Multi Cam, HD SDI

[Gil-galad]

So here is the scoop. I am posed on the brink of spend a buttload of money and get the XH-A1. Mostly because I have done my homework and this is the camera that fits both my budget and my required features, but also, because a friend of mine has it, and we want to do some multi cam shoots.

However, I am reluctant to be locked into the HDV universe, but do not want to spend the extra $$$ for the G1 and get HD-SDI. I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about exactly how much, if any, extra hardware is inside the G1 over the A1 and if it were possible to do some complex hacking and electrical work and open up the A1 and reroute some cables and put a HD-SDI jack. I mean, considering how much money would be saved, the highjacking budget could be pretty high. Just a thought.

Anyway, the main question: doing a multi camera setup with the G1 is easy with that pricey jack pack, is there another way to do it with the A1 without involving clapboards?

Thanks
Joe

 

[elrond_2003]

My take on the situation, there is likely to be no way to "upgrade" the A1 to a G1. Canon would be pretty stupid to put the unusable electronics into the A1. Since your friend has an A1 the extra circuitry in the G1 (or H1) wouldn't do you any good. You need to have both cameras be G1 or H1 to use the time code circuit. Unless you are buying two cameras, get the A1, you'll like it.