A1 build quality
 

What is the build quality of the A1? Is it capable of surviving heavy use or does it get damaged easily?

When one compares the build quality of the Canon A1 to that of the Sony Z1 which is the strongest ?

Finally what seems to be the A1's lifespan ?

What do you mean lifespan? I am unsure if this can ever be quantified, depending on numerous variables, but it just came out a few months ago, and so far I havent heard of them having significant problems yet.

As for build quality, they are rigid and strong. I have no intentions of dropping my A1, but it can stand up to abuse.

By lifespan I mean that when one compares to build quality to other cameras of the same make (e.g. XL2) and sees if they are similar. If the XL's lifespan is five years (under normal use) than and the XH's build quality is the same as the XL's than the XH's lifespan is 5 years.

All camcorders are delicate. There's no significant difference in "build quality" among any of the HDV camcorders at this price range regardless of who manufactures them.

What is the best way to store these cameras at home ?

Do the protective covers like the ones from porta brace make a difference ?

Keep it away from heat, humidity, dust, and direct sunlight. I store my camera and sound gear in Pelican cases, ready to pick-up and travel at any moment. This is overkill for most applications. Most any decent camera bag will do.

Same here, pelican cases. I fedex/ship them ahead to the shoot site, (no more airport headaches). I also use the pluck and pick foam inserts. Custom fit my own cavities. Ducktape the edges, and with careful use, they lasts for years.

What are the airport headaches? Can't you carry the camera as hand luggage and leave the tripod and other equipment in the normal luggage ?

The primary airport headache when hand-carrying a camcorder onboard a commercial aircraft (in the USA currently, at least) is that, unlike a photographic camera, a video camera must be taken out of its case and passed through the security checkpoint separately from everything else you're carrying, just like the current rules regarding laptop computers. The process of removing the camcorder from its case (and in many instances, having to power it on for verification by TSA personnel), is a definite hassle, especially if you're carrying a laptop through as well.