HVR-A1U / HVR-V1U - Opinions?

[kiril]

Hi all,

I am planning to buy one of these camcorders and the decision needs to made very quickly. I start new documentary project in only 2 weeks from now.
These camcorders are relatively new. Claims are that V1 has real 1080p24 and it has 3 CMOS, plus full manual control.
A1 is much cheaper, 1 CMOS and less manual control. Both seem to have very good audio features.

Anyone had the chance to shoot with one of them?
What do you think about them and - very important - how the format fits with Edius (dropped frames/capturing/export, etc).
I also need to have each project both in NTSC and PAL - should I expect quality issues?

Thanks a lot in advance!

[Stereodesign]

We have a HVR A1E (the European version) and despite its single CMOS chip it provides outstanding IQ.
As you might expect in low light it suffers compared to a 3-chip camera.

Audio facilities are pretty much all you need, balanced line/mic on XLR, P48 etc.

The Zeiss T*lens is pin-sharp and so far we've not noticed any CA.

However, its worth getting the optional wide angle adapter as the standard lens does not go wide enough. We bought the Sony one which has proved of comparable quality to the rest of the camera.

We use it as a second camera, especially on an ongoing project we've been doing about the renovation of a Stately Home, the AF being particularly useful when grovelling around in roof spaces and under floors with archaeologists!

Build quality is very good, the camera feels robust and not likely to fall apart in your hands.

Battery life is very good, especially with the long life battery, it protudes out the back a bit but will typically run for 350 mins.

For the money its an incredible bit of kit.

[kiril]

Thanks a lot!

Well, I still wonder if I take the A1 or V1...

Any issues with the footage against Edius?
Do you use offline/online workflow or capture HQ directly?

Thanks!

[John Lewis]

I use V1E Pal Europe model
Microphone is lousy you will need a better one I use Rode NTG2
Good Picture etc
Also see reviews re sharpness on HD, Sony reccommended setting
after the camera was launched

[Zorro]

Have a look at the Canon XH A1:

http://www.canon.ca/english/index-products.asp?lng=en&prodid=1076&sgid=5&gid=2&ovr=1

[kiril]

Have a look at the Canon XH A1:

http://www.canon.ca/english/index-pr...=5&gid=2&ovr=1

Yes, I used it several times, but what appeals in the V1 is the native 25p and additional Cinematone Gamma & Cinematone Color.

From what I read V1 has less wide angle optics, which will require an adapter, bringing it to the price of A1.

Tough choice...

[kwshaw1]

I have the Sony HC1, which is a consumer version of the A1U, and don't recommend either as a primary camera due to limitations of the single sensor and small lens. Better to get the V1U, Z1U, Canon XH-A1 or other three-chip HD camera for better results in demanding shooting situations (especially dim lighting). The A1U will work okay up to a point, but it's essentially a consumer-quality camera with XLR audio inputs.

[redgum]

Sony has excelled itself again with the V1P and the new Z7P with optional native 25p progressive scanning. These two cameras are truly third generation HDV particularly noticeable in the new CMOS chips. The Z7P really shines with an interchangeable lens and CF card recording in addition to traditional tape. The CF system can be retro applied to the V1P as well. At the price there is no better choice.

[Stereodesign]

Any issues with the footage against Edius?
Do you use offline/online workflow or capture HQ directly?

Capture directly into Edius in HQ.
Main camera is JVC 110 and footage mixes with that with very little, if any, adjustment. If shot in decent light obviously.
A1 is far from a consumer camera, there is a lot more adjustability that you get on the consumer stuff. As a second camera fro awkward situations where compactness is important its hard to beat.

[kiril]

Thanks all,

I'm just back with my new V1U...
The reason I wanted a smaller camera is that I'm traveling a lot, having my big laptop and the camera in my hand luggage.
These days, you cannot board with more than 10 kg on any plane...

After spending 2 hours at the store, comparing picture quality and other features I think that the V1U is very decent, even in low light and compares pretty well to the A1.

I really liked the 1080p24 and the cinema settings - very, very nice picture...

And I got it cheap!

Now I think about a disc recording device - connects directly to the camera - 4.5 hours in HDV. No tapes, no capture, plug to the PC and start working! Impressive, but expensive toy! :(

Now, the problem is that I cannot capture, but I'll spend some time and hopefully it will be Ok.

Thanks again for all comments!

Kiril.