New Owner's First Impressions: Chris Kraft (Chris Kraft Productions)
posted on rec.video.production 1/4/98 -- reprinted with permission

"I was one of the first VX1000 owners in my market (Dallas, TX) and have been an early adopter of DV. A cheerleader of the format, if you will. My enthusiasm has convinced "Beta purist" clients to give DV a shot. No one was dissapointed and a lot of credit went to Sony and their miracle camera.

"I know the VX1000 like the back of my hand. I know how it performs and when it is at its limit (believe me, I have pushed). It was a solid performer and my footage went up against - and was cut into - Beta SP productions numerous times. The VX1000 was a workhorse and at the same time a cash cow for my business.

"With that said, I can honestly tell everyone that the XL1 blows the VX1000 away. Image quality, handling, features, etc, the XL1 has PRO CAMERA all but written on the side in bold letters. The image is cleaner and crisper than my VX1000. Blacks are black and without the swimming artifacts (noise). The images have more contrast and at the same time have excellent detail in the highlights and shadows. The frame movie mode is awesome. Combined with the 16:9 and you have a great little camera for digital filmaking.

"It is like holding a Betacam, minus about 10-12 pounds. Seriously the camera feels professional. It rests in your shoulder as opposed to on it. Your hand is gripping a solid hand grip/zoom control just like the big boys, and your eye makes solid contact to the sturdy viewfinder as well. This gives the shooter a solid three points of contact, giving you a solid and flexible shooting platform. It feels like you are part of the camera.

"I have also used the new Sony DXC-D30. I was blown away by it. I was a VX1000 owner for almost two years. I can honestly say that the XL1 bridges the gap between those two cameras. I would even go so far as saying that the XL1 leans alot more towards the DXC-D30 than the VX1000 in picture quality."

"The possibilities are endless with this camera, and it seems that Canon has designed the limits OUT of the camera instead of designing limits into it (Sony, are you listening?). Everyone who has put their eyes on it has no doubt is a professional tool. No more making excuses for a Handycam to clients. This is the real thing.

"I will be doing extensive testing with the XL1 in the days to come. I will be testing it with my DSR30 and my NLE system and will keep you guys/gals posted.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot... thanks for the ride, Sony, but I'll be getting off right here."

Back to the XL1 Owner's Reports Menu
Written by Chris Kraft
Thrown together by Chris Hurd