XL1 or XL1s

[Vascilli]

A classic "Which one?" question, with a personal twist. In my prior thread I was deciding whether or not a GL1 was a good choice to start with. It sold before we could get to it, so the question is now: XL1 with a spare battery and microphone adapter (MA-100 I'm guessing) and all original stuff for $1100 CAD, or $1500 for an XL-1s with two extra batteries and a soft case. The accessories are frankly a moot point, except for the MA-100. I've been Googling for hours trying to find the resolution these two record in, and all I can find is the XL1 does 512x492 and 750x492 with horizontal pixel shift. The XL1s, on the other hand, I can find nothing on. Are there any other significant differences, and which is the better buy?

[Huy Vu]

For $1500 you can get a used DVX100A which is leagues above either of these two cameras. For a bit more than $1100 you can still get an original DVX100.

[flinty]

Funny i have seen loads of the canons being used in uk tv over the years but never a dvx100,anyway anything not HD is pensionable now realy.

[Vascilli]

For $1500 you can get a used DVX100A which is leagues above either of these two cameras. For a bit more than $1100 you can still get an original DVX100.
I have no brand loyalty whatosever, I wouldn't mind picking one of these up, but the only camcorders available locally are the XL1 and XL1s. The DVX100 looks really nice too, I'll keep my eye out for it.

[6thirteen]

well i know they shot the 28 days later with a xl1s

but here is a list of movies that have been shot with it... if this helps

http://www.imdb.com/SearchTechnical?CAM:Canon%20XL-1S

[billmarq]

I own two Canon XL1s cameras and am very happy with them. The MA-100 is an important option for improved sound in many situations. If you plan to do interviews or tape in a small room, the 3X wide angle lens is great.

I have worked on sets with local filmmakers who use the Panasonic, and I have made many videos with my Canons. I can see no difference in quality. You are on a forum primarily intended for Panasonic users so you are always going to have someone tell you to go for a DVX-100a. I tried to pin down one director and he said the Panasonic has better color saturation. I don't see it, and even if that is true I can crank up the saturation in post, so whoop-de-doo.

The only negative I see is that the world is going Hi-Def and these cameras are SD. But damn good ones. I would opt for the XL1s over the XL1 unless you are on a really tight budget.

[Derkoi]

I owned a Canon XL1, it was horrid to use, too bulky, no LCD and awkward to shoot for long periods off a tripod.

I got a DVX100 & was much happier but i've moved on to HD now.