I'm sorry to beat a dead horse here, but I have a few v1u vs xh-a1 questions that I haven't been able to find answers to. I'm a recent college grad shooping for my first camera. My needs are from basic event videography to indie film, but my main asperation is to shoot documentaries. With concerns to image quality, either of these cameras will fit the bill. However, I like that the sony cam is smaller, has the hdr option, audio limiters, and hdmi. What will I be missing from the canon? Here are my questions:

Lens control: How good are the maual rings on these cameras? From the canon cams I have used, zoom and focus rings have had poor response. Could I hope for something better from the v1u?

Whats the iris control like on the v1u? Is it stepped or gradual? Is the iris ring on the canon any better?

What's the deal with these cmos sensors? Is their response that different from the canons (or any other) ccds? Whats the hype all about?

For the record, my experience has been primarily canon gl2s and xl1s and xl2, a dvx100 here and there and a couple broadcast cams.

The best answer for the first questions regarding focus and iris would be your own. Find a camera store in the area that sells the V1 and play around with the controls. You'll get a first hand feel instead of opinions.

But, if you do want opinions, I really like the feel of the zoom ring on the V1. Super smooth, with a nice bit of easing in and out.

And the iris control is also very nice, with gradual gradations. You can set three different speeds for the auto-iris, which is a lifesaver for documentary style shoots.

Both these are way above and beyond the controls of the DV cams you mentioned.

Alphonse

What's the deal with these cmos sensors? Is their response that different from the canons (or any other) ccds? Whats the hype all about?

The CMOS output does look different from CCD's. You will have to decide if you prefer it. They are definitely more energy-efficient than CCDs. It is amazing how long a battery can last with these things.

Best wishes,
Peter
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The CMOS chips are smear free. But then again you'll have to use pretty high shutter speeds to make the Z1's CCDs smear.

The V1's zoom ring is a never-ending ring, unlike the Z1 and DVX100's. So you don't get focal length markings, but you don't have to switch power on and off with a mechanical switch (though you can force-feed the DVX).

tom.