RE: HVX-200 vs. Sony V1

D

Drcoffee

Well-known member
RE: HVX-200 vs. Sony V1

I have used the HVX200 extensively for the past year at my work, with a Firestore Version 4 software update capturing QuickTimes it works a treat!

But after leaving my place of work and going solo, I don't really have the funds to buy the HVX,
and are looking for a comparable camera. Sony V1 or Canon A1 etc, but after reading the 'Canon XH-A1 vs. HVX200 By Barry Green' comparison I have been somewhat put off by the A1.

It would be used for shooting Music videos mainly, but also drama and corporates.

I've searched extensively for this comparison, but forums seem very quiet about the Sony V1 in general. I believe the early pre-production models (PAL) had issues with the quality of the progressive mode, which i think has been corrected with a software update?

So it seems to me the main differences between these cameras are:

Price V1 a lot cheaper.
Variable frame rate capabilities of HVX
1080i 25p HVX. vs. 1080p 25p V1
P2 workflow of HVX vs. Tape V1
4:2:2 on HVX vs. 4:2:0 on V1 (can do 4:2:2 via HDMI)
Questionable low light performance on V1?
Histogram on V1

Any advice on locations of comparison tests, or whether the Sony V1 is a good camera, would be appreciated.

Regards
Jon
 
but after reading the 'Canon XH-A1 vs. HVX200 By Barry Green' comparison I have been somewhat put off by the A1.
Click to expand...

Really? You shouldn't be. I think the A1 is the best HDV camcorder on the market, definitely I'd rather have an A1 than a V1.

I don't care for tape and HDV, that's for darn sure, but if you've already decided you're going to accept those compromises, I think the XHA1 is definitely a better camcorder than the V1U and cheaper too.
 
How come Barry?

Its got peaking and zebras at the same time.
Histogram feature
Better focus / zoom wheel
mic and line changeable xlr's
hdmi - ability for 4:2:2
2 zebra settings 70% and 100% etc.
Option for external harddrive 60gig sony own.
1080 25p

It just seems better..?

Regards
Jon
 
A number of reasons:

1) ROLLING SHUTTER. I hate the rolling shutter, it destroys footage when you least expect it, and Sony has it. Canon doesn't.

2) Low light performance. The Canon is at least a stop faster than the Sony.

3) Oil Paint. The Sony, in progressive mode, suffers a loss of detail that grows the more gain you use. The Canon is a lot more predictable (but don't use the NR features on the Canon or it can cause ghosting).

4) Price. The Canon is a heck of a lot less expensive; last time I checked prices it was about $900 less expensive.

Edit: just checked at B&H, they're really slashing the price. The V1U is now $3700 (down from $4200 last time I checked) with a $300 rebate, so $3400 after rebate. Looks like that brings it in line with the XHA1, which is $3050 after rebate, so the price gap is largely closed.

5) 24p editable as 24p. The Sony records its 24p embedded within a 60i data stream; last time I checked (and admittedly I really don't care so I haven't stayed current on this) few if any editors strip out the pulldown to give you genuine 24p. The XHA1's 24F mode is stored with no pulldown so the editors that do support it, let you edit as 24p.

The biggest issues to me are the rolling shutter, low light performance, and price. Now that Sony's closed the price gap it might warrant a further look but I'd still rule it out (based on my own preferences) based on the rolling shutter. The V1U can produce some very nice footage, as can the XHA1, but the V1U can screw you over with the rolling shutter. The XHA1 can't.
 
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