Glenn Thomas,

I am glad you like the clips! And which clip you like most if you can tell me!

Thanks,
Kaushik

Gah! That's not what I wanted to hear. I want a good alternative - something I can rent that *is* clearly better than the HV20. I helped with a short recently, with footage from the HVX200 - yes, decent low light, but it wasn't that sharp or clean. And there was an artificial feel to it too, but I can't explain what.

Question: what camera above $13k under $30k does trounce the HV20's image in ideal situations, hands down?

I love my lil' HV20. With it I'm making films instead of saving money for a camera ... BUT ... there's not a single objective PQ measurement in which the EX1 isn't better (that I'm aware of.) To me, it's next nearest competitor is the Red One.

Kaushik, there's a sunset clip with a kind of red sky. I like that one.

Robert, I'd still consider the XHA1. I know it's not a progressive camera and may not quite match the dynamic range of the EX1, but most of the footage I've seen looks quite impressive, especially when it's teamed up with a decent 35mm adapter. No serious noise issues, great low light performance. I'm also impressed by the Silicon Imaging SI2K. The gui especially. The support for Nikon lenses, PL and so on, and all clips are captured using the Cineform codec. The Red looks good too, but could end up being quite pricey once you add a few of the essential options.

The image quality from the HPX500 would probably be similar to the HVX200. From what I've read the sensors don't offer any additional resolution. Although they are 2/3" with a better lens.