B camera for XF100?
 

I'm using the XF100 and a 5D MK2 and am looking for another smaller video camera to add to my kit just for a locked off wide shot.

The XA10 seems like a good option but I'm not sure I'll need all its features, plus I'm told its now discontinued. The G10 was another option but thats also discontinued! Not that that matters too much I guess.

Could I get away with something like the Canon M52? I'm not sure if thats any better than a cheap old Sony handycam that I currently use. I'm hoping to get something that shares the same lens/sensor etc etc so the images match as much as possible.

Cheers

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

The G10 is just being updated to the G20. It's not a major update, just slightly better (according to Canon) low light and a price drop. Supposed to ship later in Feb.

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

I find my little G1X surprisingly good for video. It's light, has a very sharp lens and good IS. Biggest issue is that it is limited to 24fps for 1080p, where as I edit in 25fps. It's not problem interpolating the frame rate, but I do have to slow the resulting footage down to 96% (I think from memory) if there's any lip sync to worry about.

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

Thanks guys. So if the g10 is being replaced it igjt come down in price? Do you thi k the XA10 I would be a better option for my needs? I guess it's the xlr inputs and the handle that's the main difference.

Why did you go with the G1X Trevor? Was it your first choice or just the way it worked out?

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

Hi David

The Canon website has another model HF G25...does anyone know if this is this the new G10 or something different again?

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

I'm looking at the canonusa.com site, which lists a G20 but not a G25. Maybe G25 is the model designation in another area of the world? B&H shows the 10 and the 20 but not the 25.

Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : Consumer Camcorders

I've done the thing a few times of buying the just discontinued last year's model at a substantial price cut. The G10 is already down to $989 (from its "list" of $1299) until March 2 at B&H. The G20 is still at the $1099 list price.

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

David is right -- the LEGRIA HF G25 is simply the European / Australian model number for the same camcorder, the VIXIA HF G20. No real difference between them except for 50i vs. 60i.

Here's the Canon Aus product page: HF G25 - Digital Video Cameras - Canon Australia

In Japan this same camcorder is called the iVIS HF G20 (see http://cweb.canon.jp/ivis/lineup/hfg20/index.html)

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

Hi David

Yes I can only guess the Aussie version is the G25. I'm not sure that its available here yet and the G10 and XA10 seem to be selling out, but the PAL versions are still available at the same retail price.

I'm not apposed to getting the older model but I guess that comes down to how much you listen to the marketing talk. 20% improvement in low light etc etc. And then is it worth waiting for the XA20?

From a business point of view I think you just have to buy what you need and when you need it. I just need to work out which of the two, whether the old or new model. Unless there's another camera I haven't considered?

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

Thanks Chris...

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

Ryan I'd owned a G10, but loaned it to my wife, and she was so pleased with the pictures she took, I had to let her keep it. Previously, I'd taken either my 1Ds3 or 1D4 on overseas trips, but even with just two lenses and a flash, they became a PITA carrying around all the time, and I decided to travel light from now on. So last year I got the G1X and my first iPad. I might have missed a couple of shots, but for the most part, my results were comparable to my 1D bodies, and it was a real pleasure not having to lug all that weight around. Heck, it was just like being on holiday.

I just wish the G1X did 1080p at 25fps

There's a bigger version of the Castletown image at:
All sizes | Castletown Isle of Man | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

And some G1X sets at
Isle of Man - a set on Flickr
England Trip 2012 - a set on Flickr

Re: B camera for XF100?
 

Hi Trevor

Thanks for getting back to me with an answer. Sounds like a camera worth having a look at but I took the plunge last week and got the XA10...I really wanted a 'video' camera and the XA10 seems perfect for what I need i.e. a great B cam, but also so small that its perfect for travel....menus are a bit fiddly but like anything, its just getting used to that.

Used it for the first time yesterday and having a second camera that can take quality images was a god send...now to see if I can convince the misses I need a new Gopro! Haha

Now I'm going to spend some time in the XA10 thread!