DVX100A vs XHA1

S

Sad Max

Artful Dodger
I've been asked to DP a project in a couple of weeks; I have my own trusty 'ol DVX kit, but the producer has an XHa1 that he would like to use.

From reading the specs, I'm unconvinced one way or the other, as to which camera will serve best. Seems like the XHa1's 'progressive-like' mode effectively drops the image resolution to SD-like figures, the DVX appears to have better optics and light sensitivity, and a smaller form factor which may be handy since we're shooting in tight spaces, plus both cameras are 1/3 inch sensors, anyway.

I have never been on the hur hur HD for the sake of HD bandwagon, so resolution alone does not really move my decision. Particularly considering that what I have read regarding the codec used by the XHa1 doesn't inspire great confidence.

What are the board's recommendations? Does the XHa1's resolution offset the DVX's optics and 24P capture? Is it worth talking these guys around to the DVX? Or is my loyalty misplaced, here?
 
You may want to look into the chromatic aberration issue with the A1. Be that as it may, I know both cameras produce good stuff. There's an adapter you can get to record to CF cards now with the A1...so if your workflow is a consideration, you might think about that. Just my $0.02.
 
Thanks; at this point the post-workflow looks like it will accommodate footage from either camera out-of-the-box.

I'll see what I can find regarding the chromatic aberration problem.
 
The 24F lowers the vertical resolution, but there will still be tons of horizontal resolution. Make no mistake, 16:9 24F HD from the XHA1 is going to be startlingly sharper than 16:9 24P from a DVX.

But if you're rendering out for standard-def DVD release, the difference isn't going to be that big. Certainly not enough to make up for the lack-of-knowing-the-XHA1 vs. the skill/experience you'd have with your DVX.

For an HD release though, no question the Canon will be way way sharper.
 
How about the way the Canon renders motion? Is the look comparable to 24P on the DVX (or any other true progressive camera?)
 
Barry_Green said:
But if you're rendering out for standard-def DVD release, the difference isn't going to be that big. Certainly not enough to make up for the lack-of-knowing-the-XHA1 vs. the skill/experience you'd have with your DVX.
Click to expand...

I respectfully disagree - The difference for an SD DVD is considerable. DV re-encoded as MPEG2 renders colour in 4:1:0, whereas HDV maintains 4:2:0 colour space all the way through, and in my experience, looks substantially better as SD DVD than DV does. I've done extensive DVD output from both the DVX and the A1, and the A1 blows the DVX out of the water.
 
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