Upgrade, or downgrade? at DVinfo.net

Michael Clark · February 3rd, 2010, 01:36 PM

I currently shoot my weddings with three Canon HV40s. I am moderately happy with them, except their low light performance and 10x zoom. I have an opportunity to purchase a Canon XH-A1s for the same price as 2 of the HV40s (estimated - if I sold the two HV40s on ebay). Not sure how I feel about losing my 3rd camera. But I really feel like the XH-A1s would give me loads more credibility (amongst other things). I'm not really sure what my question is, maybe just any feedback about how you would feel about that "trade-off". I know it's apples-to-oranges, but maybe just share what your gut response is.

Dave Blackhurst · February 3rd, 2010, 03:12 PM

Michael -
Sitting in about the same boat... although I'm quite happy with the small Sonys (x4) I'm using, and shooting tapeless multicam, small has worked well for me.

I used to justify the "big" camera primariliy on "perception", but when I could see the image becoming less satisfactory than the later small cams could produce, I settled for the small cams. Tricked out with accessories, I've never had a problem with "perception", and the image quality definitely delivers.

That said, if you find the lack of manual control to be a problem with the small camera, a big one can make sense. I'm still considering adding a big cam back into the mix (with small cams for other angles), as there are finally a couple that actually catch my interest.

Ultimately, credibility comes from what your delivered product looks like - if you deliver the goods, the tools you use are just that, tools.

You probably need a "tool" that will do better in low light more than you need a "new tool" - I'd ask whether ANY change you might make will achieve that first... Remember too you're talking about cameras a couple years old, and the tech has been constantly improving.

Kelly Langerak · February 3rd, 2010, 05:26 PM

I personally have shot with that camera for weddings and didn't like the low light response on it, but you have way more control with the camera. I'd ditch the third thou and get the XH-A1.

February 3rd, 2010, 01:36 PM	#1
Michael Clark Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 244	Upgrade, or downgrade? I currently shoot my weddings with three Canon HV40s. I am moderately happy with them, except their low light performance and 10x zoom. I have an opportunity to purchase a Canon XH-A1s for the same price as 2 of the HV40s (estimated - if I sold the two HV40s on ebay). Not sure how I feel about losing my 3rd camera. But I really feel like the XH-A1s would give me loads more credibility (amongst other things). I'm not really sure what my question is, maybe just any feedback about how you would feel about that "trade-off". I know it's apples-to-oranges, but maybe just share what your gut response is. __________________ www.clarkvideoproductions.com

February 3rd, 2010, 03:12 PM	#2
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Michael - Sitting in about the same boat... although I'm quite happy with the small Sonys (x4) I'm using, and shooting tapeless multicam, small has worked well for me. I used to justify the "big" camera primariliy on "perception", but when I could see the image becoming less satisfactory than the later small cams could produce, I settled for the small cams. Tricked out with accessories, I've never had a problem with "perception", and the image quality definitely delivers. That said, if you find the lack of manual control to be a problem with the small camera, a big one can make sense. I'm still considering adding a big cam back into the mix (with small cams for other angles), as there are finally a couple that actually catch my interest. Ultimately, credibility comes from what your delivered product looks like - if you deliver the goods, the tools you use are just that, tools. You probably need a "tool" that will do better in low light more than you need a "new tool" - I'd ask whether ANY change you might make will achieve that first... Remember too you're talking about cameras a couple years old, and the tech has been constantly improving.

February 3rd, 2010, 05:26 PM	#3
Kelly Langerak Major Player Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 522	I personally have shot with that camera for weddings and didn't like the low light response on it, but you have way more control with the camera. I'd ditch the third thou and get the XH-A1.