Replacement for an XL1

[pontypool]

At work we've been using Canon's XL1 for donkey's years for small productions for web streaming, however these are getting a bit long in the tooth and I can't help feeling we should join the HD brigade.

What is the best semi-pro HD camera on the market that still offers great lenses like the XL1 has?

Not overly fussed about price as whatever we get will be used for many years to come.

Cheers

[Celestion84]

Well i depends on what you want to achieve really.

You could just go for the Canon XL-H1 or you could go for a JVC GY-HD101.

Other than that I'd recomment somthing like a Sony HVR-V1E. Not too bad a price and you get a 2 year warranty. Doesn't have interchangeable lenses though.

Ben

[pontypool]

Which is better out of the Canon and the JVC (still want to be able to swap lenses)?

[Celestion84]

Well the Canon is probably better than the JVC as the viewfinder on the JVC is piss-poor BUT the backup on Canon cameras is terrible if something goes wrong. I don't know whether you've ever had to get your XL1 repaired but they take MONTHS!

For you I'd probably say go for the Canon anyway as you're already familiar with the menus and switches etc.

Ben

[pontypool]

years ago found a little man in a Wembley backstreet who used to repair the XL1 - discoverd him after Canon said they'd need at least 3 months to repair the tape mechanism!

Thanks for advice the Canon sounds like the one to go for..

[Celestion84]

Let me know if you want a price on one.

Ben

[pontypool]

please, happy with S/H if there are any on the market..

Need to flog one or two of the XL1s we have already to fund it, though.

[Simpo Two]

Devil's advocate - if it's for web why do you want HD? VHS would do the job!

[bobthemonkey]

Sony EX3?

[pontypool]

Have you seen the difference in streaming between boggo mini-dv recorded stuff and HD - there is still a difference. Granted it is hugely compressed by the time you see it, but you can still tell.

Edited by pontypool on Thursday 14th August 12:21