Trade XH-A1 for HVR-V1U? Am I Crazy? at DVinfo.net

Nate Haustein · February 17th, 2010, 05:52 AM

Maybe I'm just bored, or maybe I need someone to tell me I'm crazy.

I've been shooting with my XH-A1 for almost 2 years now. No complaints. I purchased a Canon EOS 7D a few months ago, and since, the XH-A1 has sat in the corner collecting dust. I plan to expand my arsenal with a pair of Canon T2i DSLRs once they are released, and am currently liquidating the things I will likely never use again (SGblade adapter, lenses, HV20s, etc). I got to the XH-A1 and got stuck.

I don't particularly need the XH-A1, except for the "once-in-a-blue-moon" stage show/event I get hired to do with one camera. I would have no problem shooting an event with a multi-cam DSLR setup, it's just that pesky 12 minute recording limit.

I have found that my camera could legitimately fetch $2500 or so on the used market. Looking into it a bit further, the HVR-V1U is worth around $2000. Hmmm...$500 dollar bonus?

Again, I only use the camera for single-camera stage shows, plays, dance recitals, graduations, etc, where there are usually at least simple stage-lighting conditions. My question to the masses is whether or not that $500 is worth giving up my XH-A1 for (it IS a new lens for the 7D). Will the 1/4" CMOS do the trick? Or will I come crawling back to my past XH-A1 relationship?

Thanks for the help, I've been going back and forth for hours.

William Santana · February 17th, 2010, 10:12 AM

The larger sensor will give you better performance especially in situations where light is limited. I think you should hold on to the XH-A1 for the rare instances where you need to continuously record for a long period of time. The 7D is still relatively new but it won't be long until something to the effect of the 5D's Magic Lantern opens up the recording cap and allows the 7D to be a more versatile tool, at that point you should sell the XH-A1 and use your earnings to get some sweet lenses =)

February 17th, 2010, 05:52 AM	#1
Nate Haustein Trustee Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,313	Trade XH-A1 for HVR-V1U? Am I Crazy? Maybe I'm just bored, or maybe I need someone to tell me I'm crazy. I've been shooting with my XH-A1 for almost 2 years now. No complaints. I purchased a Canon EOS 7D a few months ago, and since, the XH-A1 has sat in the corner collecting dust. I plan to expand my arsenal with a pair of Canon T2i DSLRs once they are released, and am currently liquidating the things I will likely never use again (SGblade adapter, lenses, HV20s, etc). I got to the XH-A1 and got stuck. I don't particularly need the XH-A1, except for the "once-in-a-blue-moon" stage show/event I get hired to do with one camera. I would have no problem shooting an event with a multi-cam DSLR setup, it's just that pesky 12 minute recording limit. I have found that my camera could legitimately fetch $2500 or so on the used market. Looking into it a bit further, the HVR-V1U is worth around $2000. Hmmm...$500 dollar bonus? Again, I only use the camera for single-camera stage shows, plays, dance recitals, graduations, etc, where there are usually at least simple stage-lighting conditions. My question to the masses is whether or not that $500 is worth giving up my XH-A1 for (it IS a new lens for the 7D). Will the 1/4" CMOS do the trick? Or will I come crawling back to my past XH-A1 relationship? Thanks for the help, I've been going back and forth for hours. __________________ Nate Haustein PXW-FX9 / FCPX www.flightcreativemedia.com

February 17th, 2010, 10:12 AM	#2
William Santana New Boot Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Miami Posts: 9	The larger sensor will give you better performance especially in situations where light is limited. I think you should hold on to the XH-A1 for the rare instances where you need to continuously record for a long period of time. The 7D is still relatively new but it won't be long until something to the effect of the 5D's Magic Lantern opens up the recording cap and allows the 7D to be a more versatile tool, at that point you should sell the XH-A1 and use your earnings to get some sweet lenses =)