Which one would you buy?

Heath McKnight · July 26th, 2006, 09:24 PM

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

hwm

Alexander Ibrahim · July 26th, 2006, 10:33 PM

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.

Sergio Perez · July 26th, 2006, 10:57 PM

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...

Fred Solli · July 27th, 2006, 02:24 AM

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.

Tom Vandas · July 27th, 2006, 03:24 AM

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.

Kevin Shaw · July 27th, 2006, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Solli

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.

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

Donald White · July 27th, 2006, 06:15 AM

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.

Peter Ferling · July 27th, 2006, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vandas

...the Canon footage more, it seems to have a more gradual dynamic range, even shows up on the scopes...

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.

Lamar Lamb · July 27th, 2006, 06:53 AM

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.

Eric Bey · July 27th, 2006, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heath McKnight

Eric,

Only the XL H1 has the option to change lenses. Visit the forum for more on the Canon XL H1:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=101

heath

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

Pete Bauer · July 27th, 2006, 09:12 AM

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

Kurth Bousman · July 27th, 2006, 11:12 AM

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

Mathieu Ghekiere · July 27th, 2006, 12:04 PM

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.

Evan C. King · July 27th, 2006, 12:07 PM

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.

Thomas Smet · July 27th, 2006, 12:33 PM

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.

View Poll Results: Between the XH G1 and XH A1, which one would you buy?
XH G1 for $7000, because I need the pro jacks and SDI.	40	10.00%
XH A1 for $4000, I don't need those pro jacks nor SDI.	360	90.00%
Voters: 400. You may not vote on this poll

July 26th, 2006, 09:24 PM	#16
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	A1 makes me think of the Sony, and that Sanyo HD1 makes me think of the JVC. hwm __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 26th, 2006, 10:33 PM	#17
Alexander Ibrahim Major Player Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Washington D.C. Metro Area Posts: 384	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. __________________ Alexander Ibrahim http://www.alexanderibrahim.net

July 26th, 2006, 10:57 PM	#18
Sergio Perez Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Macau Posts: 331	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... __________________ If you don't believe in your film, no one else will.

July 27th, 2006, 02:24 AM	#19
Fred Solli Tourist Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fjerdingby, Norway Posts: 4	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.

July 27th, 2006, 03:24 AM	#20
Tom Vandas Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: currently in Kigali, Rwanda Posts: 144	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.

July 27th, 2006, 06:15 AM	#22
Donald White Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 54	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.

July 27th, 2006, 06:53 AM	#24
Lamar Lamb Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Baxley, Georgia Posts: 103	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. __________________ Lamar

July 27th, 2006, 09:12 AM	#26
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	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 __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

July 27th, 2006, 11:12 AM	#27
Kurth Bousman Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: san miguel allende , gto , mexico Posts: 644	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

July 27th, 2006, 12:04 PM	#28
Mathieu Ghekiere Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,195	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. __________________ http://productionsofthe3rdkind.com http://pr3k.com

July 27th, 2006, 12:07 PM	#29
Evan C. King Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 532	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.

July 27th, 2006, 12:33 PM	#30
Thomas Smet Trustee Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,719	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.