New SONY FX1000 VS CANON XH-A1

[Jonathan Fletch]

Are there any guys n gals out there who have compared these to cameras??

I'm after a simple opinion from a user who may have worked with these cameras, although the Sony is very new.

The 20x optical zoom is the selling feature to me, audio and XLR inputs are not that important..at this time.

I know from many forums its the built in XLR ports that put the XHA1 in a different league in many users eyes.

If I need XLR ports, i can buy an adaptor.

The new Sony in all other departments looks very competetive.

I like the new high quality LCD, like on my D300.

The FX1000 may also be a few hundred pounds cheaper than the XHA1.

My guess would be in the real world, they are 2 superb cameras from 2 superb brands, there would be little visual difference??

Please can someone point out the real benefits / differences between CCD and CMOS sensors.

Canon having the CCD, Sony the CMOS.

I know the new sony is rated at all time low lux of 1.5

Does this mean blasting the gain up like the canons silly lux rating??

Are CMOS sensors better in low light than a CCD??

I believe CMOS are kinder on battery life, although the large batteries can handle most users needs on both cameras.


I have experience in the past with the canon XL1S, XM2 and my favourite of them all Canon XM1, also my last semi pro cam was the Sony VX2100.

All of these cameras were more than adequate for me, although upgrading my old XM1 to XM2, I was bitterly disappointed with the XM2 build quality compared with the solid XM1... I loved that camera!!

I mainly film wildelife and motorsport events as well as days out, although I have a new little Sony TG3 for times when i want to hide away!! hence the use of a quality big optical zoom.

I could easily be swayed either way at present....

Thanks for any opinions or advice.

Jon.

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Fletch

Are there any guys n gals out there who have compared these to cameras??

I'm after a simple opinion from a user who may have worked with these cameras, although the Sony is very new.

The 20x optical zoom is the selling feature to me, audio and XLR inputs are not that important..at this time.

I know from many forums its the built in XLR ports that put the XHA1 in a different league in many users eyes.

If I need XLR ports, i can buy an adaptor.

The new Sony in all other departments looks very competetive.

I like the new high quality LCD, like on my D300.

The FX1000 may also be a few hundred pounds cheaper than the XHA1.

My guess would be in the real world, they are 2 superb cameras from 2 superb brands, there would be little visual difference??

Please can someone point out the real benefits / differences between CCD and CMOS sensors.

Canon having the CCD, Sony the CMOS.

I know the new sony is rated at all time low lux of 1.5

Does this mean blasting the gain up like the canons silly lux rating??

Are CMOS sensors better in low light than a CCD??

I believe CMOS are kinder on battery life, although the large batteries can handle most users needs on both cameras.


I have experience in the past with the canon XL1S, XM2 and my favourite of them all Canon XM1, also my last semi pro cam was the Sony VX2100.

All of these cameras were more than adequate for me, although upgrading my old XM1 to XM2, I was bitterly disappointed with the XM2 build quality compared with the solid XM1... I loved that camera!!

I mainly film wildelife and motorsport events as well as days out, although I have a new little Sony TG3 for times when i want to hide away!! hence the use of a quality big optical zoom.

I could easily be swayed either way at present....

Thanks for any opinions or advice.

Jon.

Are you sure about the build quality of yhe xm2 i thought the difference to the xm1 was a few add on features.
The fx1000 sounds a great cam if it has a d-extender like my fx-7 that gives you another 50% on the telephoto ideal for wildlife.,i suggest you have a look through some of the other sites as some deal more with the pro end of the camcorder market.

[Jonathan Fletch]

Hi and thanks, I have looked at the FX7, looks a great camera. and got the great 20x optical zoom.

That would be an option if it were still available for about £1500, I've seen at for around £2000, the FX1000 would tempt me at that price.

Yes the XM2 was a different plastic used, also the switches feel cheap compared to the XM1. The screen also was very disappointing, again feeling very cheap compared.

The new FX1000 has a wider lens than previous models. That would be very useful, as I often found my old VX2100 a struggle in tight rooms, often needing a wide angle lens adaptor, which I would like to avoid.

I think its worth waiting a few months until the sony is readily available and tested. I'm sure it will be a success.

Jon.

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Fletch

Hi and thanks, I have looked at the FX7, looks a great camera. and got the great 20x optical zoom.

That would be an option if it were still available for about £1500, I've seen at for around £2000, the FX1000 would tempt me at that price.

Yes the XM2 was a different plastic used, also the switches feel cheap compared to the XM1. The screen also was very disappointing, again feeling very cheap compared.

The new FX1000 has a wider lens than previous models. That would be very useful, as I often found my old VX2100 a struggle in tight rooms, often needing a wide angle lens adaptor, which I would like to avoid.

I think its worth waiting a few months until the sony is readily available and tested. I'm sure it will be a success.

Jon.

Sony HDR-FX7E at Bentonville Mall Sony HDR-FX7E at Bentonville Mall
the cheapest the fx-7 i found the same as i paid 2 years ago,the fx1000 has more wide angle on the lens and less on the tele end,for wild life as i said the fx7 is ideal but the the fx1000 is a class above in most respects.

[Jonathan Fletch]

Yeah, its very handy having a wider lens, especially when shooting architecture.

The FX7 would still be tempting at £800 cheaper than FX1000

Anywhere near £2000, then i would pay the bit extra for the FX1000.