Is the latest and greatest what we really need?

Originally published Mar 4, 2008

I have been following the forums on Video University regarding the latest high definition camcorders from Sony, The EX1 and the Z7. These are remarkable cameras. They both record to flash memory rather than tape (the Z7 also records on Mini DV tape), and have many compelling features. But they are also expensive. B&H lists both cameras around $6500. With the EX1 you have to invest in some pricey memory cards to even record video which pushes the price up another $1500 - $2000. The Z7 uses (in addition to tape) the less expensive Compact Flash cards found in many DSLRs. But the reliability of these for HD video is unknown.

I am not going that route. We will be using the Canon XH-A1 ($3400 at B&H). The reason is cost effectiveness. While the A1 does not have the low light capability of the Sonys, it is still decent. It doesn't record to memory cards, just tape. If we were doing a high volume wedding business, it might be different. The same with corporate video. It just doesn't pay to spend that much money on equipment whose features we will not use. I want to make a profit in this business.

There is nothing that we can't do with an A1 that we can with a Z7 or EX1. Yes we will have to use more light at receptions, but I have found that even the Sony PD170 whose low light capabilities matches the EX1, needs extra lighting sometimes. The XH-A1 is a capable, configurable HDV camcorder that does everything that we need to create beautiful wedding videos.