IS that all about? What is the expense there?
kairosmatt wrote on 4/12/2007, 8:01 AM
I'd just like to give a shout out to the HVX 200. Since we are all Vegas users, it does require a little xtra step to use. But Raylight is a great product, and Marcus has been very good about updates and tech help.
I did find the HVX had a bit of a steep learning curve, especially for a layman like me. But right now I am getting absolutely amazing stuff, and it is so easy to edit with Raylight AVIs. Barry Green and VASST have good training materials that helped get me going.
I also use a Sony HVR-A1 for smaller situations and to go in an underwater housing. I do like it, especially the audio options and the fact that you can strip it down and look touristy and inconspicuous. It also gets decent results, and would be a good little brother if you got into the FX1 or V1. Only thing I don't like is capturing from tape!
Spot|DSE wrote on 4/12/2007, 8:44 AM
I'd have to debate calling the A1 the "Gold standard" in that price category. Having both Sony and Canon, and having used them both in a variety of shooting environments, each has it's merits, as I mentioned above. The A1 is a strong camera, but it's impossible to choose one over the other as a 'clear' winner., IMO.
And yes...go to DVInfo.net and read the comments in both V1 and A1 fora. You'll find there are pluses and minuses to both cameras, as discussed in both fora.
Grazie wrote on 4/12/2007, 11:42 AM
You'll find there are pluses and minuses to both cameras, as discussed in both fora.

And so was the equilibrium maintained. Was it ever thus.
farss wrote on 4/12/2007, 2:54 PM
"Gold Standard"?
Let's get real here, no HD camera at under $100K delivers in HD image quality at the same level as the Gold Standard was in SD.

I hear at NAB Sony will have a 2/3" XDCAM, might be hope with this beastie.

So when we come back to earth we really need to realise the enormous compromises in these 1/3" and smaller HDV cameras. They will all have issues, many are common across all such cameras, some issues relate to trying to do better in one area at the expense of other areas. It's really a case of choosing your poison.

Bob.