Scott from your note of sarcasm I guess you weren't really serious about points 1 and 4. If you weren't considering the Ultimate I wouldn't be suggesting a Sony EX alternative, the XH-A1 is a fine camera and mated with a Letus Elite is a good value combination. It's just that the EX is a better adapter use camera IMHO. I don't think I'm alone in thinking this. Obviously money no object a Sony EX + Ultimate is the way to go (or RED), but from what you've been saying money counts.

Anyway if you really don't believe me then perhaps you should take a closer look at Phil's older stuff with the EX-1 and Extreme (basically same quality as you would get with the Elite) and then Steven Dempsey's with the XH-A1 and Ultimate. I know which I prefer the look of but each to their own.

The Letus Extreme By Philip Bloom On ExposureRoom
New Letus Ultimate Footage on Vimeo
Snow Day on Vimeo

Dan, this thread has been very helpful. I've gotten all my questions answered despite your manifesto on the EX-1 and EX-3.

I appreciate your expertise.

Dan,
Excellent information. As someone who owns a Canon H1, A1 and Letus Extreme. I was really impressed by the quality of the EX1 and letus extreme on the Phil Bloom link. If the EX is much better in low light ( not to mention the beautifull image) it would be tempting. One of the most frustrating things about 35mm adaptor shooting (at least with the H1 and A1) is the need for so much light on indoor shoots. If I had the business revnue to justify it, I'd consider selling my Canon gear and getting a couple of Ex1's. But then again, I shot wedding for a company this week end and they wanted sd in 4:3!
I love the look of the Letus, and take any chance I get to us it.
Regards
Bruce S. Yarock
Yarock Video and Photo

Hi Dan,

Sarcasm or joking aside, I don't think anyone wants to dispute your claims over the EX-1. Perhaps it does have slightly better picture quality and have a slight advantage in terms of low-light conditions.

I think the point I'm trying to make is, why should a guy who has done his research, invested in a more-than-amicable Canon XH-A1, suddenly sell the thing and find an EX-1 to buy in its stead? Let's say for argument's sake, the EX-1 is slightly better... Both cameras are similar in terms of picture quality and a slight differential doesn't justify the sale of one to invest in another (in my opinion). He already has the A1, he should stick with it and worry about more important stuff!

Now if you were suggesting an A1 sale in favour of, say, a Scarlett, for example, that might be worth a damn!

I have the A1 and I'm personally very happy with it, the only thing I miss is the ability to shoot faster frames for true slow motion... Having said that, Twixtor has helped me out where I needed that effect.

When I upgrade, it will likely be to the Scarlett, but I'll wait and see what happens in the meantime!


Chris

Good points, Chris. I'll be keeping mu Canons until-
1- Something unbelievable comes along, and also
2- I have the business to justify a gear upgrade.
In the meantime, I'll be happy I have what I have.
Bruce S. yarock
Yarock Video and Photo

Chris, you've said it perfectly again.

I don't think anyone disagrees with Dan's comments on the EX-1, it's a great camera.
What sucks is listening to him rant about the EX-1 when I have already said that I'm sticking to the XH-A1.

Why would I want to sell all my XH-A1 gear and only make a slight upgrade to the EX-1.
$450 for 25min SxS cards is not my idea of an upgrade. I'll also need a laptop for the field to download the new small SxS cards, a new camera case, batteries and other misc accessories.

Granted, the EX-1 would be a better camera with the Letus, but it would cost me a fortune for a marginal advantage in picture quality and ease of use.

By the way, I'm getting the Elite for now and will invest good money into a worthy upgrade in 2010.

Scott,

Good choice, going for the Elite makes perfect sense with the Xh-a1, I've never disputed that. I'm sure you'll make some great film with it. The EX suggestions as I've repeated many times have been in response to your suggestion that you were might splash out on an Ultimate before upgrading your camera.

I don't think you understand the spirit of this forum, insulting people who are trying to help you by offering their experiences after you have asked for help is not good form. The only reason any of us bother to reply to you is because we've been there ourselves and are trying to save you and others the time, trouble and money.

I don't I have any particular liking for Sony, or hate Canon. I have free use of Xh-A1's and instead chose spend my own hard earned cash on an EX-1 system and subsiquently EX-3. I had spent a small fortune trying to kit out an Xh-A1 for adapter use and finally decided that I was better off with a EX. (I've since starting using the 5DmkII as well, but thats another story)

To quote Phil Bloom from another forum

Don't believe it, look half way down this thread (Phil, join in here if you want)

Should I upgrade from the Canon AH-A1 to the Sony EX1? [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking


FYI, you will of course need batteries but you don't have to use SxS if you are on a budget and you can just plug the camera into a computer by USB anyway. Certainly beats my Firestore or the Sony CF card recorder.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sony-xdca...ompatible.html

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sony-xdca...-shipping.html

Surely you will need a new case anyway? how were you planning to transport your Letus rig? are you really going to break if down every time?

I've stoked this fire long enough. Thanks for your help everyone!