Sony A1 u

RZ wrote on 12/27/2009, 6:00 AM

I have been looking at this smallest pro camera from
I have been following Sony A1u for quite some time now. It is actually few years old. It is compact and sturdy. It has the form factor so that the whole family can use it. It records 1440 x 1080. in HDV format, a little easier to edit . The price is $ 1850 app.

I do not mind tape based workflow, I am not a pro making money doing this stuff.
I looked at canon HV 40. It feels too flimsy.

I am wondering whether Sony will put out an upgraded model of this small camera.
Or should I bite the bullet and buy A1u. I know there are no right answers but I welcome your opinions. Thanks a lot.

RZ

Comments

PeterWright wrote on 12/27/2009, 7:16 AM

I have one which I occasionally use as a third camera. It's a nice little unit, and gets good looking pictures, but I don't think Sony will update it - AVCHD solid state recording seems to dominate this market these days, and is often quite a bit cheaper.
In fact whenever I do use my A1, I record onto a DR60 HD unit, which avoids using tape and records several hours.

kairosmatt wrote on 12/27/2009, 7:23 AM

The A1u has a great form factor, and I love it, but I wouldn't pay that much for it today.

I think you are better off looking at sony consumer HDV cams. The A1 is a HC1 with extra features, but you can get HC7s and 9s for under a grand, better quality and price.

If you want to spend a little more for a more pro version, I would consider the panasonic HMC40, though it is AVCHD and not HDV.

kairosmatt

mtntvguy wrote on 12/27/2009, 8:47 AM

I got one because I moved away from HDV into the EX/tapeless line and I needed something to use for playback of my HDV tapes, and it was less expensive than a deck. But I was pleasantly surprised at the image quality when I needed to shoot in a really tight space and be inconspicuous. And it takes AMAZING still photos. Money well spent.

jrazz wrote on 12/27/2009, 11:07 AM

I have 2 of them and I am using them regularly along with 2 HC1's. You should be able to find a good used one cheaper. I would not recommend the HC1 over the A1u if you are willing to pay the extra money. Now, if you already have an A1u and you wanted a near identical second or third cam, I would then recommend the HC1.

j razz

RZ wrote on 12/27/2009, 3:25 PM

Are HC 1,7 or 9 available. Can anyone direct me.thanks

kairosmatt wrote on 12/27/2009, 3:30 PM

HC9 here:
[LINK=http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/537980-REG/Sony_HDRHC9_1_HDR_HC9_MiniDV_High_Definition.html]

For older models you may have to look on ebay.

kairosmatt

farss wrote on 12/27/2009, 4:24 PM

The current camera in that lineup is the HC9.

Sorry I can't help you with where to buy but any Sony dealer should have one.

Bob.

Opampman wrote on 12/27/2009, 4:38 PM

you can probably do better on the price but it is a great little camera. It is one of the few 1 chip cameras I have found that stock footage firms will accept footage from because of the really good lens. Not too good in low light, but with a lighted scene it looks outstanding.

JohnnyRoy wrote on 12/27/2009, 4:39 PM

I love my Sony A1U but I paid $1800 for it a few years ago so I would not pay that today. If I had $1900 to spend I would buy the Sony FX7 which, IMHO, is a better camera.

I plan to keep my HDV cameras until they die. You can keep AVCHD, it is a horror to work with (I have one so I speak from experience). HDV edits smoothly and renders quickly. It's my preferred format for HD. I also use an HDR-60 Hard Drive Recorder for a tapeless workflow. It's the best of both worlds (HDV and tapeless).

~jr

rstrong wrote on 12/28/2009, 7:26 PM

My second cam is an A1u too, which I record to a 120gb flash memory unit that I got from Citidisk. I love the A1u small footprint, but hate it's low light ability.

RZ wrote on 12/29/2009, 2:14 AM

Please tell me more about your flash unit from citidisk. I looked at the Sony hard drive recorder that JR uses but I find it expensive for 60 GB.

rstrong wrote on 12/29/2009, 5:58 PM

The Citidisk was expensive also, but you get double the memory for you money, unless you buy a used Sony off of ebay which I have seen for around $800. The citidisk was about $1400.00, but being flash memory there are no spinning drives, and can be used at very high altitudes and withstand much more heat. A Sony hard drive recorder is only good up to about 8500 feet in elevation, the manual states it can become damaged after that. Also the Citidisk unit comes with a built in battery good for about 4.5 hrs. and a 12 volt external power supply for charging and powering the unit too. An external battery is also available as are other accessories.

mtntvguy wrote on 12/29/2009, 6:21 PM

The altitude thing is good to know. I live at 8,000' elevation and routinely work at altitudes up to 12,000'. Thanks.