FX7 Low light vs Canon XL2 at DVinfo.net

Dan Smith · November 29th, 2009, 11:54 PM

I am a Canon XL2 user and considering a Sony FX7 purchase. I'd like to get opinions from anyone that has worked with both the XL2 and FX7 in an ambient, low light setting, like a poorly lit reception hall. I know everyone has a different opinion of acceptable grain or gain. However, I also own an HV30 Canon, and can not tolerate its horrible grain in low light. If the FX7 is as bad as the HV30, I won't even consider it.

I welcome any other suggestions on HDV or DV cameras that meet or beat the XL2's low light ability.

Lee Berger · November 30th, 2009, 11:07 AM

Dan,
You will be disappointed with the FX7's low light performance. In 06' I bought the V1U which uses the same imaging chips. Recently I upgraded to the HVR-Z7 and the low light performance is much improved. You might consider the HVR-Z5 as well.

Lee

Adam Gold · November 30th, 2009, 05:52 PM

I've never shot with a Canon so can't compare, but it's fair to say the V1/FX7 is okay but not great. For really good low-light you'd need the FX1000 or Z5. The 1000 is about a grand more than the FX7, and the Z5 roughly another thousand above that.

Stelios Christofides · December 6th, 2009, 01:27 PM

Dan, I have the FX7 and if I were you, and the criteria was low light capability, then I wouldn't choose the FX7, I would go for the FX1000 or the Z5 as Adam suggested.

Stelios

Dan Smith · December 6th, 2009, 08:15 PM

Thanks for all of your honest opinions about the FX7. Thats why I signed up to DVinfo.
I'm pretty close to making my decision now. It will most likely be the Canon XHA1s.

Adam Gold · December 7th, 2009, 02:27 PM

Be careful. According to the specs, the A1s (about 7 lux at 1/60) is even worse than the FX7 (4 lux at 1/60) in low light. But take the specs with a grain of salt.

Really, check out the FX1000. It's amazing. Nothing comes close.

November 29th, 2009, 11:54 PM	#1
Dan Smith New Boot Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wisconsin Rapids WI Posts: 9	FX7 Low light vs Canon XL2 I am a Canon XL2 user and considering a Sony FX7 purchase. I'd like to get opinions from anyone that has worked with both the XL2 and FX7 in an ambient, low light setting, like a poorly lit reception hall. I know everyone has a different opinion of acceptable grain or gain. However, I also own an HV30 Canon, and can not tolerate its horrible grain in low light. If the FX7 is as bad as the HV30, I won't even consider it. I welcome any other suggestions on HDV or DV cameras that meet or beat the XL2's low light ability.

November 30th, 2009, 11:07 AM	#2
Lee Berger Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 326	Dan, You will be disappointed with the FX7's low light performance. In 06' I bought the V1U which uses the same imaging chips. Recently I upgraded to the HVR-Z7 and the low light performance is much improved. You might consider the HVR-Z5 as well. Lee __________________ www.leebergermedia.com

December 6th, 2009, 01:27 PM	#4
Stelios Christofides Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Nicosia, CYPRUS Posts: 1,080	Dan, I have the FX7 and if I were you, and the criteria was low light capability, then I wouldn't choose the FX7, I would go for the FX1000 or the Z5 as Adam suggested. Stelios __________________ My Blog: http://steliosc.blogspot.com "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free" Nikos Kazantzakis

December 6th, 2009, 08:15 PM	#5
Dan Smith New Boot Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wisconsin Rapids WI Posts: 9	Thanks Thanks for all of your honest opinions about the FX7. Thats why I signed up to DVinfo. I'm pretty close to making my decision now. It will most likely be the Canon XHA1s.

November 30th, 2009, 05:52 PM	#3
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	I've never shot with a Canon so can't compare, but it's fair to say the V1/FX7 is okay but not great. For really good low-light you'd need the FX1000 or Z5. The 1000 is about a grand more than the FX7, and the Z5 roughly another thousand above that.

December 7th, 2009, 02:27 PM	#6
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	Be careful. According to the specs, the A1s (about 7 lux at 1/60) is even worse than the FX7 (4 lux at 1/60) in low light. But take the specs with a grain of salt. Really, check out the FX1000. It's amazing. Nothing comes close.