Hi all.

I recently just sold my Canon XL1 in hopes of buying a better camera and hopefully upgrading to HD.

I need a good all round camera as I make feature length films, music videos, and film live events ie music festivals and weddings.

Main things I require from the new camera are...

• XLR inputs
• full manual settings
• preferably good in low light
• as good quality image as possible

One of the main problems that I had with the XL1 was the 'servo-actuated focus and zoom functions of the lens.' 'Turning the focus and zoom rings at different speeds does not result in an evenly proportional change in focus or zoom. As a consequence, rack focus techniques are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to achieve, and the lens barrel is not marked with distance settings.' This is definitely not a problem I wish to encounter again with my new camera.

With the sale of my XL1, I have around £900 to £1200 to buy a new camera and so obviously, want the best camera that I can afford.

My question is this. Is this amount of money enough to consider the upgrade to HD? And is it worth it, considering that I do not as of yet, have a HD pc monitor or television? If so, what are the best camcorders to consider? (either new or 2nd hand). If you believe I should stick to SD for now, what is the best camcorder for my needs? (again, either new or 2nd hand).

Another thing to note, although not a technical requirement, is that I do tend to like the larger looking cameras. I just believe that they look more professional and when doing weddings, especially since I am only starting out in wedding videography, I want to look as professional as possible.

Thanks in advance for reading this and I look forward to your responses.

Trevor Webb
10 Past 8 Productions

PS if you get a chance, take a look at my current feature film project...

http://www.myspace.com/zombiescumbags

[senu]

£1000 is unlikely to get you an SD let alone HD camcorder anything like the XL1. Certain nothing better

For that you are looking at best a consumer Hi def ( non tape) AVCHD camcorder
Although thier video taken in reasonable light and not panned very fast is impresive on HDTV ( even projected) , they have smaller sensors and less fast lenses than the XL1 and have very litle by way of manual controls, XLR, Low light is average at best ( compared to the XL1)
The HDV models Canon HV30 and Sony HC9 are (IMHO) brilliant for what they are but are nothing like the XL-1 .
JVC makes some models which are a bit of a mixed bag

Canon XH A1 is perhaps the nearest to what you want
The XH G1 even better but they cost multiples of £1000
Sony has some models which may actually be easier to achieve easier rack focus techniques but these are similarly HDV models around the £2.5-4k mark

Even if you only wanted SD for £1000.. you would get that from a tape HDV model used in SD mode