Heath: I don't have much to add to Brook's long & informative response. I agree with her that the newer JVC & Sony equipment doesn't feel as solid as the Canon. The XH-A1 is on my wish list when I can spare the money to make the jump to HDV.
One thing I see as a difference between "pro" and "consumer" cameras is the audio interface. * Can you plug in XLR audio? * Can you separate right & left audio channels from different sources? * Can the inputs take line level inputs, or just mic level? * How goos is the on-board microphone? Does it stand out far enough from the camera body to reject the lens motor noise? If you don't have the budget for a pro camera with these features, they can be added to a cheaper camera like the HV20 using good add-on adapters ... as long as it has a 1/8" mic jack. I use a Rode shotgun mic & BeachTek passive XLR adapter with my Sony TRV950. Those two add-ons cost about $300 together, and they really add to what my little "prosumer" camcorder can do. Add-ons do complicate your setup. You're adding extra batteries, plugs & on-switches ... and if you're not careful, your camera rig looks like the Bride of FrankenVision. I'm not ready to drop $3K+ on a new HDV camera and accessories yet, but when I do I will spend more to get a more solid camera without needing to add lots of stuff to the shoe :) br Heath wrote: > I read a lot of good things about the Panasonic DVX100 line, it's a > good point about HD though, with so much stuff going that way.....I > will have to check to see if there are any rental places around > Cincinnati....didn't think about that option.... > > Heath > http://batmangeek.com > -- Brian Richardson - http://siliconchef.com - http://dragoncontv.com - http://whatthecast.com - http://www.3chip.com
