Used Canon XHA1 or new Canon 60D?

F

FilmmakerLeo

Member
I'm looking at cameras for a documentary and I have about $2,000 to spend. I was originally looking at the 60D, Rode lavaliere, LCDVF and the rode videomic but then I saw that used XHA1's with batteries and a mic where on craigslist for about $2,000, I'm mainly looking at the XHA1 because the audio is much better and it's more of a traditional video camera.
Is it a good idea to buy used mini-dv cameras on craiglist? If so which Camera would be the best for documentaries?

Thanks
 
The XHA1 for sure. I own a 5D and the A1 and I would use the A1 over it in a heartbeat, especially for that kind of project.
 
I'm actually selling an XH-A1, 3 batteries, kata bag, about 150 hours on the heads (no mic), for 1700 if you are interested. It's a great camera, a bit sharper then the 60D despite recording 1440x1080. (Also it doesn't overheat) It does need a lot of light to really shine (like all 1/3" CCD HD cameras), so I'd reccomend getting a light or two (or three) to do talking head stuff with it.

I am in NYC by the way.
 
I would check the mic, they have a a tendency to come loose, not a big deal, but something to look at none the less. Also check to make sure all the buttons, and switches are there, check the lcd. And most importantly look for hot or stuck pixels. You can do this by lowering the shutter speed while the iris is closed, then up the gain. You may find one or two, or ten. If you do find some, open the iris, adjust the shutter, then kill the gain. If they still apear after this, then it could be an issue. Try shutting it off, then restsrt it immediatly, this also sometimes unsticks them. This is a common issue with CCD's. Cmos also get bad pixels at times, but cameras usually have a way to clear the cmos as well.
 
FilmmakerLeo said:
@Raster Besides the Tape mechanism and the lens is there anything else I should specifically look at?
Click to expand...

It's a lot of money, this is how I'd do it. If you're serious, download the manual study it, note the page numbers and ask the seller questions well beforehand. No offence to anyone, I'd note the serial number, call the shop and ask did they sell that serial number. Does the seller still have the receipt and carton, some indication he/she takes care of his stuff.

Find out what brand tape the seller uses and take a new one along (he might have one) Take good headphones too and an XLR shotgun or use his to test the 48V supply.

Inspect the cam for rough handling marks, their might be a new replacement forward handle strap support. Some did break and Canon offered a free replacement for all. There might/should be a UV filter with the sale for lens protection. Carry case?

Run his DV cleaner tape first (the seller should have one) then spool your new tape end to end and put your ear very close to the transport and listen. The motor sound should be even, no grinding or rough sounds.

Record some tests outdoors in good light on a tripod for stability. Are there some custom presets installed, ask for a demo. Try the zoom, in/out smoothly? Speak into the cam mic, testing testing etc. Playback and listen. Ask to see a recording the seller has made. If the manual looks dog eared, it's an indication he studied it a lot.

Not to offend anyone, but the A1 has come down in price to where a lot of newbies can afford one, and it's a complicated (but great) camera for new folk. Ask the seller to include some hands on instruction in the price. HTH Good luck and have fun.

Cheers.
 
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