A1 Lux Rating in Canon Literature
 

I was looking thought the A1's manual and noticed it states that minimum illumination is "0.4 lux". I had no idea prosumer cameras were capable of this. Lower than 2 or even 1 lux, perhaps, but 0.4? What am I missing here?

Hi Adam, what you're missing is the writing in parenthesis that accompany that spec: most notably, that 0.4 lux is achieved with 18db gain at a shutter speed of 1/3rd of a second (which is the slowest shutter speed possible in 24F mode). Now I think that a shutter speed of 1/3rd of a second will give you an interesting special effect, but I'm not sure how useful that will actually be for shooting video. The recommended illumination is 100 lux, which is far more sensible. Cameras need light!

I never believe LUX ratings they are always subjective. I can tell you that the XhA1 does pretty well, but needs light and can't see in the dark.

I was trying to compare the A1 to the Sony V1U. Sony says it's 4 lx with F1.6 at 18 dB. But, since they don't say at what shutter speed, it's kind of hard to tell. I suppose time will tell.

I remember when the VX1000 came out and was later replaced by the VX2000. The differences between 4 lux and 2 lux where evident in comparison videos, but cross manufacturer comparisons based on specs only are a lot trickier, but they give one a sense of what to expect. I Can't wait for a hands-on comparison between the HVX200, the A1 and the Sony V1U.