So we recently upgraded our cameras. Our old cameras are a Panasonic DVX100 and a Canon XL1S, both of which are standard definition DV cameras. The new cameras we just purchased are two Canon XH-A1 HDV cameras. We shot some test footage briefly the other day, and I have to say I was blown away by the improvement over DV. The DV footage looks like absolutely junk by comparison, I can’t imagine going back. I do however have a couple of complaints about the camera:
1) The zoom control is very sensitive, making it difficult to zoom in smoothly. The zoom ring is smooth, but it isn’t practical in live event videography.
2) If you are using XLR inputs, you cannot use 1 XLR input for one channel while using the internal mic for the other channel as is possible with the DVX100.
3) The balance of the camera is extremely lens heavy by comparison to the DVX100.
As you might notice my complaints are basically that the camera is different than the DVX100, which I am very used to filming with, so I’m sure that after using it some more I’ll get more used to the XH-A1.
We shot a mock music video with my business partner Conrad as the artist (he’s done a little bit of music in the past), so if I can find a way to get the video on here without taking up too much storage space, I’ll put it up for you to check out the camera quality.
[Update]: If you are interested we now have a music video production section on our company website with our first video in the portfolio section.
