Can I handle a Canon or stick with simple Sony at DVinfo.net

Carl Downs · April 8th, 2007, 08:00 PM

I'm in the market for one of the "newer" HDV'ers and it's either the Canon XH-A1 or the Sony V1U. I just posted a thread in the Sony V1U Forum complaining about the price (compared to the Canon) for... from what I am hearing... that both are excellent cameras and both give an excellent picture. So... I am wanting the Canon but... I am not an avid "manual" user of cameras... mostly set it on auto and let it do it's thing. This worries me about the canon because it is such a tweakable and professional thing that seems to require some advanced knowhow to get a good picture? If I get a canon... and carefully read through and set the camera up with some of the "presets" on this forum... can I basically just lock it and let it do it's thing (like most Sony's)? or... does it really need professional manual care? I suppose I can... learn... over time... but, The main reason I am getting this camera is to shoot Independents (and for those will actually hire a real cameraman to use it). However... this camera will also be my workhorse/breadwinner shooting weddings and corporates... where I will be the shooter... and wanting to set things as auto as possible. Boy... currently a big money difference and... the canon, if you can use it... seems to be the better choice... but just don't know if I can handle it. Please any input would be appriciated. My last short, shot on FX1 in Japan > http://www.yaburareta.com

Nick Royer · April 8th, 2007, 08:15 PM

The XH A1 should work fine with auto. But you need to learn how to use the camera in manual mode. Get the A1 and hire someone to teach you how to use it. That way you won't have to hire a camera man.

Alastair Brown · April 9th, 2007, 05:25 AM

I second that. I am forcing myself to get more into the manual side of things, and am SO glad I have done so. It is increasing my confidence with the camera and will I'm sure lead to me producing FAR better results in difficult situations than I would have got if stuck on AUTO.

Coming from an XL1 I've found some things familiar and some new things that have obviously evolved over time. Me personally, I'm thrilled to bits with the camera and how it performs.

Don Palomaki · April 9th, 2007, 06:32 AM

Compared to the original GL1 and XL1, there are a lot more things to intimidate a new user on the A1, but that can be taken one bite at a time and learned over time.

If this is to be a money camcorder for professional type use, don't waste you money on a point-and-shoot. It limits your portential to grow and excell. But the A1 can be used in point-and-shoot mode, with good results for that mode of operation when necessary. And it can be used full manual mode, and various steps in between depending on your need. One caveat, if you have problems using a VCR, the A1 will be a challenge.

Carl Downs · April 9th, 2007, 06:03 PM

Thank you Gentlemen for your replies. Yes, at the start it will be a point and shoot... just to cover my base expenses but I really want to use it for challenging and fun projects.

April 8th, 2007, 08:00 PM	#1
Carl Downs Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 101	Can I handle a Canon or stick with simple Sony I'm in the market for one of the "newer" HDV'ers and it's either the Canon XH-A1 or the Sony V1U. I just posted a thread in the Sony V1U Forum complaining about the price (compared to the Canon) for... from what I am hearing... that both are excellent cameras and both give an excellent picture. So... I am wanting the Canon but... I am not an avid "manual" user of cameras... mostly set it on auto and let it do it's thing. This worries me about the canon because it is such a tweakable and professional thing that seems to require some advanced knowhow to get a good picture? If I get a canon... and carefully read through and set the camera up with some of the "presets" on this forum... can I basically just lock it and let it do it's thing (like most Sony's)? or... does it really need professional manual care? I suppose I can... learn... over time... but, The main reason I am getting this camera is to shoot Independents (and for those will actually hire a real cameraman to use it). However... this camera will also be my workhorse/breadwinner shooting weddings and corporates... where I will be the shooter... and wanting to set things as auto as possible. Boy... currently a big money difference and... the canon, if you can use it... seems to be the better choice... but just don't know if I can handle it. Please any input would be appriciated. My last short, shot on FX1 in Japan > http://www.yaburareta.com

April 8th, 2007, 08:15 PM	#2
Nick Royer Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 133	The XH A1 should work fine with auto. But you need to learn how to use the camera in manual mode. Get the A1 and hire someone to teach you how to use it. That way you won't have to hire a camera man. __________________ Sincerely, Nick Royer

April 9th, 2007, 06:32 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	Compared to the original GL1 and XL1, there are a lot more things to intimidate a new user on the A1, but that can be taken one bite at a time and learned over time. If this is to be a money camcorder for professional type use, don't waste you money on a point-and-shoot. It limits your portential to grow and excell. But the A1 can be used in point-and-shoot mode, with good results for that mode of operation when necessary. And it can be used full manual mode, and various steps in between depending on your need. One caveat, if you have problems using a VCR, the A1 will be a challenge. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

April 9th, 2007, 06:03 PM	#5
Carl Downs Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 101	Thank you for your replies Thank you Gentlemen for your replies. Yes, at the start it will be a point and shoot... just to cover my base expenses but I really want to use it for challenging and fun projects.

April 9th, 2007, 05:25 AM	#3
Alastair Brown Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Glasgow/Scotland Posts: 626	I second that. I am forcing myself to get more into the manual side of things, and am SO glad I have done so. It is increasing my confidence with the camera and will I'm sure lead to me producing FAR better results in difficult situations than I would have got if stuck on AUTO. Coming from an XL1 I've found some things familiar and some new things that have obviously evolved over time. Me personally, I'm thrilled to bits with the camera and how it performs.