HVR-A1U Active Interface Shoe question
 

Hi guys,
I am new to both this forum, and to the HVR-A1U. I have been looking for accessories that will attach to the camera using the AIS. Just wondering if there are any suggestions as to what can be hooked up to it ie lighting flashes etc. Haven't been able to find anything on the web.

As a new user of HD camcorders, I think my choice of the A1U was a good one, considering my previous camcorder was a Panasonic PV-GS36...yikes

Jason

It's not an active interface shoe on the A1U. It's a standard cold-shoe.

The HDR-HC1 had an active interface shoe.

The AIS pins on the A1 are taken up by the XLR module, leaving only a cold shoe on top. However, this is all you will need.

If you're looking for a light, the HVL-20DMA is a great value and uses the same type of batteries as the camera. It attaches to the cold shoe.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...On_Camera.html

If you get that light, this diffuser will make it much softer and is well worth the money.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...u=89908&is=REG

I may be new to this camera, but sitting right there on top of my HVR-A1U is, are you ready for this, an Active Interface Shoe. (Sits right behind the cold shoe). With the XLR adapter connected to the AIS, this only leaves a cold shoe, which was obvious. The light that Sean Schult made reference to, which I went out and bought at Henry's tonight, has an Active Interface Shoe connection, allowing me to connect directly to the A1U using it's battery and it works great. This will not allow me to hook up my XLR adapter though, but with the cheap mic that came with it, I find the built in mics to be better sounding anyway.

Thanks for the light suggestion Sean, and Craig, check out page 19 of the A1U manual

Hmmm. That seemed kind of curt :)

Sorry if it seemed as though I was giving you misinformation. I didn't know the XLR module was detachable, and for those buying the A1U over an HC1 I didn't think anyone would want to remove the XLR module anyway.

But I'm happy to hear you've found yourself a solution.

Enjoy the new camera!

I wasn't being curt, just not able to convey the context of the message I guess. I am enjoying this camera, although low light performance seems to be only marginally better than my PV-GS36...yikes. Have to stick with this for now, can't afford a more expensive camera...yet.

Low light performance does suck, and suck bad it does; I'm saying this as an HC1 owner and my Canon A1 obviously smokes the HC1 out of the water in low light. However suprisingly downconverted SD HC1 footage looks really good (to me @ least) in low light.