Canon XH-A1 and HV20 Taky and other comments appreciated

[CJDaniels]

I love my HV-20 to start with, actually bought a 2nd (that I will return probably)

I currently do Video Commercial Production on the side. I make the commercials you see running in hotel on the hotels proprietary channel. Stores, restaurants and services. My money is consistent monthly, this is a side job for me that I enjoy immensely.

I am currently shooting on my older Sony TRV-950, it shoots very good SD images, has problems in low light and the Video Zoom control must be dirty. I use a LANC remote and it is fine, but I am stuck with the tripod. Sometimes I have problems with horizontal stripes on image on capture but if I run the cleaning tape through it, it works everytime.

I think this camera in 2002 so it is not so new and only needed service once after Costa Rica rain put it in a moisture lock, and it was under warranty. BUt it is not going to last forever.

I asked my producer about using the HV-20 for the shoots and he didn't seem to mind but I go on this shoots alone, and I think I would be eyed for having such a small camera for what they are being charged.

I would like to do more wedding video also.

I am thinking of an XH-A1, so Taky and any others, what is your opinion? Taky are you happy with the A1 and do you have issues with color matching with the HX20? I would use both for weddings and events. I have no experieince in doing that in AVID or FCP. I went to a FCP users group meeting in Hollywood and was blown away by the new Sony XD Cam but $6500 plus accessories, I can't justify it.

[Lunchbox]

XH-A1 rocks! It has a lot more controls than HV20 and you will love it. In addition to 60i, it has 24F and 30F. Those 2 output excellent film like video. I like 30F better as it won't have much motion jittering than in 24F.

In bright light, XH-A1 and Hv20 generates similar output. However, indoor shots are different. HV20 is a lot darker. It gets worst for object with lots of RED in it. Hv20's red is more orange like and XH-A1 is more purple. I did a lot of Chinese weddings and RED is a color for happiness. Good that I have Matrox RTX2 card that allows me to match the color between 2 cams. Even with the color matching filter applied, the output is still noticeably different.

In time, I am sure I will buy another XH-A1 and use HV20 solely as backup cam and playback tape.

If you are working on paid job, you should get a prosumer grade cam. It's embarassing in a wedding, their guest uses a camera looks more professional than yours. XH-A1 would be a good choice for that money. HV20 is very consumer looking.

[Lunchbox]

Here's a post I have showing the difference between those 2 cams

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=3244

[threadhanger]

Taky,why do you bother posting on HV20.com. If I had the superior XH-A1 I wouldn't bother with the HV20 or posting on here at all. Yes, I'd be a prosumer camera snob. : )

I'd love to get a used one day.

[CJDaniels]

Taky,why do you bother posting on HV20.com. If I had the superior XH-A1 I wouldn't bother with the HV20 or posting on here at all. Yes, I'd be a prosumer camera snob. : )

I'd love to get a used one day.

I am glad Taky posts here, he adds insight and he does not brag about the XH-A1 anywhere, he has just pointed out the differences in a few places. And he has a similar need that I do.

While I think one camera may slightly out shoot another, it should it costs 3x to 4x as much, it should. The HV20 is special and always will be special, for its price it is amazing. If you go look at the pro forums they rave about the HV-20.

When I go to family and friends events, even if I had the XH-A1 I would take the HV-20. It is a cool camera with enormous flexibility.

My big concern is if I can get colors close enough to fudge, I would like to do a 2 camera wedding.

[Lunchbox]

Taky,why do you bother posting on HV20.com. If I had the superior XH-A1 I wouldn't bother with the HV20 or posting on here at all. Yes, I'd be a prosumer camera snob. : )

I'd love to get a used one day.

Please don't revoke my membership! Do you need to have a HV20 to be a member of the forum here? I still own one.

The fact is I learned everything I know about HDV editing from this forum. and I keep continue to learn about video editing technique and shooting skills here. It's good for me to here share and help out others too. Knowledge sharing.

Most of all, you know how addictive this forum is.

[threadhanger]

My post was only tongue and cheek.

It's actually good to know that someone who shoots with the XH-A1 still likes his HV20 and posts here. For a consumer camcorder forum, I'm surprised at the level of expertise available at this message board. If you ask any technical question it's 95% guaranteed to get a answer.

And yes this site is addicting. I hope membership and participation doesn't drop by next year when bigger and better cameras come out.