LCD's compared; XLA1 vs V1U at DVinfo.net

Tyson Persall · May 13th, 2007, 03:54 PM

I am trying to decide on buying the XHA1 or the Sony V1U. I have handeled them both briefly at a Fry's electronics store however the A1 was not supplied with power.

The main reason for me wanting to go with the Sony V1U is that the LCD monitor is about twice the size of the XH A1. To me, this makes a huge difference. The sony's monitor was also very clear and sharp. My question is to all the A1 users; How do you like the LCD on the A1? Do you feel you can tell what kind of picture you are getting despite its small size? Is the picture sharp?

Another interesting note, is that they also had a JVC HD ergo HDD camera. When handling it i noticed that it's LCD monitor was the best, sharpest i'd ever seen on any video camera. This may have been enhanced by the fact that they were playing professionally shot demo footage on it, but it looked very good. I would wonder how the A1's LCD compares to it as well.

Blake Calhoun · May 13th, 2007, 04:07 PM

While the A1's LCD is only 2.8" compared to others that are 3.5" (I'm not sure what size the Sony's is) I find it to be sharp. I also like that you can magnify it, use peaking and turn it B&W, which really helps with focus.

Main thing though for me is to use an external HD monitor anyway, if possible. A 7" Marshall or similar works great for any camera. Of course I realize for handheld this isn't viable.

I also use a Hoodman to help with sun reflection. All in all though I've not had too many problems.

Eric Weiss · May 13th, 2007, 05:08 PM

the picture and the sharpness on the A1 are great, it's the correct color tones and brightness that seem to have issues. my lcd was displaying brighter and less saturated images than what was actually going to tape.
The VF seems to be spot on. It took some tweaking to synch them up.

Also, the "Magnify" option is the greatest tool EVER.

At the "prosumer" level, I have always chosen Canon over Sony.

Tyson Persall · May 13th, 2007, 07:50 PM

I meant to say XH A1. Not XL

Doug Davis · May 14th, 2007, 08:58 AM

I find it tolerable... Personally I feel it is by far the weakest part of the camera... I have found many times when I get the footage back to post it differs greatly from what I remember recording... An external monitor would be highly advisable especially if you are using something like an M2 or equivalent 35mm adapter...

VERY AWESOME camera though, just haven't been impressed with the lcd.

Mike Gorski · May 14th, 2007, 09:31 AM

When I went to see both camcorders @ B&H Photovideo the Canon's LCD looked fine. Did you guys use the colorbars or was this beyond what colorbars can help with?

Ben Hayflick · May 14th, 2007, 11:39 AM

For the A1, get the Hoodman H-300. Fits perfectly and makes focusing a near non-issue. It negates the smaller size disadvantage of the A1 LCD, while actually making the higher native res of the A1 LCD markedly superior to, say, the HVX LCD.

And it's only $30 at B&H. No brainer.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Magnifier.html

Tyson Persall · May 14th, 2007, 08:52 PM

For event videography, Do you guys ever use the instant auto focus or do you manualy focus still.
Can the instant auto focus be trusted during run and gun situations? in progressive F modes?

I know with the XL2 i own, in 30p mode the auto focus is very slow and not that accurate and I have to use manual focus. IN 60i mode its better, but im always checking it.

The thing im worried about is being able to always make sure im in good focus no matter what im shooting. Of course in a controlled environment you have time to make sure... like making a film, but i do a lot of run and gun.

May 13th, 2007, 03:54 PM	#1
Tyson Persall Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: North Hollywood, Atlanta Posts: 437	LCD's compared; XLA1 vs V1U I am trying to decide on buying the XHA1 or the Sony V1U. I have handeled them both briefly at a Fry's electronics store however the A1 was not supplied with power. The main reason for me wanting to go with the Sony V1U is that the LCD monitor is about twice the size of the XH A1. To me, this makes a huge difference. The sony's monitor was also very clear and sharp. My question is to all the A1 users; How do you like the LCD on the A1? Do you feel you can tell what kind of picture you are getting despite its small size? Is the picture sharp? Another interesting note, is that they also had a JVC HD ergo HDD camera. When handling it i noticed that it's LCD monitor was the best, sharpest i'd ever seen on any video camera. This may have been enhanced by the fact that they were playing professionally shot demo footage on it, but it looked very good. I would wonder how the A1's LCD compares to it as well. __________________ Tyson X Last edited by Tyson Persall; May 13th, 2007 at 07:51 PM. Reason: mis typed XL as XHA1

May 13th, 2007, 04:07 PM	#2
Blake Calhoun Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 157	While the A1's LCD is only 2.8" compared to others that are 3.5" (I'm not sure what size the Sony's is) I find it to be sharp. I also like that you can magnify it, use peaking and turn it B&W, which really helps with focus. Main thing though for me is to use an external HD monitor anyway, if possible. A 7" Marshall or similar works great for any camera. Of course I realize for handheld this isn't viable. I also use a Hoodman to help with sun reflection. All in all though I've not had too many problems. __________________ Mainly dabble in features and WebTV: www.pinktheseries.com \| www.facebook.com/continuumtv \| www.killingdown.com

May 13th, 2007, 07:50 PM	#4
Tyson Persall Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: North Hollywood, Atlanta Posts: 437	I meant to say XH A1. Not XL __________________ Tyson X

May 14th, 2007, 08:52 PM	#8
Tyson Persall Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: North Hollywood, Atlanta Posts: 437	about Focus with LCD For event videography, Do you guys ever use the instant auto focus or do you manualy focus still. Can the instant auto focus be trusted during run and gun situations? in progressive F modes? I know with the XL2 i own, in 30p mode the auto focus is very slow and not that accurate and I have to use manual focus. IN 60i mode its better, but im always checking it. The thing im worried about is being able to always make sure im in good focus no matter what im shooting. Of course in a controlled environment you have time to make sure... like making a film, but i do a lot of run and gun. __________________ Tyson X

May 13th, 2007, 05:08 PM	#3
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	the picture and the sharpness on the A1 are great, it's the correct color tones and brightness that seem to have issues. my lcd was displaying brighter and less saturated images than what was actually going to tape. The VF seems to be spot on. It took some tweaking to synch them up. Also, the "Magnify" option is the greatest tool EVER. At the "prosumer" level, I have always chosen Canon over Sony.

May 14th, 2007, 08:58 AM	#5
Doug Davis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Birmingham Alabama Posts: 259	I find it tolerable... Personally I feel it is by far the weakest part of the camera... I have found many times when I get the footage back to post it differs greatly from what I remember recording... An external monitor would be highly advisable especially if you are using something like an M2 or equivalent 35mm adapter... VERY AWESOME camera though, just haven't been impressed with the lcd.

May 14th, 2007, 09:31 AM	#6
Mike Gorski Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hermosa Beach, CA Posts: 163	When I went to see both camcorders @ B&H Photovideo the Canon's LCD looked fine. Did you guys use the colorbars or was this beyond what colorbars can help with?

May 14th, 2007, 11:39 AM	#7
Ben Hayflick Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NY, NY Posts: 55	For the A1, get the Hoodman H-300. Fits perfectly and makes focusing a near non-issue. It negates the smaller size disadvantage of the A1 LCD, while actually making the higher native res of the A1 LCD markedly superior to, say, the HVX LCD. And it's only $30 at B&H. No brainer. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Magnifier.html