When to Switch

[Jonathan Schwartz]

Here is my situation. I run a small video productions company that specializes in filming school age events. Marching Band Competitions and Dance Recitals for the most part. We currently run 6 Panny DVC-30's using 2 or 3 at each event. I will need 2 more cameras for events on our upcoming schedule. I would like to start upgrading my cameras to HD but I have some questions:

1) I have been looking at the XH-A1's but I am concerned about matching my DVC-30's with them as well as editing with the combined footage (I use Final Cut Pro 5)

2) Also thought about the Canon HV-20 but wondered if I would get the same lowlight ability as the DVC-30 and also would I have easy access to iris control. Dance recital lighting changes by the minute and I love having the iris assigned to the Lens Ring on the DVC-30. Can this be done on the HV-20.

3) I am currently using 503 Bogen heads. If I get the HV-20s will this be too little weight for these heads to counterbalance.

Thanks for your input. I have read all there is to read about the HDV cameras, but finding comparisons between older SD cameras is difficult. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

Jonathan Schwartz
Owner, CA Video Productions
Biloxi, MS