Very attractive, to be able to change lenses.

But if you really want to take full exploit of this extra feature, and go for additional high end optics, I assume the total cost of your XL H1 will increase very significantly.

On the other hand, the lens of the A1 with magenta chromatic abberation under some circumstances, is also not the summum of what could expect. At least, with the H1 you still might have some choice.

Already stuck with an A1, and relatively pleased with this camera, good that I don't have to make the choice myself now.

David, you didn't state what other equipment you have. Both camcorders are great and should be able to accomplish whatever your goals are. But if you don't already have great mics, a tripod, etc... then the money you save with the XH-A1 will go along way to getting you a complete kit.

If you've got a $6,000 budget (or whatever) and you blow the whole wad on a really nice camcorder but have no high quality mics or camera support, then how will that affect the finished product? ;)

Good point Philip,
It reminds me of the ability to fit the A1 on a merlin. An ability lost by the new machine. So to get a steadi shot you need a different rig and if that rig must carry the steadicam name then your looking at significantly more bucks on top of the extra for the camera as well.
All for ultimately the same or similar picture quality & shot

Thanks for the reply and helpful insights guys.

To the person who asked me what kind of equipment I have; I have bunch of amatuer external lights, a pretty good tripod, and a poor man's steady cam kit.

I am planning to buy a wide angle lens with bunch of different filters when I make my decision of which camcorder to get.

XL H1A's new technology sounds really tempting but the price difference is pushing me back.

Would you guys say the XL H1A has a significant advantage over the XH A1? What camcorder would you pick if you could choose from either of those two?

Thanks again,

David

Advantages of the XL H1A are already described in posts #2 and #3 of this thread.