Canon XL-1 or Sony DVX9000 [or DVX1000].
Which is best in the long run?
The XL-1 supposedly has 530-550 lines of resolution, uses cheaper Mini-DV cassettes,
Has a nice selection of accessories - particularly Lenses, and have DV in/out capability, and so can be used as a DV VCR... but does that make it better? Sonys, supposedly have a few more lines on the screen, because they use a higher [but much more expensive] tape format, they can have a DV in/out widget fitted for a ton [~£100], they also have a stop-motion facility [on the DVX9000], but does that make them better?
Maybe I should really be asking about the difference between the forthcoming Canon XL-2 and Sony DVX2000.
Can anyone advise me?!?
We have found the VX9000 to be a much more useable product.
1st- it sits on your shoulder !
2/ You can use DVcam tape- and get an extra 3rd running time- we also have found that we retain a higher definition using the large tapes (we also use mini DV cameras)
3/ Having seen some footage from the canon- We do not rate the autofocus(if you use it).
Let us know your thoughts- any other ideas anyone?
Yes, I use the DVcam tapes, I get 4 and a bit hours per tape. I find that the VX9000 makes
decisions about focus and exposure that I'm
very happy with.
But most of all, it makes me look like a
real videographer with that huge great
camera mounted on my shoulder. Which is
not a small consideration for some of us!
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I got the Queens Award for Technology for my software
I've ordered the XL1. Haven't got it yet as Canon UK are out of stock.
It's been said elsewhere in this forum that you never see too many posts about kit that people are satisfied with. I've seen plenty about the Canon XL-1, mostly in newsgroup rec.video.desktop. Sony VX9000 posts are rare. Draw your own conclusions.
The fact that I've owned and used a VX9000 for a couple of years and not had a duff shot yet (that was the camera's fault) has, of course, not influenced my reply in the slightest. Lucky I guess:)
When you say there's been plenty of posts I take it you mean bad stuff? I deliberated a lot about the Sony vs the Canon before I ordered the XL1 and the only thing I read into it was a slow auto-focus system.
However that was greatly outweighed by superior low light performance from the XL1 and other things including the Canon lens supplied as standard - and the look of the camera compared with the Sony.
Again, it's all down to what you want from the camera. The Sony has the edge in some areas and the Canon in others. It depends on what you want to do with it.
Haven't got the XL1 yet even though it's been on order for 2 weeks now.
I think there has been an issue with the XL1's auto focus hunting. I'm not sure if that has been resolved yet, does anyone know?