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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Canon XH series autofocus

 
 


videobear
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Oct 31, 2006, 2:44 PM

Post #1 of 8 (1490 views)
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Canon XH series autofocus Can't Post
I was just looking at the specs on the new Canon HDV camcorders and noticed something...

They both use a new "instant autofocus" technology. This includes the use of a passive IR sensor on the camera. My concern is the infrared focus mechanisms used on digital SLRs...I'm wondering if the wedding photographers are going to (inadvertently) mess up our focus here.

Any early adopters who can check this out and report back, please do!




Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions


MLiebergot
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Oct 31, 2006, 4:34 PM

Post #2 of 8 (1484 views)
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Re: [videobear] Canon XH series autofocus [In reply to] Can't Post
Doug, a rep from Canon will be speaking at our BVA meeting in a couple of weeks, and sowing off the new Canon cameras. I'll try to remember to ask him about this, as I am seriously inetersted in the new Canon cameras over the new Sony's right now.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


Bean
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Oct 31, 2006, 4:56 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1482 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Canon XH series autofocus [In reply to] Can't Post
Michael, I am considering either the sony or the canon to replace my gl2, why do you prefer the canon?


MLiebergot
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Oct 31, 2006, 5:06 PM

Post #4 of 8 (1480 views)
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Re: [Bean] Canon XH series autofocus [In reply to] Can't Post
Now keeping in mind that I am a big Sony guy, so it hurts me saying this right now.

I can only go on what I have seen a read on the web to date, so until these cameras are out in the actual field, the jury's still out.
I preffer the additional manual controls, the iris ring is especially appealing to me, as well as the lasrger CCD's. Although I have heard that the CMOS chips in the FX7/V1 work the same in low light as a 1/3 CCD. I don't believe it until I see it first with my own eyes. It's ahrd to decide right now, as both cameras have their advantages, the Sony with the CMOS chips are going to give you better latitude with your picture, like in backlit scenes, as well as cut down on vertical smearing.

I have to personally handle both units to make an educated decision.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


Bean
User

Oct 31, 2006, 7:11 PM

Post #5 of 8 (1477 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Canon XH series autofocus [In reply to] Can't Post
If you could keep me posted as you make your decision, I have owned the canon xl1 and now record with the gl2, but am now leaning toward the sony.

Again, having not seen either camera in person is a disadvantage. Originally I was sold on the canon strictly for the 20x lens, but the sony lens is also 20x. We record weddings and from the back of the church the more lens the better. Each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses, again if you could please keep me informed. THANKS

Also really appreciate your photos in the other thread of the multi rig, I have the dvrig pro and use it for the reception.


MLiebergot
Veteran


Nov 1, 2006, 10:24 AM

Post #6 of 8 (1468 views)
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Re: [Bean] Canon XH series autofocus [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
If you could keep me posted as you make your decision, I have owned the canon xl1 and now record with the gl2, but am now leaning toward the sony.

Again, having not seen either camera in person is a disadvantage. Originally I was sold on the canon strictly for the 20x lens, but the sony lens is also 20x. We record weddings and from the back of the church the more lens the better. Each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses, again if you could please keep me informed. THANKS

Also really appreciate your photos in the other thread of the multi rig, I have the dvrig pro and use it for the reception.
Most likely, I won't make a decision for quite a while. I have always liked teh Canon glass and color better than Sony, and I actually started shooting with Canon GL1's, but switched to the Sony cameras beause of their superior low light ability.
From early reports so far, the low light picture seems to be equivalent to the FX1/Z1 cameras. Although the only thing that would sway me away from the Canon towards the Sony would be if the low light ability isn't that good in the Canon (I use on camera lighting anyway, but not during receptions where I might have to shoot from the back or balcony), the latitude of the CMOS sensors and built in HDMI port.

BTW, I have been using my DVRig Pro for over 2 years now for the entire day ceremony and reception and sore by it. That is until I got the Multi Rig. Which now, I don't even use the DVRig Pro anymore as the Multi Rig is so much lighter, compact, and versitile to use for me.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


KevinShaw
Veteran

Nov 1, 2006, 12:38 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1459 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Canon XH series autofocus [In reply to] Can't Post
In my testing the Canon XL-H1 was significantly grainier in low light than the Sony FX1/Z1U, but people who own the Canon say it works well if you limit the gain. I also hear the LCD panel on the Canon XH-A1 is annoyingly small, so that's another downside compared to the Sonys. But the XH-A1 with a 20X zoom, 1440x1080 sensors and XLR inputs for under $4K sounds like a good deal, so as someone else said the best thing to do is test the cameras for yourself before buying. If you're used to shooting with a Canon GL1/GL2 (which are also grainy in low light), the XH-A1 would be a natural step up.


Bean
User

Nov 1, 2006, 11:24 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1440 views)
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Re: [kwshaw1] Canon XH series autofocus [In reply to] Can't Post
The gl2 has served me well the last few years, though it has an awkward combination of manual and automatic controls. In low light and auto mode it wants to jump to the highest gain setting. The xl1 could be in auto and limit the amount on gain.

The gl2 has menu and push button for selections in manual mode, it is difficult to multitask by looking at the side of the cam for the right button and looking in the viewfinder to verify the setting all while keeping focused on recording. When transitioning from the xl to the gl is when I started shooting with the dvrig, the smaller cam does not have a place to mount the accessories and it takes two hand to make adjustment to the manual levels.

The optic stabilization on the canons is very good. I traded in my xl1 for a sony hc3 and it has a great picture in proper lighting. Both cameras look intriguing, it will probably be spring of next year before I make a decision to purchase, may even wait and see if nab has any announcements.