Marty Hudzik |
October 2nd, 2006 07:37 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Hurd
If the XL H1 doesn't pay for itself within 180 days tops, then you should consider getting rid of it. Hope this helps,
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That seems a bit extreme now doesn't it? I realize that as a general rule that might be okay for full time pros, but for enthusiasts that want these cameras and do side work to help "subsidize" the cost, that statement can't always hold true. I do independent films and music videos often just because I enjoy the artform and I make no money from them. My cameras have always been tools to help me achieve this. I do additional paying jobs to help offset the cost of the equipment but I don't think I have ever made back the money I spent on any camera in 180 days.
Personally I shoot 3-4 weddings a year and shoot professionally at my job 3-4 times a year (I get my regular paycheck for these gigs, but they rent the camera from me at $200 a day). So currently I do not make my living shooting (my fulltime job is an editor and animator of broadcast style graphics). I supplement my income and offset the costs of owning great camera equipment to allow me to shoot independent projects to fulfull my own creative needs.
I understand the value of the XLH1's looks....it does look professional. And that is a big reason that the company I work for rents it from me. They don't really even understand it's technical merits. They just assume it is going to produce a much better picture than a small camera.
I am still on the fence. As I have alluded to before, I just bought the H1 3 weeks before the A1-G1 were announced. I weighed the pros and cons of the available cameras and what sold me on the H1 was the image it produced. I couldn't really affford it without breaking the bank. But I knew that if I wanted "that" image quality I would have to pay "that" price. So I sold my HVX and P2 cards and for about 2k more I had an H1. And now I find that I could have sold my HVX and saved 2k instead and gotten the same image quality.......mama mia!
Add to my dilema I just moved to Canton, Ohio area and I lost a lot of my repeat business where I lived before so my extra paying jobs are down right now while I get acclimated to this new area. Hopefully business will pick up. I guess that is a big part of my considering switiching to the A1. If business was booming I wouldn't be so concerned. Heck....I'd probably buy one to compliment my H1 instead.
Oh well......enough of my blabbering. Thanks for all the pics and info Chris......I'll go ponder my future quietly now.
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