Tape Drive mechanism XH-A1 vs. GL-1 at DVinfo.net

Robert Petersen · May 7th, 2007, 02:47 PM

If anyone has used a Canon GL-1 and also a XH-A1, can you comment on the Tape drive mechanisms. I am very interested in getting the XH-A1, but I am wondering if the tape drive mechanism has been improved over the GL-1. I found that the GL-1 is not very rugged when compared to a Sony PDX10 or PD150. I've read comments which indicated that the XH-A1 was more solidly built than the GL-1 or 2.

Also, my Canon GL-1 heads are much more susceptable to clogging than the Sony heads. (Note, that I always use the exact same tape). Does anyone have feedback on the XH-A1 heads? Thanks.

Chris Hurd · May 7th, 2007, 04:22 PM

The tape transport in the XH A1 is about three generations newer than the one from the GL1.

Bill Pryor · May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM

I think the GL2 solved all those early head issues. At least I never heard of any problems with that model, and there were all sorts of problems with the GL1.

Don Jones · May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM

I just moved from the GL-1 to the XH A1. No comparison at all. Much better.

Don

Robert Petersen · May 14th, 2007, 03:53 PM

Thanks to everyone who replied to my concerns about the Tape Drive Mechanism on the new Canon camcorders!

Doug Bennett · May 14th, 2007, 05:51 PM

the GL1 was a much better built camera then the GL2

Eric Weiss · May 14th, 2007, 08:10 PM

the A1 is smooth, silent, and stronger.
i was so used to the canon gear grind and kick back..i thought my A1 was f'd up at first.

May 7th, 2007, 02:47 PM	#1
Robert Petersen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Girard, Ohio Posts: 103	Tape Drive mechanism XH-A1 vs. GL-1 If anyone has used a Canon GL-1 and also a XH-A1, can you comment on the Tape drive mechanisms. I am very interested in getting the XH-A1, but I am wondering if the tape drive mechanism has been improved over the GL-1. I found that the GL-1 is not very rugged when compared to a Sony PDX10 or PD150. I've read comments which indicated that the XH-A1 was more solidly built than the GL-1 or 2. Also, my Canon GL-1 heads are much more susceptable to clogging than the Sony heads. (Note, that I always use the exact same tape). Does anyone have feedback on the XH-A1 heads? Thanks.

May 7th, 2007, 04:22 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	The tape transport in the XH A1 is about three generations newer than the one from the GL1. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

May 14th, 2007, 03:53 PM	#5
Robert Petersen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Girard, Ohio Posts: 103	Thanks for the Info on Tape Drive Mechanism. Thanks to everyone who replied to my concerns about the Tape Drive Mechanism on the new Canon camcorders!

May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I think the GL2 solved all those early head issues. At least I never heard of any problems with that model, and there were all sorts of problems with the GL1.

May 7th, 2007, 05:12 PM	#4
Don Jones Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: knoxville tn Posts: 41	I just moved from the GL-1 to the XH A1. No comparison at all. Much better. Don

May 14th, 2007, 05:51 PM	#6
Doug Bennett Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 260	the GL1 was a much better built camera then the GL2

May 14th, 2007, 08:10 PM	#7
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	the A1 is smooth, silent, and stronger. i was so used to the canon gear grind and kick back..i thought my A1 was f'd up at first.