Why get an A1?

[Matthew Ebenezer]

Originally Posted by Travis Cossel

What features does the Canon A1 have that persuaded you to purchase it over another similarly-priced HD camera?

That's my question. I've been researching HD cameras for nearly 2 years now, and I'm hoping to make the jump to HD later this year, so I'd just like to know (from actual A1 users) why you chose the camera you did. Thanks!

Hey Travis,

I purchased my A1 for the following reasons:

1. 2 years or so using the XL2 - I liked the familiarity of the A1's controls etc ...

2. I couldn't justify the cost of an XL-H1 - I now own two A1s for the same price

3. I wanted a camera to use with the Merlin - and the A1 flies beautifully on it

4. The spectacular footage I saw produced by guys on this forum - i.e. Steven Dempsey, Patrick from StillMotion etc ...

All the best with your decision. I couldn't recommend the A1 more - it's an awesome camera.

Cheers,

Matthew.

[Travis Cossel]

Thanks for the post, Matthew!

[Alan Robinson]

Originally Posted by Travis Cossel

The CMOS is the big thing that is keeping me away from other cameras. I shoot a lot of weddings and so there are flashes going off constantly, and I think a CMOS would look pretty bad. I suppose the plastic design keeps the weight down, but I would like a more rugged build. I have that complaint with my GL2's, but then again they haven't ever failed me so I shouldn't complain about the plastic.

I didn't realize the A1 had a built-in light meter. Interesting.

I think that the A1 is much more ruggedly built than the GL2. While I wouldn't want to drop either of them, the A1 would fare much better in a drop test.

[Herman Van Deventer]

The Canon A1 seems to be okay for Hollywood !

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/new...th-crank-2.php

[Ger Griffin]

Well guys, I unwillingly gave my A1 the drop test from 5 feet high the other day and it passed with flying colours.

[Travis Cossel]

Pretty cool. I guess I'll have to check out the movie.

[Robert Morane]

Why did I choose Canon A1?
-the price
-ccd
-fluorite lens
-20x zoom
-wide lens
-tape
-HDV well established workflow
-did I mention the price?
-possibility to work 4:3, 16:9, dv and hdv
-so many exemples of great work by users
-possibility to upgrade to pal if needed (and pay only if needed)
-possibility to add firestore if wanted to go tapeless with the safety of tape backup
-Canon comitment to optic and pro images
-ergonomy of the camera
-so many options for customization
-great support on this site
-and let's not forget the price..

[Travis Cossel]

Originally Posted by Robert Morane

Why did I choose Canon A1?
-the price
-ccd
-fluorite lens
-20x zoom
-wide lens
-tape
-HDV well established workflow
-did I mention the price?
-possibility to work 4:3, 16:9, dv and hdv
-so many exemples of great work by users
-possibility to upgrade to pal if needed (and pay only if needed)
-possibility to add firestore if wanted to go tapeless with the safety of tape backup
-Canon comitment to optic and pro images
-ergonomy of the camera
-so many options for customization
-great support on this site
-and let's not forget the price..

Thanks, Robert!