Yes I know this topic has been done to death. My problem is that I really like
the A1 but the firmware problem capturing to FCP seems a lil fishy is there anyway to take a consensus who has had this problem?is it only when batch capturing ???? The V1u seems like the next best choice but I hate the fact that it uses DV and not mini dv. So what do you guys think is this firmware problem going to be a issue or will it be resolved shortly ???

V1u seems like the next best choice but I hate the fact that it uses DV and not mini dv.

What does this mean ??? Aren't DV and Mini DV tape the same thing ???

DV is a format. "Mini DV" refers only to the size of the cassette shell. At any rate, the original poster is obviously confused... there is of course absolutely no difference between the Canon XH A1 and the Sony HVR-V1U with regard to the tapes they use.

For what it's worth, I use FCP and don't batch capture, I just load the entire tape from start to finish. Despite the 50/50 problems with FCP and the A1, I still ordered my A1 (should be here this week, actually).

I really don't think its going to be an issue, but you can bet on it I'll be posting here as soon as it doesn't work :)

The DV tapes are the bigger ones used in the larger cameras (like the Sony 450 I believe), and the MiniDV are the normal ones you find in all the comsumer and prosumer cams.

All of the 1/3" chip cameras, whether DV or HDV, use miniDV tapes, with the exception of the DSR250, which will take full size cassettes as well as minis.

Chris, (Chris No. 1--notice there are 3 Chris's in a row here?) I had a problem at first with FCP recognizing the camera, but it was operator error. Once I got FCP configured properly, there's been no problem for me in capturing.

im sorry for my error what I was refering to was the small dv vrs the mini dv the small is about 7 or 8 dollars more a tape compared to the mini

You have to understand that both cameras (Canon A1 and Sony V1) take only the Mini DV cassettes. There's no difference between them in this regard.