Canon XH A1 or Canon XL2?

Posted on March 11th, 2010 by smith
  • Coming from the pros with cam do you think is better for a student filmmaker like myself. I use the XL2 at school and love it but I love HD more. I have a Sony HD Handycam that records to 1080i (same as the A1) and will want to mesh the footage. So I know how to work the XL2 pretty well but does anyone have both cams? If so can you tell me of any problems you've had with the XH A1. Not really the XL2 because I know how it functions. So thanks a lot and by the way I would like for only Semi-Pros and Pros to comment because they know what there talking about. But if you have either cam feel free. Thankyou!


  • XHA1. Remember, XL2 is standard def only. XHA1 does standard def and high def.

    If you white balance correctly, set the shutter and apertures the same, and the lighting is good, the footage is indistiguishable.

    I have used a HDR-HC1 for many years. About two years ago, I worked on a shoot with several XL2s. We all set to 4:3 DV, matched - as best we could all the other settings. The director could not tell which video came from which camcorder. Last year, I augmented my video capture with a new camcorder. After watching some pros collecting video on a trip to Monaco and speaking with them, the Sony HDR-FX1, HVR-Z1U, and Canon XHA1 were my final short list. I ended up with the FX1 (plus a juicedLink CX231 XLR adapter - I use a BeachTeck DXA-6 XLR adapter with the HC1). The guys in Monaco were using several HVR-V1U and Z1U rigs.

    I have captured video with my HC1 and FX1 with someone else and their XHA1. When we white balance together at the start of the shoot and match other settings - and when the lighting is good (for the HC1), the footage is very difficult to tie to a camcorder. In low light, the HC1 starts to get grainey - but the FX1 and XHA1 are neck and neck.

    Personally, I prefer the FX1/Z1 settings access - but I can see how the XHA1's can be useful. And while the XHA1 has higher zoom than the FX1, I have a 2x tele for the HC1, so I am not left behind there... now I just need some lenses and filters for the FX1...


  • When comparing the XL2 and the XH A1, they are basically the same. The A1 is merely the HD upgrade. If you plan to be filming similar projects in HD as you do with the XL2, then the A1 is a perfect camera for your first step into professional HD.

    A lot of shows and documentaries on the Discovery Network, specifically Animal Planet, were filmed with the Canon GL and XL series. Many of these XL and GL users have moved up to the A1 and H1 systems.

    Both the XL2 and A1 can be used side by side with little difference. Technically, the aspect ratio and resolution may be different between the two cameras, but the audience won't realize the difference if properly recorded and edited.

    The A1 could become your main camera, and the XL2 will make a great companion for side shooting and second unit work. Then the Sony Handycam can be your mobile or remote camera for tight spaces or highly mobile work.


  • I started out last year with a XL2 and it was a nice camera, but I slowly realized it was becoming obsolete because it was only SD. After I sold it and almost bought the XH A1; but after a lot of research I went with the Panasonic HVX200a and I love this camera. Just some friendly advice before your big purchase, compare the Canon HX A1, Panasonic HVX200, Panasonic HVX200a, or the new Panasonic HPX170. Check out the DVXuser forum also, lots of great info there as well: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/







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