One of the tests I did with the XH-A1 was shoot in SD alongside the XL2 to see how they would match in regular daylight (in low light the XL2 would clearly be ahead).

Using similar presets and setup, the XH-A1 SD output just can't come close to the XL2. The XH-A1 SD output seems to have some artifacts almost like it is down rendered HDV output. It's just not as "smooth" or as sharp.

The XH-A1 seems to me to do SD as a bonus, not a typical use. Obviously, the XL2 was made just for SD.

I reviewed the video samples on a 51" calibrated HDTV to make comparisons. Looking on a computer monitor or small TV diminishes the artifacts.

I also don't generally agree with David Chias comment above that downconverted HDV is better than SD. However, this does heavily rely on how you render the HDV and if it has high motion/panning video.

It's already ordered, but I'm wondering what the GL2 does compared to A1?

Does the A1 SD still look professional? With color correction,etc will it hold up?

Jordan:

The A1 SD is very good. Im really just pixel peeping. The color is great and infinitely adjustable. Sadly (or fortunately, depending), most normal viewers (like my wife) have no idea what camera took the video when they watch it.

I don't currently have a GL2 so I can't directly compare it. It is less than half the price of the A1 and is a very good SD performer. In my area, it used to be the standard for a wedding videographer.

The A1 HD is what is really great. As a new user, you will need to download some of the presets to a SD card to get ready for your first use. I think the VividRGB (final version near the end of the posts) is a favorite of many, me included.

Jeff thanks a lot, you just saved me a lot of worrying. I'm really going to push the HD, but encase I need to go with SD it's good to know I can still produce something that looks really good.

Thanks for the suggestion for the preset, Im going to download all the ones in this forum including Steven's. I'll have a good 2 weeks of shooting / playing around before my first event.

Thank you so much!

The GL2 only has 1/4" 4:3 chips. The SD comparison to the XH A1 would be the XL2.

Maybe so, but in this case it's about money, not CCD chip sizes ;)

The Sony tape you are suggesting to buy for your A1 is not of good enough quality, might lead to dropouts, and will wear your heads down unnecessarily quickly. On top of that they deliver more audible noise from the tape drive unit. I use Panasonic AY-DVM63AMQ. They are very good value and superior quality compared to most other master quality tapes. In addition they help to reduce the noise from the tape drive on the A1.