XH-A1 Vs. FX1000

I think officially, HD is defined as 1920x1080. Since HDV shoots at 1440x1080, some schools of thought won't consider it "true" HD.

I don't think compression should be the sole determining factor on what is "true" HD, since even HD at 1920x1080 can be compressed to within an inch of it's life.

Maybe I'm not using the correct term but what I call true HD is from one of the cameras like the Panasonic 200a or one of the P2 cameras.
and the Sony EX1 where the bitrate is much higher then HDV.

So ODesigns, since both save to tape at 1440x1080 do you think there is any difference in "HD quality". Both use 3x 1/3 CCD. I', not sure I understand the advantage of shooting in 1920x1080 then saving to tape in 1440x1080. Sounds like a marketing game. Since the computer processor program only sees what is on the tape it should make no difference how the camera shot it. I do agree that different cameras have different internal processors and CCD/CMOS that can and does affect the capture.

Now I am back to looking at the EX1 ... GRRR. The $3k is a bit steep to get to the next level. I might get the xh-a1 or fx1000 for 2009 and plan on an upgrade shortly after :-P. BUT, if I am going to do that, maybe I should just get the ex1. The one thing that worries me there is that it does not have miniDV for storing footage, and I'll have to get a bunch of hard disks.

I'd bet that both cameras offer similar image quality. They most likely differ on functions and features.

That should be the primary deciding factor, not solely image quality.

Something I did just learn, however, is that Canon's "F" frame rate is proprietary, and only a deck or camera that is capable of playing video shot in that frame rate can play back a tape shot that way. Not an issue if you're planning on capturing with your camera.

Not sure if a "p" frame rate has the same limitations. I'd bet not, since "p" frame rates seem to be the "norm".

The EX1 looks like a killer camera, but at 2x the price of an XH-A1, you'd need to determine yourself if it's worth the extra cash.

I've been happy with the output of my XH-A1 so far. It's not the greatest in low light, but I'd bet its on par with other cameras with 1/3" pick-up chips.

ODesigns, have you ever checked the db gain in low light to see where it is set at f/1.6? The low lux is lower with 3x1/3 cmos sensors at f/1.6 at a gain of 18 db than standard sensors.

Scott, you might consider the new Sony HVR-Z5U it cost 4299.00 and you can add a recorder for 990.00 which uses memory cards. You can also get 32Gb cards for 100.00 and those cads hold 143 minutes. The Z5U also uses minidv tapes and you record on both media's at the same time.

One thing that kinda sucks is that the xh-a1 has been out a while and the price hasn't really dropped much. People were saying with the new one out that the old one should drop sometime soon. I want the newest I can get for the best price :-P.

Jason, I will look into that camera. I don't really need direct to hdd, but it wouldn't be bad to have. For $1000 i'd probably still rip my tapes from minidv :-P

I'm not getting anything until next month sometime so, I can shop around but I'm still looking at the FX1000. Lower lux and the exmor sensors which are the same as in the ex1 for better shadow detail and the better "G" lens.
The Z5U is the same camera with XLR inputs that I really don't need but for $1000 more.

I think this time next year the EX1 will be $4000 with something newer to take its place.
Jake

I think the fx1000 will hold its value for the next few months since it is pretty new. I imagine the xh-a1 dropping sometime soon.

fx1000 has now become the camera of my choice... for the time being :-). EX1 is just too pricey for me atm. Maybe in a few years, when I get my moneys worth out of the fx1000 (or whatever I pick)

What about the HD camera your barely using now? Can I have it?