Should I purchase HX-A1 NOW and get rebate or wait 3-4 months?
by David Marker
on
Dec 29, 2007 at 5:28:41 am
I am planning on eventually purchasing a Cannon XH-A1 HDV camera to shoot a video documentary this July and August 2008. I was originally planning on waiting until around May since I don't need the camera now and I figured that from now until then the price could come down or a newer better product in the 3k price range could be released. However I just noticed that Cannon is offering a $250 mail in rebate on this camera that expires on Dec 31st. This poses the question of whether I should just go ahead and get the camera now and get the rebate. I am working on a tight budget and the extra $250 would help.
But I'd hate to purchase it now and then see the camera price drop dramatically in the next few months or see a better product released that out does the XH-A1...
If you were me what would you do? I have to make up my mind by Monday. Thanks
Re: Should I purchase HX-A1 NOW and get rebate or wait 3-4 months? by Michael Palmer on Dec 30, 2007 at 2:30:13 am
If you are looking for someone to push you into this purchase, don't. There are many good reasons to wanting and purchasing anything. If this is something you want to start working with, need the time to learn and it is a tax benefit for 2007 then you need to make a decision. Is this the best choice for the job? I can't even imagine why you wouldn't want to explore other choices and even look into a second hand unit. If you are passionate about this project then don't worry about owning the camera after, just make the best images you are capable of even if its with a better rental unit. I would think you could find a V1U second hand at the same price by the time you need the camera. I wouldn't rush into this purchase, but you do what you want. Craig's List (HDV) is a great way to see what is available in major cities. Also here in the classifieds.
Re: Should I purchase HX-A1 NOW and get rebate or wait 3-4 months? by David Marker on Dec 30, 2007 at 5:20:00 am
Thank you for the response. I'm leaning towards waiting now. I hadn't looked into the Sony V1U until now. It looks pretty good and is going for a similar price. Would you say that is a better camera? I had been leaning towards the cannon because it got an 8.9 on Cnet and had all the features I wanted. They dont have a review for the Sony. They seem almost identical except that the cannon shoots in 24F instead of 24P, but apparently it looks the same?
Which one has better audio support? I'm going to be filming acoustic instruments with stereo condenser microphones. They both have 2xlr inputs which is good.
I also like the cannon because you can take digital pictures to a memory card while shooting simultaneously. Do you know if the Sony does that?
Thanks. I'm kind of new at this, but want to get informed before making a purchase. Also, I'd like to get something new, not used. It also need to be very portable as I'll be traveling with it and carrying it on my back a lot...
Re: Should I purchase HX-A1 NOW and get rebate or wait 3-4 months? by Douglas Spotted Eagle on Dec 30, 2007 at 6:16:06 am
The digital pictures feature on both cameras is a waste of time, except for marking a location/scene, so don't expect to be having either camera double as a still cam. We're a long way off from seeing a video cam do what a still cam can do, megapixel marketing aside.
They're very similar cameras. I like/own them both. Canon is a little heftier, I prefer the display and buttons on the Sony. 24f/24p....doesn't matter much at the end of the day. Canon has a better mic, Sony has better converter. Take your pick. Canon is slightly more compact, Sony has a better preview screen.
In other words, I don't think you can go wrong w/either of them.
Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASST
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
Aerial Camera/Instructor
Re: Should I purchase HX-A1 NOW and get rebate or wait 3-4 months? by accelv on Jan 8, 2008 at 1:56:08 am
I think the Canon A1 is generally considered the HDV champ of the bunch and probably has the sharpest picture from native 1440 chips.
You'll get a better picture and sound from a Sony EX1 if you could get one to rent. I think it's better to wait until NAB in April. I would not be surprised to see competing cams from Pannie and JVC featuring 1/2" chips, but probably not in the $3k range.
Sony has raised the bar with the Exmor 1/2" CMOS chips.
