I'm using both Sony HDV and Canon DV video cameras for weddings and other events, and HDV works fine in most circumstances. I think the Sonys tend to underexpose compared to the Canons when run on auto, and they're roughly a stop less sensitive in poor lighting, but when used properly they deliver an impressive image which makes me reluctant to keep using the Canons. As I've noted in other posts, I can definitely see a difference in terms of image quality between HDV and DV source on my HDTV display, even when both sources are delivered at SD resolution. Today's HDV cameras aren't perfect, but they are usable for 'run and gun' work.

Just to clarify, I am not putting down HD in anyway shape or form. I think it is definatly the wave of the future, and the image quality is stunning. My only points are that HDV is not HD and the supply still outweighs the demand.

Comapnies are pushing for all this HD but it isn't a reality yet. Yes many hsows are shot HD, but I only know one person who owns an HD TV and my famnily works in broadcasting (my father has been a higher up at the CBC for 30 years). He agrees that HD is a ways away.

As for HDV... unless you are going out to a deck, it's not quite worth it.

If you are looking to keep your bases covered for the next few years, think about an Xl2 (I am biased, no doubt), although the HVX is quite astounding. If it weren't for the P2 cards I might get one.

Unless you're a large production company with million dollar clients there is no need to jump to hd. Yes it's coming but it wont be the "standard" for years to come. I would wait until you either get a high demand for it or everyone in the industry switches over for good. I still shoot with my xl1 and get plenty of business. Most of my clients still want things shot in 4/3, so keep the xl2 and keep shooting.

Mark Bournes
Shark Video Productions

seriously, if history is any indication, hd cameras two years from now will be markedly improved over today's offerings, and workflows will be time-tested and proven. hd/hdv is a very viable format now, but if YOU don't need hd today, the xl2 is a fine choice.

Well put Henry,

Always nice and concise.

I'm with Henry on this. If you don't have a pressing need, then SD is good for now. HD (of some format) will be the future. Personally, I'm not convinced that HDV isn't an 'interim' format HD. In three years time, HDV might be as dead as people are claiming SD is today.

My xl2 purchased a year ago has paid for itself, so I'm going to sit out the HD rush for probably another year... maybe two.

(Besides, I was all drooling over the H1, and now I'm waiting to drool over RED.)

I've been thinking about an XL2.

I bought my XL1s some time ago, more as a super nice toy than a business thing. I'm certainly not gonna get an HD cam any time soon, but maybe a nicer SD cam wouldn't be so unreasonable. That being said. . .

How much could one expect to get for a used XL1s with stock lens? (Let's say it has somewhere around 100 hours. It has NOT been used that much, considering I've had it since '02).

How much could one aim to pay for the body, only, of the XL2?

Can the XL2's image be made to look like the DVX series'?

Josh,

Check out past auction prices for the xls on Ebay, to get an idea of the going market price.

It's funny, I shoot with the xl2 and the 16x manual lens. I've been looking at getting a 3x wide. I've seen a couple of xl1s go with a 3x lens attached, for the price of a NEW 3x lens. SO basically, I could get the lens and a spare xl body! Have also been looking at picking up either the old 16xii or the new 20xii for the OIS factor, but again I can almost pick one up WITH an xl body attached for the price of a new one.

Ouch. . .that blows. Cause the XL2 body only is still like $3500 new, ain't it?

Quick check on past ebay auctions, looks like a couple went for 2200 and 2300. A check here on Craigslist has two Xl1 (non s ) for 1550 and 2000. So figure it from there.

XL1s's went for those prices? That's not that bad. . .about what I would've wanted. When you said you'd seen 'em go for the price of a new 3X lens, that sounded bad ($1200ish, no?). That's reasonable.

In three years it'll be surprising if there's much use of SD video cameras for professional purposes, but today's HDV cameras will continue to be useful well into the HD future. That's the basic reason to go HD now if you're in the market for a new camera anyway; if you don't have an immediate need for new equipment then it makes sense to wait and see what else is coming.

What are you using to uprez the xl2 footage?

Thanks,

-James