Which one would you buy? at DVinfo.net

Chris Hurd · July 26th, 2006, 02:59 PM

I can't help it, I've got to ask. Trust me, no dealer has put me up to this... nor Canon... I'm just curious, for our members here who while not constituting the entire market for these camcorders, certainly do account for some particular slice of it...

If you're actually thinking about buying one of these, which one do you have your eye on? The basic A1 for $4000, or the SDI-equipped G1 for $7000? I just want to get a grip on where the primary interest lays among our membership.

If the answer is "neither," then please don't vote. But if you're seriously considering one, then I'm wondering which one it would be. As for myself, I went with the A1. It's all I need.

Mikko Wilson · July 26th, 2006, 03:21 PM

To be honest, the Genlock is the most important one to me.
The ability to plug into any profesional (or non profesional) system and have it available as a source is big news for me. Just as with the XL-H1, coupled with the SDI output, this makes this camera a $7000 fully conectable studio camera. After the Canons, the next camera caiplable of dooing this costs tens of thousands, not counting the lens. - And PAL/NTSC switchability costs even more.

- Mikko

Heath McKnight · July 26th, 2006, 03:37 PM

As a filmmaker, I'm a one-camera man, so I don't need all those extra features, though they are nice.

Do both cameras come with component out?

heath

Chris Hurd · July 26th, 2006, 03:46 PM

Yup, component out on both, see http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost....&postcount=121

Tim Le · July 26th, 2006, 04:08 PM

I'm mainly interested in the A1. At this point the A1 fills every requirement I have for a small "B" camera: long run time, small form factor, inexpensive (relatively), and a wide to very telephoto lens. The improved AF and the OIS are also great bonuses.

I'm glad that Canon is pricing these cameras aggressively. The A1 MSRP is basically the same as the DVX100B! I don't know why anyone would buy the DVX100 now. These cameras are going to totally dominate the prosumer market unless Sony or Panasonic responds. I know I'm getting one.

Bob Grant · July 26th, 2006, 04:31 PM

Can't see the logic of the A1. If you are looking for the SDI features surely you'd pony up for the H1.
Conversely there'd be plenty of demand I'd think for a H1 minus the SDI connectivity, should work out at around the same price as the A1.

Barry Goyette · July 26th, 2006, 04:43 PM

I think there are two ways of looking at the A1 vs G1 dilemma. The first model says that wow....Uncompressed SDI for $7 grand...that's unbelievably cheap. The second model says Canon added a $300 board to the A1 and is charging $3000 for the pleasure, which is unbelievably overpriced. I have to say that I'm inclined towards the latter opinion. With the overall raves about canon's HDV encoding, I think I'm gonna go with the passive twin.

I also think canon will sell 10 A-1's to each G1, yet if they had put the G1 in at a lower price it would hurt the H1's sales. Which begs the question of why the G1 at all? Probably because it makes a great companion to any studio already having an H1 plus it's got $2700 in extra profit thrown in.

My only real complaint is that it's not available sooner...I just came into the cash to get into HD and I really need to spend it now before something else distracts me. I'd probably pick two A1's over the H1 if I could right now. I sure miss the old days when canon announced the Xl2 and Gl2 two weeks before they hit the shelves.

Heath McKnight · July 26th, 2006, 04:57 PM

Buy the XL H1 if you want a better lens option + the ability to change lenses, mount 35mm prime lenses, etc.

heath

Monday Isa · July 26th, 2006, 05:10 PM

Hey Chris,
I'm considering the A1 alot. I'd go with that one.

Barry Goyette · July 26th, 2006, 05:12 PM

Heath...

There are a lot of reasons to buy either camera, but for me the most influential one is what is available now. I recently had a break-in at my studio, and I lost my entire arsenal of video cameras. All has worked out for the best as my insurance company (like a good neighbor!) came through for me this week. My main fretting now has been deciding between the canon and the panasonic...but honestly the feature set of the a1/g1 has me seriously hot under the collar (an Iris ring on the lens? someone is yanking my chain).

An interesting notion for me now is that the a1/g1 has probably pushed me in the direction of the H1, if only that I'll have a less expensive B-camera option in october (or november)..

Eric Bey · July 26th, 2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heath McKnight

Buy the XL H1 if you want a better lens option + the ability to change lenses, mount 35mm prime lenses, etc.

heath

What lens options will there be?
And how much $$$$$$?

-e

Heath McKnight · July 26th, 2006, 07:43 PM

Eric,

Only the XL H1 has the option to change lenses. Visit the forum for more on the Canon XL H1:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=101

heath

Peter Ferling · July 26th, 2006, 07:59 PM

Oh waiter! Two A1's please.

If I want SDI, I'd need a lens that would resolve everybit of wow I could get, and the H1 suits.

Still, if I could swing it, I'd maybe get both an A1 and the H1 (skipping the G1). If the video would intercut nicely, then I'd have portability and studio quality.

Sean Hansen · July 26th, 2006, 08:24 PM

I'd have to say an A1 for me. No need for those lil extras on the G1 in my work so far. But that nice upgrade to add PAL is something I will look into
for my other customers/clients.

I'm just happy to see the new releases by Canon, been waiting quite a few years for them to pop up! October is by birthday, so gonna be like a "kid in
the candystore" like I was when I first bought my GL2 and FX1.

Mmmmm...doughnuts....

Mark Kubat · July 26th, 2006, 08:34 PM

I think the A1 is a killer offering - as in FX1, DVX killer for sure...

Heck, who wouldn't pick the XL-H1? But money money money... Alas...

So yeah, the A1 is my choice now.

Up until today, I was figuring I'd have to hold out and settle for the JVC GY-HD110 or new 200 series come this fall... the HVX P2 thing is just "silly" and Sony seems to have an aversion to 24p - damn, those new AVCHD's could have really been something if 24p was on them - it's FX1/Z1 all over again...

But now I figure Canon has put themselves right back in there!

This is great news - fabulous. When Canon declared "no more mini-dv" - wow - they MEANT it.

View Poll Results: Between the XH G1 and XH A1, which one would you buy?
XH G1 for $7000, because I need the pro jacks and SDI.	40	10.00%
XH A1 for $4000, I don't need those pro jacks nor SDI.	360	90.00%
Voters: 400. You may not vote on this poll

July 26th, 2006, 02:59 PM	#1
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Which one would you buy? I can't help it, I've got to ask. Trust me, no dealer has put me up to this... nor Canon... I'm just curious, for our members here who while not constituting the entire market for these camcorders, certainly do account for some particular slice of it... If you're actually thinking about buying one of these, which one do you have your eye on? The basic A1 for $4000, or the SDI-equipped G1 for $7000? I just want to get a grip on where the primary interest lays among our membership. If the answer is "neither," then please don't vote. But if you're seriously considering one, then I'm wondering which one it would be. As for myself, I went with the A1. It's all I need. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

July 26th, 2006, 03:21 PM	#2
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	To be honest, the Genlock is the most important one to me. The ability to plug into any profesional (or non profesional) system and have it available as a source is big news for me. Just as with the XL-H1, coupled with the SDI output, this makes this camera a $7000 fully conectable studio camera. After the Canons, the next camera caiplable of dooing this costs tens of thousands, not counting the lens. - And PAL/NTSC switchability costs even more. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com Last edited by Mikko Wilson; July 26th, 2006 at 04:06 PM.

July 26th, 2006, 03:37 PM	#3
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	As a filmmaker, I'm a one-camera man, so I don't need all those extra features, though they are nice. Do both cameras come with component out? heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 26th, 2006, 03:46 PM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Yup, component out on both, see http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost....&postcount=121 __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

July 26th, 2006, 04:08 PM	#5
Tim Le Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 350	I'm mainly interested in the A1. At this point the A1 fills every requirement I have for a small "B" camera: long run time, small form factor, inexpensive (relatively), and a wide to very telephoto lens. The improved AF and the OIS are also great bonuses. I'm glad that Canon is pricing these cameras aggressively. The A1 MSRP is basically the same as the DVX100B! I don't know why anyone would buy the DVX100 now. These cameras are going to totally dominate the prosumer market unless Sony or Panasonic responds. I know I'm getting one.

July 26th, 2006, 04:31 PM	#6
Bob Grant Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,570	Can't see the logic of the A1. If you are looking for the SDI features surely you'd pony up for the H1. Conversely there'd be plenty of demand I'd think for a H1 minus the SDI connectivity, should work out at around the same price as the A1.

July 26th, 2006, 04:43 PM	#7
Barry Goyette Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo CA Posts: 1,195	I think there are two ways of looking at the A1 vs G1 dilemma. The first model says that wow....Uncompressed SDI for $7 grand...that's unbelievably cheap. The second model says Canon added a $300 board to the A1 and is charging $3000 for the pleasure, which is unbelievably overpriced. I have to say that I'm inclined towards the latter opinion. With the overall raves about canon's HDV encoding, I think I'm gonna go with the passive twin. I also think canon will sell 10 A-1's to each G1, yet if they had put the G1 in at a lower price it would hurt the H1's sales. Which begs the question of why the G1 at all? Probably because it makes a great companion to any studio already having an H1 plus it's got $2700 in extra profit thrown in. My only real complaint is that it's not available sooner...I just came into the cash to get into HD and I really need to spend it now before something else distracts me. I'd probably pick two A1's over the H1 if I could right now. I sure miss the old days when canon announced the Xl2 and Gl2 two weeks before they hit the shelves.

July 26th, 2006, 04:57 PM	#8
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	Buy the XL H1 if you want a better lens option + the ability to change lenses, mount 35mm prime lenses, etc. heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 26th, 2006, 05:10 PM	#9
Monday Isa Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: College Park, Maryland Posts: 913	Hey Chris, I'm considering the A1 alot. I'd go with that one.

July 26th, 2006, 05:12 PM	#10
Barry Goyette Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo CA Posts: 1,195	Heath... There are a lot of reasons to buy either camera, but for me the most influential one is what is available now. I recently had a break-in at my studio, and I lost my entire arsenal of video cameras. All has worked out for the best as my insurance company (like a good neighbor!) came through for me this week. My main fretting now has been deciding between the canon and the panasonic...but honestly the feature set of the a1/g1 has me seriously hot under the collar (an Iris ring on the lens? someone is yanking my chain). An interesting notion for me now is that the a1/g1 has probably pushed me in the direction of the H1, if only that I'll have a less expensive B-camera option in october (or november)..

July 26th, 2006, 07:43 PM	#12
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	Eric, Only the XL H1 has the option to change lenses. Visit the forum for more on the Canon XL H1: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=101 heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

July 26th, 2006, 07:59 PM	#13
Peter Ferling Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wyomissing, PA Posts: 1,141 Images: 57	Oh waiter! Two A1's please. If I want SDI, I'd need a lens that would resolve everybit of wow I could get, and the H1 suits. Still, if I could swing it, I'd maybe get both an A1 and the H1 (skipping the G1). If the video would intercut nicely, then I'd have portability and studio quality. __________________ Pete Ferling http://ferling.net It's never a mistake if you learn something new from it. -------------------------------------------

July 26th, 2006, 08:24 PM	#14
Sean Hansen Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec Posts: 50	I'd have to say an A1 for me. No need for those lil extras on the G1 in my work so far. But that nice upgrade to add PAL is something I will look into for my other customers/clients. I'm just happy to see the new releases by Canon, been waiting quite a few years for them to pop up! October is by birthday, so gonna be like a "kid in the candystore" like I was when I first bought my GL2 and FX1. Mmmmm...doughnuts.... __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sean Hansen CMProductions http://pages.infinit.net/cybrmonk/ Montreal, Quebec ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

July 26th, 2006, 08:34 PM	#15
Mark Kubat Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 375	Canon - finally getting smart again! I think the A1 is a killer offering - as in FX1, DVX killer for sure... Heck, who wouldn't pick the XL-H1? But money money money... Alas... So yeah, the A1 is my choice now. Up until today, I was figuring I'd have to hold out and settle for the JVC GY-HD110 or new 200 series come this fall... the HVX P2 thing is just "silly" and Sony seems to have an aversion to 24p - damn, those new AVCHD's could have really been something if 24p was on them - it's FX1/Z1 all over again... But now I figure Canon has put themselves right back in there! This is great news - fabulous. When Canon declared "no more mini-dv" - wow - they MEANT it.