Second Camera
 

I just stepped up to the Canon XH-A1 and would eventually like to use this camera to shoot weddings and events. Does my second camera need to be an A1 or better. Or can the consumer HD Canon Hv-1 work as a good second camera?

I don't know about Canon, but I feel your pain. I shoot all Sony (Two VX2100s and Two HC3s). The HC3s are half the prices of the VX2100s. They are good cameras. I'm getting by, but there is a reason why one cam is twice as expensive as the other.

Let the Canon people chime in, but I'm thinking you're going to save a thousand dollars up front by going with a cheaper camera and you're going to lose that money in time and agrivation when you go to edit and attempt to make them match in post. In the end, you have to go with your wallet, but if you can stretch your wallet, remember you got to wake up every morning and look at that camera for the next couple years.

Monte, the HV10 should be just fine working in conjunction to your new A1.
I have seen both in action and the color reproduction and resolution both cameras are extremely close and match up well.
However, the HV10 will not work nearly as well as the A1 in low light situations. It is passable but needs light, as does any 1 sensor camera.
Also by having an HV10 you also have the ability to use the camera as a deck for capturing your 24F footage. It won't shoot 24F, as does the A1, but it can capture it.
Then save up and after another year pickup another A1.