Tape Drive mechanism XH-A1 vs. GL-1 at DVinfo.net

Robert Petersen · May 7th, 2007, 02:47 PM

If anyone has used a Canon GL-1 and also a XH-A1, can you comment on the Tape drive mechanisms. I am very interested in getting the XH-A1, but I am wondering if the tape drive mechanism has been improved over the GL-1. I found that the GL-1 is not very rugged when compared to a Sony PDX10 or PD150. I've read comments which indicated that the XH-A1 was more solidly built than the GL-1 or 2.

Also, my Canon GL-1 heads are much more susceptable to clogging than the Sony heads. (Note, that I always use the exact same tape). Does anyone have feedback on the XH-A1 heads? Thanks.

Chris Hurd · May 7th, 2007, 04:22 PM

The tape transport in the XH A1 is about three generations newer than the one from the GL1.

Bill Pryor · May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM

I think the GL2 solved all those early head issues. At least I never heard of any problems with that model, and there were all sorts of problems with the GL1.

Don Jones · May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM

I just moved from the GL-1 to the XH A1. No comparison at all. Much better.

Don

Robert Petersen · May 14th, 2007, 03:53 PM

Thanks to everyone who replied to my concerns about the Tape Drive Mechanism on the new Canon camcorders!

Doug Bennett · May 14th, 2007, 05:51 PM

the GL1 was a much better built camera then the GL2

Eric Weiss · May 14th, 2007, 08:10 PM

the A1 is smooth, silent, and stronger.
i was so used to the canon gear grind and kick back..i thought my A1 was f'd up at first.

May 7th, 2007, 02:47 PM	#1
Robert Petersen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Girard, Ohio Posts: 103	Tape Drive mechanism XH-A1 vs. GL-1 If anyone has used a Canon GL-1 and also a XH-A1, can you comment on the Tape drive mechanisms. I am very interested in getting the XH-A1, but I am wondering if the tape drive mechanism has been improved over the GL-1. I found that the GL-1 is not very rugged when compared to a Sony PDX10 or PD150. I've read comments which indicated that the XH-A1 was more solidly built than the GL-1 or 2. Also, my Canon GL-1 heads are much more susceptable to clogging than the Sony heads. (Note, that I always use the exact same tape). Does anyone have feedback on the XH-A1 heads? Thanks.

May 7th, 2007, 04:22 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	The tape transport in the XH A1 is about three generations newer than the one from the GL1. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

May 14th, 2007, 03:53 PM	#5
Robert Petersen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Girard, Ohio Posts: 103	Thanks for the Info on Tape Drive Mechanism. Thanks to everyone who replied to my concerns about the Tape Drive Mechanism on the new Canon camcorders!

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May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I think the GL2 solved all those early head issues. At least I never heard of any problems with that model, and there were all sorts of problems with the GL1.

May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM	#4
Don Jones Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: knoxville tn Posts: 41	I just moved from the GL-1 to the XH A1. No comparison at all. Much better. Don

May 14th, 2007, 05:51 PM	#6
Doug Bennett Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 260	the GL1 was a much better built camera then the GL2

May 14th, 2007, 08:10 PM	#7
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	the A1 is smooth, silent, and stronger. i was so used to the canon gear grind and kick back..i thought my A1 was f'd up at first.