I've had this camera since 2007. I consider myself a prosumer filmmaker and not a cinematographer. My review is not applicable to professionals but geared towards a niche demographic who can afford not having technology be a culprit to better art.
One of the first lessons I learned is not having an audience distracted by the quality of the presentation, i.e. video. I can't say the XHA1 makes a film look great. I can say it makes it look not cheap - not recorded from a hand held picked up at W-mart or B-Buy. Post process editing, lighting, cinematography aside you can find better cameras. However, the price point isn't gradual its a giant leap. Being a proponent of Canon, I was quite satisfied with my decision with the XHA1 knowing I couldn't spend anymore.
While there are reasons to shoot in SD or even 4:3, there is no sense to deny yourself HD. Without explaining the advantageous of HD, I'll focus reviewing the camera and say the video looks great in capturing minute details. 16:9 is the only resolution with 24 or 30fps. Image stabilization helps hand-held look near tripod quality. Hint: do not use IS while on a tripod at risk of having the floating camera effect. Since I abhor the "shaky camera" style, I cannot review the differences between IS and not when looking to present that technique.
The camera is as auto or manual control as you like. Many of my imperfections I remedy post-process. Because I compete in timed projects, I practice guerrilla style filmmaking not having the luxury for all the bells and whistles to set up a scene optimally. But they are there when I need them. I shoot mostly wide angle and choose to dolly in/out of my subjects. There is fish-eye effect, keep in mind. You can start shooting in two conveniently placed buttons depending how you wish to hold the camera. There are two levers to control zoom. One fast, the other slow. Favorable to your desired camera technique.
Microphone: It's okay with a little tinniness. Probably one of the weaknesses. I purchased a third-party shotgun mic from Amazon and moved the quality from a C+ to a B.
Durability: The record button on top of the handle is a little screwed up. The spring underneath is worn and sometimes the button doesn't pop up in its place and is pinned under the chassis. Disappointed since I don't use the camera that often and that button even less. Other than that, it holds up fine. Be very careful to never to touch the LCD with your fingers. The smears linger and any pressure smudges the image. The monitor is a guide, judge your work after you pull from miniDV.
Still photography: Others are discouraged if not disappointed that Canon offered a simple, no-brainer feature to a digital commodity. For me, its a feature of convenience and not a substitute for professional DSLR photography. But it is nice on occasion to frame a subject in widescreen. The shutter is noticeably delayed and the quality is film grainy. You will need a separate memory card. I use the camera as a tool to capture moments. Sometimes, a still image is more appropriate.
Battery life: I purchased a larger spare battery from a third-party. You also have the luxury to record and have AC power. The charger works quickly.
I bought a set of filters, again from Amazon. One for fluorescent lighting, one for Neutral Density, and UV to protect the camera. Though the camera has a built in ND filter with feedback, I've encountered such bright days it wasn't enough. The UV lens seemed to make sense to protect your investment until I noticed reflections from the video in my video.
Camera envy: I didn't buy this camera to look cool. I was serious about my endeavors in filmmaking. But since I acquired the camera, companies including Canon are coming up with HD cameras cheaper and of higher resolution as the XHA1. True, they're for consumers and tourists but I do wonder if the benefits of the XHA1 will depreciate. (In fact, I will acquire Canon's latest models after they come out in April). But I'll be honest. If you're going to lead a team of talent and film crew to shoot a project that will be shown in public in a cinema somewhere, best you look the part. No different than your actors. When you take this camera out for action it demands serious attention. Actors know at first sight this isn't home movies. When they see you spent money to capture their appearance and performance they'll feel as serious as you.
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Reviews with images
AMAZING Camera!
I've worked with a Panasonic AG-DVX100B and several consumer cameras both HD and SD. I can without any doubt in my mind say that if you are willing to commit several weeks to learning the ins and outs of this camera; you will not get better visual images from anything under 8k.The customization feature of the A1 are worth 3k alone. You can match this camera to anything out there, including film.The A1 carries Cannon's L series lens which gives sharp images even at the end of its 20x range. The images produced are crisp, clear, HD and completely stunning. Watching random footage from the A1 on a 67" HDTV is pure eye-candy!Unless you are looking for a camera with the more expensive flash media capabilities, or dozens of variable frame-rates, this is the camera for you!I have used this camera for close to a year now. Here are several things you must know before you buy:1. "True HD" is something to discuss for those who study lines and pixels. Those of us who make stunning visual images worry about such things as lighting, composition, movement, audio, etc.This camera has enough resolution to produce amazing results even in not-so-stunning situations.2. HDV is the most practical "HD" codec out there. It allows you to record to cheap tapes and when you wish to edit, you are able to do so on your computer. No need for fancy editing consoles, tape decks, and expensive flash media.3. Stop reading reviews and go look at some of the work that's been done with the A1.- Search for "Steven Dempsey" on vimeo.comAll of his recent work is done with the A1- [...]is a community of filmmakers who use the A1.
