2 XL2's or 1 XLH1?
 

I'm a filmmaker and I know HD on the XLH1 looks way better than the SD on a XL2. But, it would be nice to have multicam with a great camera like the XL2. I admire the imaging control and quality in both cameras. I want to do event shooting to earn extra cash on the side. So two XL2's can help me out there. I've been using an HVX200, but I'm selling it for either one XLH1 or two XL2's. Thanks

Why not 2 XH-A1's

Agreed -- with two XH A1s, you can have the best of both worlds... HD plus two cams.

no real big difference between xl h1 and xh a1 except interchangable lenses right? (and time code, gen lock, and.....)

The XH A1's lens goes wider, and not as long (telephoto) as the XL H1's standard 20x lens. This is a good thing for most users.

With the XL H1 you can buy the optional 6x Wide Zoom.

Two XH A1's is a great choice.

You get the same great picture with the XH A1 that the XL H1 provides.

There is a difference in that you will have to use the menu more whereas the XL H1 has more direct control via buttons. For most user's this is not a problem.

Depending on the type of events, you may be better off usig two XL2's and then eventualy migrate to HD, or HDV. Not a fan of HDV, myself.

Are other shooters in your market shooting HD/HDV? If no one else is, you can either go SD and save a few bucks, or go HD and market yourself heavily as HD. But, can you output HD DVD's? I'm not sure, but is there a way to make HD DVD's at this time? If not stick with SD. If you're shooting weddings and corporate stuff, they probably aren't set up for HD anyway. They may want it but it's pointless, because they don't have HD monitors, players, etc.

Two G1's, or A1's are probably going to better than 1 H1.

I was a long time (in my opinion) holdout.

I converted from an XL1s to an XL H1 in June of 2006. I had a few reservations about the XL H1 and HDV in general.

I am very glad I switched and my concerns did not turn out to be true. For instance, I thought that with a lot of motion I would have problems, such as fast moving water. I have given the camera many image torture tests and the footage has held up nicely.

I recommend that you get two XH A1's and shoot in HDV. You will get very stunning footage which you can pan and zoom-in, in post. Thus, if you are producing a SD DVD, you have a lot of resolution to allow you to re-frame in post and still produce an excellent product.

You can still shoot in SD if you desire. Or you can shoot in HDV and downconvert in the camera which allows you to edit footage shot in HDV as SD footage.

There is an advantage to getting two XL2's, they are currently lower in cost. But, their resale value will drop much faster than two XH A1's.

Yep, that about covers it. Granted the XH-A1's will cost a little more than brand new XL2's, but the price difference is worth the plunge for what you get.