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#1 |
New Boot
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 19
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Opinion on a camera...
This coming year I have an amazing opportunity on a video crew working with some missionaries that are going all over the world. Places like Tibet to Cairo to India and lots of other places. My question, well the first of many to come probably, is this: When looking at getting a new camera for this trip, and keeping in mind that I am quite limited in funding so I can't go buying the super high end stuff, should I go with an HDV camera like the FX1 or should I go with something like the XL2? I know most people would say, "It's just a matter of opinion" and all that but I'd like to hear from some others on what they would think. Thanks!
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#2 |
Trustee
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 1,589
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The FX1 (or Z1) and XL2 are both superb. It depends if you prefer to shoot from the shoulder or not, and if you'll need to add other lenses in the future.
Both provide top picture quality, with the XL2 slightly better in SD mode and the FX1 obviously better if you are ONLY going to film in HD mode (and edit + show the end footage in HD). I've recently been on a shoot where we used both cameras and the footage from both blended together no problem - with a little tweaking in-camera and post. I MUCH prefer the XL2 (and decided to buy it over the Z1), but it all depends on your way of filming and requirements. The best idea is to spend some time handling both cameras before you make your final choice. |
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#3 |
Wrangler
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 3,015
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i have the FX-1 and the XL2. i believe that the FX-1 is a superior travel camera because of its compact design and the ability to use it with a lighter tripod, which means it is easier to transport. the question is, do you prefer a progressive image in-camera? then the XL2 is preferable. XL2 has better built-in audio, but that's easily fixed with a mixer add-on. both are great cameras, but if i'm standing in front of both cameras considering which to take on a trip, i usually grab the FX-1.
if wildlife shooting is involved, take the XL2, by all means. my only frustration with the FX-1 is its skimpy 12x zoom cannot even begin to compare to the 20x of the XL2. so those are some things to consider.... |
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#4 | |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Elk Grove CA
Posts: 6,838
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Quote:
When I first read your post, given the travel factors, etc, my thought was take the FX1. One issue not mentioned is the LCD screen. The Sony has a great LCD screen, my understanding is that XL2 is not that great.. So if you are thinking of trying travel without an external monitor, I think the FX1 should be considered.
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Chris J. Barcellos |
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#5 |
Trustee
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 1,589
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A big advantage with the Canon XL series of video cameras are that they can be broken down into smaller pieces for travelling - removing lens and viewfinder from the main body allows everything to fit nicely into a Lowepro bag or seperate smaller bags.
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#6 |
New Boot
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 19
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You all have been very helpful and insightful. Thank you very much.
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#7 | |
New Boot
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in. Good luck. |
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#8 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 3,048
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Chris,
I asked the same question six months back or so and with the information from meryem and others (I film 90% wildlife) I purchased the xl2. All I can say is that they were all helpful and I totally love my xl2 (and my gl2) and I also like being able to change lenses!!!! the control over your footage is a good as it gets but the learning curve can be kind of steep, but that is no big deal with dv info net available!!!
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DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen |
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#9 |
Wrangler
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 3,015
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in my opinion, the freshly-announced Canon XH G1/A1 lays the whole "what is the best travel camera" question to rest. 20x zoom. smaller form factor and compact size. 30F and 24F in-camera. i can't wait!
the Z1 and FX-1, for price, are still hard to beat, they are awesome (and i mean awesome! i love my FX-1 in so many ways) landscape cameras. but if there's wildlife involved, for a 12x + another $800 for a 1.6x telephoto adapter, you simply might as well go with the canon. if you can wait, that is. |
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