HV20 vs XL1-S

[Iowabucks]

I know these two are not even in the same ballpark, but i have a few questions.

I am going to purchase an HV20 to film some of my hunts. Deer and turkey. From a treestand and the ground. The HV20 sounds like the best choice and i have been watching Ebay and they are looking to be around $450 to $550.

I recently came across an oppourtunity that sounds too good to be true. A Canon XL1S for $500. Might be a typo, sounds too good to be true. They say it's just like new, barely used. Hardcase, filters, battery and charger aftermarket. Looks like it has the external mic too. NTSC version.

I don't have an HV20 yet. Other than that my only experience with videocameras were with old, cheap, Sony 8mm models. If this was working and still for sale, would i be a fool not to jump on it? I don't even know if i can run it. The only problem i would have is the viewfinder instead of the LCD. I wont have time to be looking through the viewfinder, whereas the LCD would be alot easier and quicker.

Like i said it sounds too good to be true, but i am checking into it. Would this be a good videocamera to film hunts by a fairly green novice?

[booggerg]

Don't get the XL1.. ancient camera technology, big & bulky. Even in the class of comparable SD cameras, the XL1s was not considered one that has the best image quality. The HV20 is infinitely better for what you need.

[DaFireMedic]

As Booggerg said, you'd be carrying a large, relatively heavy chunk of metal into the woods with you, and standard definition at that. The XL-1 looks cool, no doubt, and in its time it was good. But the HV20/HV30 have passed it up in pure video quality. In addition you get 24p and 30p (HV30) options that the XL-1 doesn't offer. If you are going out into the woods any distance, and especially if you are going into tree stands, you'll be thankful for the smaller camera.

[fishops]

If you really can get an XL1 for 500 bucks, do it. The lens alone is worth that, you can flip it on ebay for double and use the cash to buy an HV20!

[spideralex90]

If you really can get an XL1 for 500 bucks, do it. The lens alone is worth that, you can flip it on ebay for double and use the cash to buy an HV20!

True. He makes a good point.

[markone]

I had an XL1 for about four months when they first came out... it sucked, would not hold focus, weird ergonomics, poor handheld camera, lame image quality. I sold mine on e-bay and lost a couple hundred bucks. The HV20/HV30 would be a much better choice, put a tele- adapter on it and you would get much better results in shooting your hunts.
Just an opinion, but it's being sold cheap for a reason.
Mark

[subtleinspiration]

I had an XL1 for about four months when they first came out... it sucked, would not hold focus, weird ergonomics, poor handheld camera, lame image quality. I sold mine on e-bay and lost a couple hundred bucks. The HV20/HV30 would be a much better choice, put a tele- adapter on it and you would get much better results in shooting your hunts.
Just an opinion, but it's being sold cheap for a reason.
Mark

This is the XL1/s he's looking at getting. They fixed a lot of those problems.

[jstuntlocke]

I wouldn't buy it unless you planned on flippin it for a profit.... but that's just me.

Isn't it turkey season up there yet? ...better get your credit card out! :hv20-smilie87: LOL just playin...