A1 makes me think of the Sony, and that Sanyo HD1 makes me think of the JVC.

hwm

Well, bang for the buck
 

I think I might get one of each.

Seriously. I need the SDI I/O for some composite work I have to do. Ever try to do a difference key on DV, HDV, DV50 or any compressed format ? It pretty much leads to roto.

On the other hand it'd be great to have two cameras I can match nicely for work I can complete using HDV, which after all is the bulk of my work.

I was considering ponying up for an XL-H1 late this year, but these cameras change my mental calculus. Instead of spending MSRP $10000 USD, and getting one nice camera then having to fight to find any other HDV camera as a B unit, I can spend $11000 USD MSRP and have two nice cameras well matched for A/B shooting, and still get the SDI output I need to feed Shake.

If I could interchange set-up files between them it might be tempting to try and get an XL-H1 and then buy a one of these as budgets permitted down the line. Canon should fight a bit to uprate the XL-H1 a touch to make this possible.

I would get probably the A1. I need a B camera for my HVX, for action Stickypod shots and long form documentary work, and the a1 seems to fit the bill. It should take reasonable stills too... Now my only concern, still, is FCP support for 24f and canon HDV...

Good idea?
 

Seeing the poll here I think it could be a good idea for Canon to make a version of XL-H1 without HD-SDI output. I think a version like that would attract a lot of customers. Canon should also upgrade the XL-H1 with embedded audio and timecode on SDI.

I would probably get the A1 first, then the G1 later if I'm pleased with the footage. Here in London where widescreen has become almost mandatory, I work with lots of Z1 and H1 footage and tend to like the Canon footage more, it seems to have a more gradual dynamic range, even shows up on the scopes. Could be the lens, could be the way shooters have set up their cameras. Either way, shooters here are squeezing all they can from HDV with the H1. If the A1 and G1 produce an image anything like the H1, I'll bite.

Truth be told, the iris control on the lens has really hooked me. Never thought I'd see that on this type of video cam.

Hmmmm...could that be the upcoming August 2nd announcement?

Since I'm just getting into (or back into) this arena, I would choose the A1. With the $3k difference I can buy add-ons that I'll use much more than the G1 upgrade will offer me.

Let's see... wireless mic system, tapeless capture, upgraded software, better tripod, platform add-on for the Merlin - yep, that $3k is going to go to good use.

It's why I favored a Canon XL1s, despite the lower resolution to other cams in it's class. It's also why I'll wait before getting a Z1U.

Two A1's here please. For just a little more than what it cost me for getting into video in the first place with two PD170s I can now switch to HDV and still retain all the pro features plus add some. Albiet, low light performance still has to be proven. This is what I've been waiting for. This tells me that HDV is starting to get a good enough foothold on the beach head of video production for me to invest soon. We'll see what comes of the reviews and low light performance.

No lens options
 

Sorry if I continue to ask dumb questions, but are you saying there aren't even attatchment adapters to achieve wide angle shots.

Yes, there will be a 0.8 wide adaptor for the XH cameras, the WD-72:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...&modelid=14057

oh sweet mary - I think my cars' worth about $3999- that will be my choice - anyone want to buy a ford all widow van ???? seriously , canon , when it finally comes to the table , kicks axx don't they ? At 4k the A1 should even puts the chills on the fx1 and will probably really hurt sales of the zbaby. I'd love lens interchangability , but for 3k less , the A1 is my choice sword. Kurth

I put a vote on the A1.

Uncompressed HD SDI out is nice, but at an extra 3 grand, too expensive for me. If you really need that for 1 shoot or something, you can always hire a GL1 as a b cam.

As soon as I can preorder an A1...I will.

This is the camera I brought up and envisioned in Area 51 back on jan and now my dreams are coming true.

Next summer I will shoot my first indie feature.

You know in the past I would have went for the SDI in a heart beat. Now I'm not so sure. The new bottom line Decklink cards now have component HD built in. I'm not sure if I would really be able to tell the difference between uncompressed SDI and uncompressed analog component. Considering that HDV on the CANON cameras already looks great I do not think the SDI would blow me away when compared to component. I realize there will be a slight level of noise and softening but I will be using some pretty short cables anyways. I might change my mind by October but for now I think the A1 will be the way to go for me. Besides at this price point when I do need to get a second HDV camera in a few months I will either then go for the SDI version or go all the way to the XL-H1s. If I do get into SDI compared to analog uncompressed I'm sure I will not need both cameras to have SDI.

Besides I already have a analog uncompressed SD editing system so I will be able to capture live uncompressed SD with either camera so I might as well go with the cheaper one.