5 replies to this topic

[collinsp]

Hi guys,

Am looking for some input on the differences and pro's and cons of the Sony HVR Z7u and Canon XH A1. I'm currently considering an upgrade which will involve anew camera as well as a Gates housing so not a cheap investment !! I'm going to use them primarily for underwater work and need them to be broadcast qulaity HD as i have a number of projects coming that require HD qulity. I'm very intrested to know which of the 2 cameras perform better under low light conditions and the differences between the AF on both cameras. Also, the manual white balance capabilities and how they perform after they have been WB . . .

Any help and advice would be gratefully received . . .

Pau

[Drew]

Pau,
I think only Amphibico has announced a housing for the Z7. As for the XHA1, it has been updated to the XHA1s and you'd better check with Gates if it still works with their housing.
I only had a quick run of 2 days with the Z7. Lowlight is very decent and beats out the Z/FX1. The lens is adequate but not very wide. I'd wait to see how Amphibico implements the optics for the lens mounts before deciding.
The XHA1 has gorgeous resolution for HDV and great image control but it's also quite difficult to setup. You can read up the comments in WP and also other video sites like DVINFO.
Depending on who you are selling to, you may wish to check the acceptable standards of HD first before buying.

[spaceflight]

Hi guys,

Am looking for some input on the differences and pro's and cons of the Sony HVR Z7u and Canon XH A1. I'm currently considering an upgrade which will involve anew camera as well as a Gates housing so not a cheap investment !!

Pau

Since you are going with a Gates, your only choice between those two cameras is the Canon XH A1. Gates isn't doing a housing for the Z7U.

I have used the Canon XH A1 in a Gates housing quite extensively, including a few shoots for The Learning Channel.

In regards to white balance, the housing has access to both WB Set and WB presets.

The auto focus and manual focus on this camera are very smooth. I found it very easy to use the auto focus and then lock it in by switching to manual.

I hope that helps.

[jonny shaw]

Pau,

I have the XHA1 and Gates combo and love it! Low light isn't to bad, the housing has access to all controls that you would want. Regarding setup, there are heaps of presets that people have put together that you can load via SD card to get you going until to get experience and understand how to drive it.
The A1s looks exactly the same except for the interfaces at the back which could cause an issue with the housing definitely check with Gates, or I reckon you could pick up A1 fairly cheap. The image quality is the same the new one just has a few tweaks.

Jon

[wagsy]

Amphibico are doing a housing for the Z7.

[Drew]

Of course, then there's the CCD vs CMOS debate.
Jon, the best improvement of the XH is the new EVF output. Peaking, zebra and other info on an external monitor FINALLY! Also the ability to focus while zooming what was canon thinking before?