HV20 to XH A1 - or something better?

[DaveEP]

Hello every one, after lurking for while, I just registered, and this is my first post.

I did some searching for the HV20 vs the XH A1, but did not find much. Sorry if I have not yet mastered the search function!

I have had the HV20 for a while, and while I can make it do 'most' of the things I want/need it to do, I think the time has come where I need a step up in equipment. The sort of things I am talking about here is better manual control.

The things that really bug me about the HV20 are the hoops you have to jump through for exposure lock (and unlock!) and manual focusing. I use both most of the time.

So, with this in mind I have been looking at the XH A1, but I am wondering if there is something I am missing. It seems a little too good to be true, except for the size (which actually does not bother me) and perhaps the size of the LCD for viewing and focusing (this does bother me a little).

Are there any other HD camcorders in this sort of price range that I should be considering instead?

If you stepped up from the HV20 to the XH A1, other than size, was there anything you really missed from the HV20? Any regrets?

I understand there is a learning curve to any new piece of equipment, and that the XH A1 provides a lot of functions that need to be learned, but I am one of those guys who will sit with the camera and manual side by side and work through stuff for days, and even weeks if required, so that part does not bother me too much. The real issue in my mind is quality of output and ease of manual functions like exposure lock and manual focus.

The extra zoom would also be very nice - it the quality of the L lens good enough at both ends (wide and telephoto) ? Is there much vigneting or 'fisheye' effect at the wide angles?

One more thing, while I generally shoot tripod mounted, I am also interested in some hand held stuff. I have looked at the Steadicam Merlin. What other stabilizers should I look at that are suitable for the XH A1 ?

Thanks for any help / advice !

 

[Huy Vu]

So, with this in mind I have been looking at the XH A1, but I am wondering if there is something I am missing. It seems a little too good to be true, except for the size (which actually does not bother me) and perhaps the size of the LCD for viewing and focusing (this does bother me a little).

Yes, the A1 is truly a marvel and it does 95% of what it promises. I initially complained quite a bit about the small LCD but after seeing the LCD on the HVX I realized that the A1 actually have one of the better LCD out there; still not quite up to task for 100% worry free focusing, but certainly usable.

The only big thing is the horrible--and I mean horrible--zoom ring. It lags so badly that it's impossible to execute any preplanned movement with it.

Are there any other HD camcorders in this sort of price range that I should be considering instead?

At the $3000 price range the A1 is HD camera to beat. Nothing else even comes close.

The extra zoom would also be very nice - it the quality of the L lens good enough at both ends (wide and telephoto) ? Is there much vigneting or 'fisheye' effect at the wide angles?

It's fine. A bit of barrel distortion at the wide end (as in any camera at this price range) but very sharp. It closes from 1.6 to 3.4 at full telephoto, and I wish it didn't do this, but at this price range that's too much to ask for.

One more thing, while I generally shoot tripod mounted, I am also interested in some hand held stuff. I have looked at the Steadicam Merlin. What other stabilizers should I look at that are suitable for the XH A1 ?

The Merlin is probably the stabilizer to beat at under the 1k price range, but there's also the Glidecam Pro series.

 

[DaveEP]

The only big thing is the horrible--and I mean horrible--zoom ring. It lags so badly that it's impossible to execute any preplanned movement with it.

Thanks. How much lag are we talking about? Is this an electonic only zoom control, with no mechanical connection to the lens? Uhh!

 

[Huy Vu]

Thanks. How much lag are we talking about? Is this an electonic only zoom control, with no mechanical connection to the lens? Uhh!

There's about a quarter second lag. It's not a true manual lense, electronic only. I use the power zoom mostly, which is VERY nice; 16 different zoom speeds, all easily switchable.

 

[Justyn]

You are right about the A1 LCD. It's 1000 times better than my HVX LCD as you can almost tell when ¥ou are in focus. It is smaller, but it's a beauty. I did grow to hate the XL1 lens though and canon did the same stupid thing with this lens. It was quite a nightmare to deal with. Still delivers some pretty nice images though... not in the league of the HVX, IMHO, but again it's less than half the price.. I do think though that if the HV20 was easier to opperate, then there wouldn't be much of a reason to upgrade.

 

[philnerd]

The only other camera right now that I'm aware of that competes with the XH-A1 would be the Sony V1. Its a couple hundred bucks more and you'll probably need to factor in the price of a wide angle adapter (the A1 is substantially wider).

Personally I prefer the way the Canon records its progessive footage (true 24P/30P discreet progressive frames), I feel the Canon real-time encoder is better at reducing artifacts and I've seen too much weird "oil paint" effect and funky noise in progressive V1 footage. If 60i is your cup of tea I think both cams need to be looked at carefully. If 24P film style is more your style, I think the Canon is the top pick. YMMV.