Which Camera at DVinfo.net

Andrew Paul · July 12th, 2007, 12:35 PM

I know you guys are going to be able to help me out on this one, lets hope the same make and model keeps popping up.

I currently use a Canon XL1s and am looking to go HDV, but with limited funds. My question is, with $5000 (£2500) , what is the best camera to get. I am happy to go with second hand from a reputable dealer if need to be to get anything decent.

Thanks for any advise

Nathan Quattrini · July 12th, 2007, 01:08 PM

I`m old fashioned, but I`d say stick with what you know. The Canon A1 is a really nice tool. Though the body setup is different, if you want to stay with the same company its my suggestion.

Terry Lee · July 12th, 2007, 01:19 PM

Andrew - What seams to be the majority vote for HDV in this forum are the Canon XH A1 and the Sony HVR-Z1u. The A1 is approximately $3,500 where as the Z1u is $4,600. These prices can be found at DVInfo.net's sponser page located top right. Correct me if i'm wrong, but what you are paying for are Interlace VS. Progressive Scann. Z1u is a true 1080i where as the A1 is 720p.

Hope this helps.
-Terry lee.

Dylan Couper · July 12th, 2007, 01:25 PM

Check out this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=91678

Joseph Hutson · July 12th, 2007, 02:33 PM

HVR-Z1U!!!!!HVR-Z1U!!!!!HVR-Z1U!!!!!HVR-Z1U!!!!!

I just got a couple and they work WONDERS and it would be in your budget!

You have got to get one! You will NOT be disappointed!!!

The following link takes you to the package I bought. You also NEED to buy an external shotgun mic.

The Camera package is $4399 after the rebate... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...3_CCD_HDV.html

The Shotgun mic is $345... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html

I spent 6 mo. to find which was best. The Z1U WAY more better than the A1.

Please make the right decision.

Joseph

P.S. Let me know what you decide.

Philippe Messier · July 12th, 2007, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Lee

Z1u is a true 1080i where as the A1 is 720p.

Nope,... XH-A1 is in fact 1080i !...no 720p at all. It does shoot in 24f and 30f which are progressive mode.

Joseph Hutson · July 12th, 2007, 06:50 PM

Here is alink on the A1's 24f.

http://www.freshdv.com/2007/03/what-...a1-camera.html

Although the Z1U only has "Cineframe," which only replicates the 24f movie style, it also has other cool effects such as, "Color Correct," which makes everything B/W except for 1 or 2 selected colors. Also within each color you choose, you may adjust "range, and saturation."

Today, for the first time, I got to mess around with the FX1, FX7, and the XH-A1. The FX1 has a ton of features missing that are in the Z1U, such as; there are no XLR inputs, there is only 3 assign buttons vs. 6 on the Z1U, color correction, color extraction, color revision, and quite a few others.

Concerning the Canon XH-A1, the LCD screen is HIDEOUS! It feels like a cheapo LCD screen and small, just like my old Sony TRV-280(I am sorry A1 owners). It is NOTHING like my Z1U.

I debated whether or not to get the A1 because it was $1500 cheaper. But NOW I know why.

I know I am going at the other cameras, but Andrew, I want you to make the right choice.

You said so yourself, "My question is, with $5000 (£2500) , what is the best camera to get." Therefore I say, "For $4,744(U.S.) the Z1U is the camera for you(kinda rhymes, ha ha)

Joseph

Andrew Paul · July 13th, 2007, 02:38 AM

Thanks people, I have a few ideas now as to what to look into. I do a bit of studio work, but mostly outside and in local schools. Don`t need a diferent lens, but no harm in having the option if need be. I have the adaptor for the XL1s to use other lenses, but have never had a reason to use it so far. I used
to have an XM2 (GM2) and I do miss the size and ease of use for videoing sports such as skating and BMXing etc.

Problem is nowadays that every 6 months, something new comes out which can possibly make the last thread wrong as it is does not take the latest equipment into consideration.

Harm Millaard · July 13th, 2007, 03:19 AM

Surprisingly I only hear Z1 versus A1 and no mention of the V1, which also falls within the budget indicated. Each of these have their pro's and con's.

From my perspective, the Z1 is rather bulky and heavy for a hand held camera, it has a great LCD screen but rather badly placed when using the accessory shoe and has limited zoom range. The A1 has better zoom range, a meager LCD screen and great manual settings. The V1 has the same zoom range as the A1, although the wide angle may be slightly less than the A1 I think, and the form and weight factor are appealing.

I would suggest these three cameras to be put on your short list and compare their low light capabilities, zoom range and wide angle, manual capabilities and form factor. Then decide based on your kind of shooting.

Greg Boston · July 13th, 2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Lee

Andrew - What seams to be the majority vote for HDV in this forum are the Canon XH A1 and the Sony HVR-Z1u. The A1 is approximately $3,500 where as the Z1u is $4,600. These prices can be found at DVInfo.net's sponser page located top right. Correct me if i'm wrong, but what you are paying for are Interlace VS. Progressive Scann. Z1u is a true 1080i where as the A1 is 720p.

Sorry Terry, that's not correct. The Canon XH-A1 and XH-G1 are both native 1080i cameras and don't shoot 720P. Their imagers are 1440X1080. The imager on the Z1u has lower native resolution sensors but produces 1080i output. The interlace versus progressive argument could be debated ad nauseum but the Canon cameras produce progressive images from interlaced imagers while the Sony produces a Cineframe mode that many observers feel is not correct in its motion cadence.

Perhaps you meant to say V1u, the newest offering from Sony rather than the 3 year old Z1u.

-gb-

Mike Burgess · July 13th, 2007, 12:51 PM

Greg. With the risk of hijacking this thread, please explain to me what you are talking about with concern to your statement about the Sony Cineframe mode not correct in its motion cadence. And what effect does this have on its PQ compared to the Canon?

Thanks
Mike

Terry Lee · July 13th, 2007, 01:26 PM

aww I lose :(

John Bosco Jr. · July 15th, 2007, 11:39 PM

If you are a Canon user, I recommend that you stick with Canon and get The XHA1. You will save money and get a camera that produces very nice images. My second choice would be a Sony V1U.

Unless you plan to shoot interlace only, I would stay away from the Z1U. In my opinion, Sony's Cineframe is plain nasty. It's nice that Sony chose true 24 frame progressive for the V1U. Now if they only put 1/3rd inch sensors instead of 1/4 inch in it, they would have something spectacular, in my opinion.

July 12th, 2007, 12:35 PM	#1
Andrew Paul Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: UK Posts: 130	Which Camera I know you guys are going to be able to help me out on this one, lets hope the same make and model keeps popping up. I currently use a Canon XL1s and am looking to go HDV, but with limited funds. My question is, with $5000 (£2500) , what is the best camera to get. I am happy to go with second hand from a reputable dealer if need to be to get anything decent. Thanks for any advise __________________ Dont blame the weather....improvise !

July 12th, 2007, 01:08 PM	#2
Nathan Quattrini Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warwick, Rhode Island Posts: 740	I`m old fashioned, but I`d say stick with what you know. The Canon A1 is a really nice tool. Though the body setup is different, if you want to stay with the same company its my suggestion. __________________ Cinematography Site

July 12th, 2007, 01:25 PM	#4
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Check out this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=91678 __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

July 12th, 2007, 02:33 PM	#5
Joseph Hutson Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 131	Hvr-z1u!!!!! HVR-Z1U!!!!!HVR-Z1U!!!!!HVR-Z1U!!!!!HVR-Z1U!!!!! I just got a couple and they work WONDERS and it would be in your budget! You have got to get one! You will NOT be disappointed!!! The following link takes you to the package I bought. You also NEED to buy an external shotgun mic. The Camera package is $4399 after the rebate... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...3_CCD_HDV.html The Shotgun mic is $345... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html I spent 6 mo. to find which was best. The Z1U WAY more better than the A1. Please make the right decision. Joseph P.S. Let me know what you decide.

July 13th, 2007, 02:38 AM	#8
Andrew Paul Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: UK Posts: 130	Thanks people, I have a few ideas now as to what to look into. I do a bit of studio work, but mostly outside and in local schools. Don`t need a diferent lens, but no harm in having the option if need be. I have the adaptor for the XL1s to use other lenses, but have never had a reason to use it so far. I used to have an XM2 (GM2) and I do miss the size and ease of use for videoing sports such as skating and BMXing etc. Problem is nowadays that every 6 months, something new comes out which can possibly make the last thread wrong as it is does not take the latest equipment into consideration. __________________ Dont blame the weather....improvise !

July 12th, 2007, 01:19 PM	#3
Terry Lee Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 691	Andrew - What seams to be the majority vote for HDV in this forum are the Canon XH A1 and the Sony HVR-Z1u. The A1 is approximately $3,500 where as the Z1u is $4,600. These prices can be found at DVInfo.net's sponser page located top right. Correct me if i'm wrong, but what you are paying for are Interlace VS. Progressive Scann. Z1u is a true 1080i where as the A1 is 720p. Hope this helps. -Terry lee.

July 12th, 2007, 06:50 PM	#7
Joseph Hutson Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 131	Here is alink on the A1's 24f. http://www.freshdv.com/2007/03/what-...a1-camera.html Although the Z1U only has "Cineframe," which only replicates the 24f movie style, it also has other cool effects such as, "Color Correct," which makes everything B/W except for 1 or 2 selected colors. Also within each color you choose, you may adjust "range, and saturation." Today, for the first time, I got to mess around with the FX1, FX7, and the XH-A1. The FX1 has a ton of features missing that are in the Z1U, such as; there are no XLR inputs, there is only 3 assign buttons vs. 6 on the Z1U, color correction, color extraction, color revision, and quite a few others. Concerning the Canon XH-A1, the LCD screen is HIDEOUS! It feels like a cheapo LCD screen and small, just like my old Sony TRV-280(I am sorry A1 owners). It is NOTHING like my Z1U. I debated whether or not to get the A1 because it was $1500 cheaper. But NOW I know why. I know I am going at the other cameras, but Andrew, I want you to make the right choice. You said so yourself, "My question is, with $5000 (£2500) , what is the best camera to get." Therefore I say, "For $4,744(U.S.) the Z1U is the camera for you(kinda rhymes, ha ha) Joseph

July 13th, 2007, 03:19 AM	#9
Harm Millaard Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands Posts: 1,832	Surprisingly I only hear Z1 versus A1 and no mention of the V1, which also falls within the budget indicated. Each of these have their pro's and con's. From my perspective, the Z1 is rather bulky and heavy for a hand held camera, it has a great LCD screen but rather badly placed when using the accessory shoe and has limited zoom range. The A1 has better zoom range, a meager LCD screen and great manual settings. The V1 has the same zoom range as the A1, although the wide angle may be slightly less than the A1 I think, and the form and weight factor are appealing. I would suggest these three cameras to be put on your short list and compare their low light capabilities, zoom range and wide angle, manual capabilities and form factor. Then decide based on your kind of shooting.

July 13th, 2007, 12:51 PM	#11
Mike Burgess Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Traverse City, Michigan Posts: 416	Greg. With the risk of hijacking this thread, please explain to me what you are talking about with concern to your statement about the Sony Cineframe mode not correct in its motion cadence. And what effect does this have on its PQ compared to the Canon? Thanks Mike

July 13th, 2007, 01:26 PM	#12
Terry Lee Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 691	aww I lose :(

July 15th, 2007, 11:39 PM	#13
John Bosco Jr. Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pinellas Park Posts: 232	If you are a Canon user, I recommend that you stick with Canon and get The XHA1. You will save money and get a camera that produces very nice images. My second choice would be a Sony V1U. Unless you plan to shoot interlace only, I would stay away from the Z1U. In my opinion, Sony's Cineframe is plain nasty. It's nice that Sony chose true 24 frame progressive for the V1U. Now if they only put 1/3rd inch sensors instead of 1/4 inch in it, they would have something spectacular, in my opinion.