the a1u is the a1...same camera, different abbreviations.

let us know what you end up picking and why you chose it, i always like to hear more opinions on cams!

take care,

-bryan

Actually, A1U does lool like it covers most of what you are looking for. 16:9, XLR inputs, portability, actually priced better than PD 170, I think.

You will have not as good success in low light, if that is an issue for you.

That's good to know it's working for you, but running a 4:3 DV camera in widescreen mode is pushing the limits of technology to an undesirable extent. That's reason enough to favor widescreen-native cameras over 4:3 models for general-purpose use, since it's easier to get acceptable 4:3 video from a widescreen camera than vice-versa.

My recommendation for someone getting started today would be any decent widescreen camera, so Canon XL2/XL-H1 or Sony A1U/FX1/V1U, etc. The A1U is a fun little camera but has some limitations for professional use, especially in poor lighting.

Duuuhhhhh!!!! Yep, im green!lol I could probably run circles around you guys in a recording studio forum, but dang do I feel like a rookie. what do you guys think about jvc grhd1? also, why not buy used? i was gonna do it from bh, I though that was a reliable sponsor?

I'd go with an XL2.

I'd have to side with Kevin on this. I have a VX-2000, a PDX-10 and a Z1. The PDX-10 might be a candidate if you can find a nice used one. It does full quality 16:9. On the VX you are only working with 360 vertical lines in 16:9 mode (instead of the full 480). I think most people will notice the difference right away, especially in these days where widescreen TV's are common.

But it has a lot to do with your subject material. A closeup of a face will look OK in 16:9 on the VX because at that scale you don't expect any more detail. But a wide shot just looks like it's out of focus; I find that completely unacceptable myself. The VX and PD are great cameras for 4:3 - very pleasing quality to the image and great low light performance. But I wouldn't even give them a second thought if you want 16:9 in today's world....

Is that a GY-DV500U (shoulder mount camera)?

yes it is....more like a back mount as heavy as it is..lol....My budget is 1500.00, so an xl2 is out right now, I did come across an xl1s for 1750.00, i was considering this one as well. I think this forum is a BLURSE. (blessing and curse) the blessing is that alot of professionals have taken thier time to answer questions respectively and honestly, the curse is that so many of you have great points and opinions for each cam. I have never been an indecisive buyer, until now with video. I think what i will do is buy what I can afford, hopefully I can find a great deal(cant access classifieds,dam new guy). If you were voting, who will you vote for? just give me model numbers no reasons, my head is spinning enough!

you guys rock!

Agreed. But. But when the original post started out, we were talking about low end, lower priced cameras, and poster brought up the PD170 and 16:9. Depending on what your subject matter is, it can work. Wide shots of small object, and scenics, forget it. But at the level of price he originally was discussing, you are compromising....

I have an HC1 which I really like for run-around use, since it's small enough to be convenient without being too small to hold steady. It works well in HDV, widescreen DV or regular DV mode, and if the main subject matter is outdoors then the low-light limitations wouldn't be a problem. Now that I think about it, this could be an excellent choice for the original poster's needs. Among other things, the HC series cameras are small enough to fit in a large zippered jacket pocket, like say while snowboarding down a mountain...

A GY-DV500U is in a class up from the (SD) cameras you are considering. Perhaps if you could tell us what makes the GY-DV500U undesirable for your purposes, we could offer better advice.

One camera I don't think you've considered, is a GY-DV300U (a very good 3-1/3" CCD, handheld camera, with XLR input and considerable control over image acquisition). Used GY-DV300Us are typically selling for around $1000.

BTW, none of the camcorders you mentioned that you are considering, in your post that started this thread, will shoot 24p. The GL2 and DVC30 do not have XLR input. Only the Sony A1 would shoot over 360 lines (effectively) of 16:9 video.

If you sold the DV500U, along with the $1500 you have budgeted, you could get a DVX100, an XL2 or perhaps a Canon XH-A1.

A GY-DV500U is in a class up from the (SD) cameras you are considering. Perhaps if you could tell us what makes the GY-DV500U undesirable for your purposes, we could offer better advice.

its too big and about 7 years old. high drum hours etc, i will look into the dv300........be right back..............(surfing)...........

If you sell the GY-DV500U, I'd suggest you get the Canon XH-A1. If you decide to keep the GY-DV500U, I'd suggest you get a GY-DV300U. With a budget of $1500, I just don't think you'll get more bang for your buck. At $1500, you aren't going to get 24p anyway and will be awfully hard pressed to find a camera, that has XLR input, with better overall performance (or manual control) than a GY-DV300U.

I can wait for 24p, its not my most major concern. I saw what the dv300 looks like, but its been hard to locate. I think i might do the xl1s........still searching

ps... no one has commented on the jvc grhd1.....