Difference from $700 to $3000

1. duotone
   Member

   

    Besides $2300 is there any big difference in image quality from a camera that costs $700 and one that's $3000?

   
   More specifically, between a GZ-HD7 and a XH A1?

   Thanks

   Posted 3 years ago #

2. NewBirthProductions
   Member

   

   Yes

   Posted 3 years ago #

3. EarlC
   Moderator

   

    Mostly in the image gathering and lens quality, but yes especially with the two you mention. Canon glass and its stabilization technology IMHO is, however, superior to virtually any other manufacturer's camera in a similar price range.

   Posted 3 years ago #

4. Ken
   Member

   

   duotone,

   Besides inherent image quality, another big difference is professional-style manual controls. The XH-A1 has large zoom, focus, and iris rings on the lens, allowing for more precise control.  When you're shooting under conditions that would tend to mislead auto-exposure or auto-focus, good manual controls can allow you to get a better image.

   Yes, manual control takes a little more time, as well as some practice. But if you care enough about image quality to invest in a hi-def camcorder, you would probably find manual control worth while.

   (BTW, manual focus by means of a menu selection is no where near as nice as a large focus ring on the lens!)

   Ken

   P.S. -- Looking at the JVC website, I see the GZ-HD7 does have a focus ring. (Nice! Although I suspect the one on the XH-A1 is larger and smoother.)

   Posted 3 years ago #

5. duotone
   Member

   

   Thanks all.

   I agree, there is a difference. Now my next question. Is there a $2300 difference?

   YEs, the JVC has a smaller focus ring, as well, the lens is quite smaller than the Canon. I've seen some real nice video come off the JVC, but I'm just not convinced it's what I will want 3 years from now....

    

   Tony 

   Posted 3 years ago #

6. Ken
   Member

   

   duotone,

   If you're shooting in good light, you probably wouldn't see that much difference. If you have to shoot in low light..... well, can you bring your own light?

   One thing to keep in mind.... this probably won't be your last camcorder. The industry seems to be going away from tape, in favor of solid state memory cards.  So you might consider going the economy route, and save up for a Sony EX1 (or whatever the next "dream camcorder" is).

   Ah....decisions, decisions, decisions!

   BTW, what will you be shooting? Sports, weddings, informal gatherings, dramas, instructional videos?

   Ken

   Posted 3 years ago #

7. duotone
   Member

   

    You're reading my mind.... Seems I go through technology every 2-3 years. It's a conspiracy.

    Don't laugh... I'll be shooting a lot of video of, ehm, chickens. YES, you heard me right.... Chickens in their houses, with yellow lighting.

    I'll also be shooting for a furniture showroom.

   Tony

   Posted 3 years ago #

8. duotone
   Member

   

    Regarding your thoughts on where technology is going..... I think you're right and I am still leaning towards the HD7 because it has the feel and look of a prosumer camera, but I can get it for $662.

   Posted 3 years ago #

9. Aspyrider
   Member

   

    Mostly in the image gathering and lens quality, but yes especially with the two you mention. Canon glass and its stabilization technology IMHO is, however, superior to virtually any other manufacturer's camera in a similar price range.

   So very true. In all the talk of resolution this and that most forget the lens of the camera. Nothing can replace good optics and a large lens.

   Posted 3 years ago #

10. duotone
    Member

    

     Thanks all.... The JVC is out.

     I'm shopping around..... I hate this.

     What are your thoughts on the following?

    - http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-HVRHD1000U/

    - Canon GL2

     Thanks again. Tony 

    Posted 3 years ago #

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