Canon XH-A1: Advice for deposition Videographer

H2OFL1020

H2OFL1020

New member
I'm thinking of buying one of these camcorders to serve a dual purpose. Primarily, the camera would be used and paid for with the work I'm doing as a legal videographer filming depositions. I am also a film student and would like the ability to shoot in HD as well. My budget is limited to $4.5K or less. Many of my colleagues use the Sony DSR-PD170 or the Panasonic DVX100 for work, obviously two camcorders with great low light capability, which we encounter alot, and reasonably priced among other attributes. I am concerned with things people are saying about the low light performance of the A1. Any thoughts or suggestions? I have researched on this forum alot and I am still very torn between just saying "screw it" and buying an SD camcorder like the aforementioned or getting the A1. Any thoughts or suggestions?? Thanks!!
 
Buy one of "these" camcorders.

I've seen no reduction in low-light performance since switching from a DVX100a. If anything, the performance has been better. Plus the A1 has a nice focal length for your legal deposition shots.
 
You might consider getting a JVC GY-DV300U for shooting depositions. The DV300U is a three 1/3" CCD camera that shoots an excellent image, comparable to the DVX100 or PD170. They can often be found in very good condition, with low hours, for under $1k. Quite a bargain for the performance.

That would leave you enough to get an XH-A1 also, still be within your budget, and avoid wear and tear on the recording heads of the XH-A1 for your work doing depositions.
 
I guess my biggest hang-up was some of the things people were saying on this site about the low light performance of this camcorder, but i'm sure that the conference rooms that I generally work in are lit well enough. How does the SD footage of this camcorder rank in comparison to others in it's category that you guys have used?
 
I have been very satisfied with my A1... In my opinion the PD170 is going to outperform any competitor in low light... It just excels at that but for overall image quality I love the A1... In any reasonably lit environment the A1 is going to turn out a stellar picture...
 
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