New Camera

Not purchased yet.. I wanted some opinions.

I am looking at either
Sony HVR-V1U
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=461818&is=REG
or
Canon XH-A1
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/447098-REG/Canon_1191B001_XH_A1_3CCD_HDV_Camcorder.html

Both seem very good mid level user cameras. Just looking for now, not going to do anything crazy.... yet :-)

Scott,
They both seem to have about the same features. Sony has 1/4inch CCD instead of the 1/3 on the Canon. I like that as you would have better quality in low light.
But you already have a Canon camera so, it may be better for you to stick with Canon since you can use your smaller canon to download video from this camera and not put more wear and tear on the more expensive cameras heads.
If that ramble makes sense.
Plus the Sony is a thousand dollars more.

I've settled on the one I'm getting next year.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/556048-REG/Canon_3249B001AA_XL_H1a_3_CCD_High_Definition.html

Jake

From what Ive heard sony cameras are usually not as good in low light conditions, I didn't realize it was due to the CCD size, but I guess that makes sense....If you wait until 2009 (after the christmas season etc) the cameras should be a little cheaper. Thats a cool camera Jake, but I still think I want a red camera :D (maybe) ...

Mark,
I wouldn't hesitate about the Red. The 8X zoom on that camera is the only reason I won't get it.


Jake

I think 3CCd will be better than the cmos sensor. xh-a1 looks like the way to go. I prob won't buy til next may... so hopefully there is something better or a price drop

3 CCD usally has a lower lux level than a cmos as well. SO far the best low lux I have seen is 3 lux - My old Sony TRV-950 (3 CCD 720x480) goes down to that low of a lux and I must say it really is a cool thing to have - particularly if you shoot lightning. It just reacts much better and smoother to an instant of bright light as a lightning bolt. My HD (Sony HVR-A1U) is not as low and only drops to 7 lux - it is problematic unless the bolts are really powerfull and repeating. CMOS just seems to be a bit slower on response.

Vader, what you are saying is go with the Canon ???
I am also up for recommendations, let me know what is out there that you guys think is good.

I never make recommendations... :) What I look for though is as low a lux as possible - this makes it great for filming with natural lights indoors as well. (Reality TV) - It just means that the sensor or sensors are more sensitive. CMOS uses less battery than a 3ccd as well - so taht is an upside for cmos. With all the specs these companies put out, you really need to check into things, read lots of reviews and cross your fingers. Other things such as what kind of inputs, for audio, outputs for video etc are important too. Then there are what I call "whizbang features" that may or may not really mean anything (sepia mode etc.. ) Those whizbang features can be created in post. If you do time-lapse, you may want a feature for that (timer). I have never found a camera that does it all well. :(