Deciding on get an xh-a1 or a 7d? Need suggestions

[dtjohns1]

I have a around $2700 to spend and im debating on getting either a used xh a1 off of ebay or a new 7d. The pros and cons of each pretty much equal up with each other and it is making the decision very hard. For the xh a1 being able to record for longer than 20 mins is a plus and the fact that it has xlr inputs is good but it cant measure up to the quality and the ability to use lenses for greater dof. I plan on using the camera for making short films, commercials, and music videos, events are also something I would like to do but I am willing to make the sacrifice.One thing that I think is weird is showing up to a shoot with a client and them seeing a photography camera. It just doesnt seem professional even tho the camera puts out an amazing image. What do some of yall think is the smarter decision?

[rhervag]

debating the 7D as a gamechanger unit yes but the small price for the body alone is just an entry ticket into a whole new list of accessories to buy to make it useable for decent video work : think about the real cost of adding lenses, support system and audio recording will bring the real investment to much more than the camera.
i've shot quite a bit of corporate / talking heads lately with the 5D and no one cared for the Dslr formfactor once properly equipped to show great results on set. most people don't care so much about the technology but want to look good on the monitor.

[antman]

Xha1 is my choice. Who wants to worry about whether or not your camera is going to over heat for christ skes.

[711]

I would say go for the 7D. But keep rheverag's point in mind. You are not just paying for a 7D. If you want it to be a practical investment for the type of work you are looking to do you are going to want at least: 2 fast compact flash cards, at least one spare battery, some sort of external audio recording. That is really the minimum I could see someone getting by with for professional use and the prices on those quickly add up.

A nice lens or two, external monitor, follow focus, and support system would help too.:hv20-smilie84:

[Seo]

I second the choice for an XH A1. Get the most basic requirements down first, then add the things that'll make your footage special.

[cgbier]

I'll third the XH.

[antman]

The xha1 is a more versatile tool. You will be able to do more with the xha1 than with the 7d.

[dcloud]

7d is for indie/cine purpose only or maybe weddings but it wont replace a proper camcorder specially in events and etc.

id recommend choosing the camcorder. 7d is a complementary tool

[doruondun]

Buy a proper video camcorder not a photograph machine :D Canon 7D is a "TRAP"... Red Scarlet would be a better choice for that price... XH-A1 is a durable and it gives the most important manual adjustments that 7D couldn't... For me there will be better cameras then the 7D soon. 7D is just the first example of the transition period... Wait little before you waste your money and buy a camera that you will going to use for years (if you are'nt in a hurry)...

[spideralex90]

For what you plan to do the 7D would be good, i'd only go for the XHA1 if events were your primary, but since you said otherwise, the 7D would be my choice. and the whole 20 mins record thing is only a problem really in event situations, the longest shots in film rarely peak 10 mins, i think Children of Mens longest shot was around 13 mins. So you should be good.

Anyhow that's my opinion. Both are great cameras.

[DLK]

Be warned-- The world of DSLR photography is a very expensive hobby! Not saying videography isn't, but, that glass is expensive and you will drool over it and you will NEED to have it and then pretty soon you will buy a lens that is worth the same as the camera body (maybe more) which will get you thinking maybe I should buy a 5DMk2. I know it's a slippery slope but you will think it. I just think if you are planning on doing video get a camcorder. Now if you are experimenting with both video and stills then get the 7D, but --be warned.

[dtjohns1]

I think waiting is probably the smarter choice. About how long will it be before Canon comes out with something new tho?

[ThunderousProductions]

A good setup for a 7D is about 7000 dollars.

A good setup for a brand new Canon Xha1s is 3200.

Happy Shopping :hv20-smilie03:

[711]

A good setup for a 7D is about 7000 dollars.

A good setup for a brand new Canon Xha1s is 3200.

Happy Shopping :hv20-smilie03:

Could you please break down how you came up with this $7000 figure?

Is that with the best of the best ef lenses? If video is the OP's main concern he might as well invest in old nikon and pentax glass cause you can get fast lenses for cheap. Yes, there is no autofocus on the lens, but the 7D has no autofocus feature for video anyway. You can build a full kit of fast primes for less than $500. As for other accessories you'd need to get it to the "good level", I'd throw in a spare battery, two cf cards, and a zoom h4n. Around another $500. Now, yes, this is more expensive than the attractive pricing of the 7D, but nowhere near the mark of $7000. Not trying to attack you by any means, just don't want to scare the OP out of buying a 7D.

Eric

[fishops]

XH A1.

The 7D is just not capable as an A cam for event videography. If it's the only camera you own, that is an element of your business you physically can't do. The 7D definitely makes a better image for short narrative, but is it worth shutting yourself out of an entire field of potential earning and experience?

Get the A1 and save up for a 7D as a B cam down the line. By the time you've got some projects and confidence under your belt, they'll be easier to find on the used market anyway.

[SanVa]

If I may add a question: what kind of accessories do you need for a XH-A1 and how much will they cost on top of the $4k for the cam?
I considered video only when the hv20 and the new dslr made it (kind of) affordable to me so I really don't know how much the overhead would be for a more traditional solution.

Thanks

[fishops]

If I may add a question: what kind of accessories do you need for a XH-A1

You will almost certainly need a mic, and you shouldn't spend less than $200 on it. Everything else is impossible to say, it depends on what you're shooting.

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

XH-A1 no contest (for me)

you guys are overlooking a VERY important factor that makes the XH a proper camcorder (besides sound issues that we all know of)

3 CCD!!!

you just can't replace that ;-)

don't get me wrong, DSLRs are sweet and sexy, plus some people have been doing some awesome work on them (including academy award nominee DOP Cesar Charlone who just finished a production entirely on DSLR in my country)

BUT

I still think a camcorder with all the camcorder functions and stuff like that is much more practical and has a smoother workflow

:-)

[JCM_GDL]

Interesting. but what is the real advantage form 3 CCD over one CCD o CMOS?

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

no rolling shutter

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

here's a good link about 3ccd vs. single cmos

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-vixia-hv40-hv30-hv20-hv10/75456-single-cmos-chip-vs-3-ccd.html

[Noir]

Is that with the best of the best ef lenses? If video is the OP's main concern he might as well invest in old nikon and pentax glass cause you can get fast lenses for cheap. Yes, there is no autofocus on the lens, but the 7D has no autofocus feature for video anyway. You can build a full kit of fast primes for less than $500.
Eric

I'm curious what your choices for an alt-glass set of primes would be?

What is the usual focal range in a set of primes that people use for narrative work? Wide, mid, long? Is it that simple?

I'm not familiar with many wide, fast, primes that would still remain wide with the 7D's 1.6x crop factor. Does this necessitate the ef 10-22 or that 11-16 Tokina everyone keeps mentioning, instead?


If I were rich I would just get the 14/2.8L, 35/1.4L, and 135/2.0L and call it a day but that's about $4,000 in glass right there...

[zagnut]

Panasonic AG-HMC150

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

Panasonic AG-HMC150

;-) sweet piece of &ss , this one , I drool over it as well

[711]

I'm curious what your choices for an alt-glass set of primes would be?

What is the usual focal range in a set of primes that people use for narrative work? Wide, mid, long? Is it that simple?

I'm not familiar with many wide, fast, primes that would still remain wide with the 7D's 1.6x crop factor. Does this necessitate the ef 10-22 or that 11-16 Tokina everyone keeps mentioning, instead?


If I were rich I would just get the 14/2.8L, 35/1.4L, and 135/2.0L and call it a day but that's about $4,000 in glass right there...

Well, as far as your mids and longs go, the possibilities are endless. With the 1.6 crop factor it does change things however. I would recommend the canon ef 50mm 1.8, cause besides the focus ring, I have only heard good things about it. That will roughly be the equivalent of a 80mm on a traditional full frame cam, so for telephoto a cheap pentax 105 2.8 or 135 2.8 can be had for cheap off ebay/craigslist. Then for the normal "50mm" range, I know many go with the Sigma 30mm 1.4, but I personally went with a pentax 28mm 2.5. There are a wide range of cheap, older off brand 28mm 2.8's out there as well, but anything faster gets expensive.

So that right there will cover your mid to long range for video, but the 1.6x crop factor really takes its toll on the wides. Wide options would include the Tokina 11-16, which I have heard good reviews for, but that will crack a dent in your wallet if you are on a tight budget. I am still looking for a wide for my kit, but one lens that caught my eye was the Zenitar 16mm fisheye which can be had for less than $200.

Hope that offers some help there. However, if you can afford the L series glass, by all means go for it. :hv20-smilie77:

Eric

*A non fisheye wide worth looking at may also include the Sigma 18MM 2.8

[zagnut]

;-) sweet piece of &ss , this one , I drool over it as well
Haven't even had my HF11 for 4 months and I'm already planning on saving up for a HMC150 by the end of summer. Should be a little cheaper by then too.