A1 build quality at DVinfo.net

Adrian Paul Spiteri · December 17th, 2006, 01:08 PM

What is the build quality of the A1? Is it capable of surviving heavy use or does it get damaged easily?

When one compares the build quality of the Canon A1 to that of the Sony Z1 which is the strongest ?

Finally what seems to be the A1's lifespan ?

Holly Rognan · December 17th, 2006, 01:45 PM

What do you mean lifespan? I am unsure if this can ever be quantified, depending on numerous variables, but it just came out a few months ago, and so far I havent heard of them having significant problems yet.

As for build quality, they are rigid and strong. I have no intentions of dropping my A1, but it can stand up to abuse.

Adrian Paul Spiteri · December 17th, 2006, 03:09 PM

By lifespan I mean that when one compares to build quality to other cameras of the same make (e.g. XL2) and sees if they are similar. If the XL's lifespan is five years (under normal use) than and the XH's build quality is the same as the XL's than the XH's lifespan is 5 years.

Chris Hurd · December 17th, 2006, 03:11 PM

All camcorders are delicate. There's no significant difference in "build quality" among any of the HDV camcorders at this price range regardless of who manufactures them.

Adrian Paul Spiteri · December 17th, 2006, 03:21 PM

What is the best way to store these cameras at home ?

Do the protective covers like the ones from porta brace make a difference ?

David Tamés · December 17th, 2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Paul Spiteri

What is the best way to store these cameras at home ? Do the protective covers like the ones from porta brace make a difference ?

Keep it away from heat, humidity, dust, and direct sunlight. I store my camera and sound gear in Pelican cases, ready to pick-up and travel at any moment. This is overkill for most applications. Most any decent camera bag will do.

Peter Ferling · December 17th, 2006, 04:06 PM

Same here, pelican cases. I fedex/ship them ahead to the shoot site, (no more airport headaches). I also use the pluck and pick foam inserts. Custom fit my own cavities. Ducktape the edges, and with careful use, they lasts for years.

Adrian Paul Spiteri · December 17th, 2006, 05:09 PM

What are the airport headaches? Can't you carry the camera as hand luggage and leave the tripod and other equipment in the normal luggage ?

Chris Hurd · December 17th, 2006, 05:20 PM

The primary airport headache when hand-carrying a camcorder onboard a commercial aircraft (in the USA currently, at least) is that, unlike a photographic camera, a video camera must be taken out of its case and passed through the security checkpoint separately from everything else you're carrying, just like the current rules regarding laptop computers. The process of removing the camcorder from its case (and in many instances, having to power it on for verification by TSA personnel), is a definite hassle, especially if you're carrying a laptop through as well.

December 17th, 2006, 01:08 PM	#1
Adrian Paul Spiteri Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Malta\| Europe Posts: 55	A1 build quality What is the build quality of the A1? Is it capable of surviving heavy use or does it get damaged easily? When one compares the build quality of the Canon A1 to that of the Sony Z1 which is the strongest ? Finally what seems to be the A1's lifespan ?

December 17th, 2006, 03:11 PM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	All camcorders are delicate. There's no significant difference in "build quality" among any of the HDV camcorders at this price range regardless of who manufactures them. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

December 17th, 2006, 05:20 PM	#9
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	The primary airport headache when hand-carrying a camcorder onboard a commercial aircraft (in the USA currently, at least) is that, unlike a photographic camera, a video camera must be taken out of its case and passed through the security checkpoint separately from everything else you're carrying, just like the current rules regarding laptop computers. The process of removing the camcorder from its case (and in many instances, having to power it on for verification by TSA personnel), is a definite hassle, especially if you're carrying a laptop through as well. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

December 17th, 2006, 01:45 PM	#2
Holly Rognan Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Coalville America Posts: 244	What do you mean lifespan? I am unsure if this can ever be quantified, depending on numerous variables, but it just came out a few months ago, and so far I havent heard of them having significant problems yet. As for build quality, they are rigid and strong. I have no intentions of dropping my A1, but it can stand up to abuse.

December 17th, 2006, 03:09 PM	#3
Adrian Paul Spiteri Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Malta\| Europe Posts: 55	By lifespan I mean that when one compares to build quality to other cameras of the same make (e.g. XL2) and sees if they are similar. If the XL's lifespan is five years (under normal use) than and the XH's build quality is the same as the XL's than the XH's lifespan is 5 years.

December 17th, 2006, 03:21 PM	#5
Adrian Paul Spiteri Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Malta\| Europe Posts: 55	What is the best way to store these cameras at home ? Do the protective covers like the ones from porta brace make a difference ?

December 17th, 2006, 04:06 PM	#7
Peter Ferling Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wyomissing, PA Posts: 1,141 Images: 57	Same here, pelican cases. I fedex/ship them ahead to the shoot site, (no more airport headaches). I also use the pluck and pick foam inserts. Custom fit my own cavities. Ducktape the edges, and with careful use, they lasts for years.

December 17th, 2006, 05:09 PM	#8
Adrian Paul Spiteri Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Malta\| Europe Posts: 55	What are the airport headaches? Can't you carry the camera as hand luggage and leave the tripod and other equipment in the normal luggage ?