Am I buying an XL1S too late in the day?
 

Hi all:
Got my G4 dual Mac last month, and I'm having a great time with it. I'm in the market for a DV camcorder - either an XL1S or a PD150 - and had more or less settled on the XL1S.
My question is: As models go, considering that the Xl1S has been out just over a year, am I buying the XL1S too late? Is it likely to be replaced by an XL2/upgrade anytime soon?
[Yes, yes, I know it's a forlorn hope to look for the latest in technology in this business, but I'd like to feel I wasn't buying the last piece in the warehouse! :-) ]
Considering the new Panasonic chips that are out - and since Canon uses Panasonic chips, or so I'm told - is a higher res XL:1S not around the corner?
Help! Chris, Ken, Jeff, everyone!
Ram

All I can say is I got my XL1s in Jan and my iMac last month. I'm real happy with both. There will be newer stuff coming for sure. But it will cost you more too.

The time to buy something is when you need it. Not a year later.
There may be a replacement model out next year, there may not. Remember that XL1s hold their value well, so you should be able to sell it and recover most of your money if you want to get the "XL2" when it comes out.

The best advice I ever got regarding buying equipment. "If it will make you money NOW.. Buy it now. If you can wait till later, it will cost you less... AND be obsolete."

I don't know if you are trying to make money, or just home movies. But I still think it's good advice.

-Bill

I don't think you'll have any announcement on a replacement to the XL1S until April or May at the earliest (then start shipping in July or August). The latest will be Spring of 2004 and shipping that Summer. If you need a camera before next summer then you might as well start shopping.

Jeff

Thanks, people:
Dylan, Bill, Jeff - yes, I will be using it immediately, and I AM trying to make money :-) So, yes, you're right, I should get it now and see about upgrades/replacements later. [See, that's why you gotta love this board! :-) ]
Best,
Ram

Do any of you guys lease your equipement--to a certain degree it does protect you against obsolescence. Just wondering.

No, I've never found leases to be practical on this small of a ticket item. I take the depreciation over 5 years and by then the technology has passed it by. On occasion I've leased computers (NLE work stations) and the numbers worked. But they are much larger ticket items and can have shorter life spans if your on the bleeding edge of technology.

Jeff

You can lease a car or truck , or a dolly and lights. Cameras and editing equipment move too fast now.

I personally have a lease on some lens tissue that i might default on.