Sony PD170 or Canon XH A1 for charity videos?

[brookie]

Hi All,

Having a discussion with a charity who want to make videos for conferences, vox-pops, fundraising DVDs and so on.

They like the Sony PD170 but a supplier is urging them to consider the Canon XH A1.

Both are around the same price - £2300 - which is about as high as they can go.

The Sony seems to be an acknowledged industry work-horse and rugged but looks to be going out of production and hard to source.

(Bentonvillemall seem to be offering the best price followed by Purelygadgets but I am anxious about reputation with both of those companies).

The Canon offers HD but they have no need of that feature. Is it silly to buy that feature when it won't be used?

There will be some low light work (in churches) but both seem to have low light capability.

Both have good audio (two XLR inputs) which is an essential requirement.

What do you all think?

[senu]

The XH A1..
SD and exceptiohnal HDV ( whic can be downconverted if need be)
There is nothing about the Sony ( apart from it s good reputation and following) that make it superior to the Canon
I was well impressed with the XH A1 myself
It is newer than the PD 170 and shoot Hi def as well. exceptionally well