I just sold 1 of my 2 PD-170P cams and was pondering the following options, because it hit me that I'd be foolish not to outlay just a little more and go for 'B'!

A) redundancy of 170P + anamorphic 16:9 + HV20 + trv18 (I'm a week-end warrior making a little to pay for these toys)
OR

B) XH A1 + trv18 (eventually get HV20 for deck/2nd unit)

I've been dloading the samples, no question they look great, the sticking issue for me is how damn good the HV20 samples look....I can't help but think the guy next to me with HV20 is getting so much bang for buck if I plonk down for the A1. Silly i know.

Where do you want to use the new camera for ?
Do you want all the extra's the A1 has, compared to the HV20.
I'm considering a HV20 in the future for playing tapes and using it for taking it with me when I can't use a LARGE and HEAVY camera.
(For instance a day with the kids in the Zoo).

The A1 I use for the 'serious' work.

No question for personal use I wouldn't go past the HV20 - but I film weddings for commission so that is the 'serious' use, I'd grab 2x HV20 if I felt comfortable toting such small devices when being paid...but I do not, plus I do use pull selective focus a fair bit during bridal prep...just not workable on the little knob of hv20.

Hi Mark. The A1 is nice, but be aware that it is not as friendly in low-light as the PD170. Custom settings can help a lot, but you will need to adjust your expectations too.

Richard

Hmm hanging onto an ageing SD may not be such a bad idea, and your advice tends to send me away from the A1 - however, in practice I always use a Sony HVL 10/20W light I think that should be adequte for the A1.

My other pressing concern is there a MIC attenuator on the A1? With my ME66/K6 when I film near the DJ I need to use MIC ATT and manually lower the audio to maintain proper levels...ME66 supplies a 'hot' signal and cam clips excessively otherwise.