Scattered thoughts about XL-H1

[re_curly81]

I'm looking to buy a good used XL-H1, preferably in Canada. Couple questions for users out there:

#1, Capturing live from HD-SDI to FCS2 to apple ProRes 422 HQ, what is the bitrate for that? Can you adjust it? Will I notice a huge difference for green screen compared to HDV?

#2 24f, I have heard both good and bad. But all I want to know is, will it produce 24p in the end without resolution loss?

#3 The CCD's are native 1080x1440, but the HD-SDI output says 1920. Is it actually a REAL 1920 via pixel shift, or does it just 'convert' 1440 to 1920 for output?

#4 Want to sell yours?!

[pdsage10]

#1 I have used the AJA HD I/O to record from the HD-SDI into FCP Prores 422 HQ and yes, it is a big improvement over HDV. Pulling a green screen key out of Pro res is much easier and delivers great results.

[Huy Vu]

24F is identical to 24p. Resolution loss is a relative term. Yes, there is a drop in vertical res but the camera is already so high res compared to most other cameras with progressive scan that the resulting image stills ends up sharper.

[Robert Sanders]

I'm looking to buy a good used XL-H1, preferably in Canada. Couple questions for users out there:

#1, Capturing live from HD-SDI to FCS2 to apple ProRes 422 HQ, what is the bitrate for that? Can you adjust it? Will I notice a huge difference for green screen compared to HDV?

#2 24f, I have heard both good and bad. But all I want to know is, will it produce 24p in the end without resolution loss?

#3 The CCD's are native 1080x1440, but the HD-SDI output says 1920. Is it actually a REAL 1920 via pixel shift, or does it just 'convert' 1440 to 1920 for output?

#4 Want to sell yours?!

1. You canot adjust the bitrate coming out of the camera. It's is uncompressed, full-raster HD video (no audio, or timecode) at 1.5Gbps. However, most people record this signal using IO-HDs or KiPros or FCP systems running ProRes. I definitely feel that this is great for green/bluescreen work.

2. 24F is great. Most of what you heard is FUD from a couple years ago. 30F is rock solid too.

3. Yes, Canon does use a proprietary pixel shift algorithm very similar to what Panasonic does for the HVX series cameras.

[re_curly81]

Thanks guys,
I have always liked the XL-H1, and have seen used prices come down quite a bit. I was considering the XH-A1 but no HMDI out was a deal killer. Yes, the HS-SDI jackpack version would be nice, but try finding a used one! And, yes, I could use the component out with the matrox m2 mini, but its not as nice as pure digital. or maybe its enough for green screen work? I don't know.

[mgalvan]

The XL-H1 is a fantastic camera. I have been very satisfied with it (currently have the XL H1S model).

Totally will provide a fantastic, sharp image. And I record the HD-SDI out to ProResHQ using my IO HD a lot, and it really does provide a fantastic, clear image.

If HD-SDI capture does matter to you, the 'S' version does embed audio and timecode in it's output. The original H1 does only video.