xh-a1 or hvr-a1u

Steve Dave

Steve Dave

Active member
Hi. Im actually interested in starting on filming and making my own little short films and things and i would like to get a camera. Im deciding between the a1 or a1u. Now being 15 making money is no simple task. i will be working as a lifeguard during the summer. Now, i think that i might be able to afford the a1u by the end of summer but people tell me that xha1 is a better choice. Anyone have any clue on what i should get. Also, since Im a beginner and is trying to do this as a hobby, would getting an xha1 might not be a smart investment?
 
Hey Steve,

I would say since you are just starting and you don't have a lot of income that you should go with the cheapest camera possible. Pretty much any camera will work for letting you practice making films. My first camera was a big, full-size VHS camera but it worked fine. You should look into getting maybe a cheap consumer camera with manual controls.

The Canon HV20/HV30/Hv40 is a great line that has manual controls and can get a picture as good as the XHA1. You can find those cameras for cheap compared to the XHa1 and A1u.
Another alternative is a Nikon D90 or Panasonic GH1 that are Digital SLRs that shoot video. Both are cheaper option then the two cameras you are looking at.

Also, buying used it a good option, just be sure to do your research and make sure it's working properly or buy from a store that offers used items.

An XHA1 is a big investment but I think the smarter one would be to get a cheaper camera and invest time into making films and learning. There is also plenty of other things to buy to go along with the camera like a tripod and lights and audio equipment.

www.hv20.com is a good resource for that camera.

A used DVX100/a/b would be a good option too.

Hope this helps,
Andy
 
If you buy an HDV camera (which both are) and plan to shoot in that format you might have to upgrade your computer to meet the processing requirements that hdv needs. Go with a simple dv camera for now ($1000 or less at a local best buy or k-mart) and see if it's something you even enjoy. If it is you can grow from there.
 
I use a HVR-A1 at work. They bought it before I got here ... I hate this camera. I hate it. I'll have the camera all set up, even on FULL AUTO for when the exec's take it overseas ... they come back with 3 minutes of the tape being SO blown out you don't even know what you're looking at. It's solid white. They don't know enough about cameras to be changing anything, so they haven't done anything wrong. This has happened 3 times now. The footage is useless. They say they see it normally when they're recording.

Maybe it's just ours, but I HATE this camera.

Edit: Andy's right ... As long as you're not pushing a lot of lowlight stuff, go for the HV20 or 30. That camera looks like a joke on the outside compared to some of the big boys, but MAN that thing can make some sweet looking stuff. Seriously.
 
But does anyone have any comments on either cameras?
Id just like some input on some good aspects and maybe some problems youre having with them.
O and i have been thinking about getting a dvx but i realized its quality doesnt even compare to the other 2.
anyone have any good reason to get a dvx try persuading me.
I also have interest in the hv40 but just the size of the thing is such a turn off.
PS: I have some experience with camcorders since ive been taking a media class at school and i also am a fast learner. :)
 
I can't compare the Xh-a1 to the dvx100b, but I can compare the sony. I have a dvx at home, and it's a world of difference for me. The Sony gives you a lot less overall manual control, is lighter (therefore easier for a shakey image), and has no XLR imputs. If you plan on EVER plugging in an xlr mic, the adapter (at least the one I have here), weighs more than the camera. When we put the xlr adapter in this camera, THEN the wireless receiver, the weight triples (probably due to the old receiver we use that uses 8 AA batteries). It's very awkward, then. There is no above handle to hold it with, either (I have no idea what that's really called). Also, many of the options are in the menus of this camera. White balance is one that's in there that's frustrating for me.

VS. the dvx100b: You're comparing Standard Definition to HDV (1080i, not 1080p). Depending on your distribution, you'll see the difference. There is much more control over this camera. MUCH MORE.
 
Well I've got an A1 and 2 DVX100B's . There's nothing wrong with either and they'll both be able to film anything your media class needs.
The question has been posed a million times here so just do a search and you'll get far more opinions then the mind can comprehend.
Since you're just starting out any camera you get will be worn out long before use it to it's fullest.
 
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