Looks great to me, but I'm a "walk up and shoot it" kind of guy and all the bells and whistles tend to just get in my way. But I must confess, if I had the 10K I would love an EX1.

My answer to your big question is : -

In some situation it makes no difference between EX1 and Xacti. If you ask your 8 yrs. old boy and an university top student what is the answer of 1+1. It makes no differences between them. Both of them are fast and accurate.

However, in critical situations, such as low light, high backlight (stage performance), requirements of quality sound recordings with external mics, manual control of shutter/ aperture, long tele shots, high bitrate..........., Xacti is definitely not comparable with EX1. They are not in the same level.

I don't care about the camera Jan. I'm more upset you didn't tell me about this great event in Amsterdam! :( But oh well, thanks for capturing it for us. I now have to wait (again) for the following year to witness this event. Or does it go through the weekend?

I have to say, that although the audio and video quality is good, there's subtle elements absent from the shoot. You missing the dof and soft focus compared to a pro cam. I always say, shooting based on presets just kill one's creativity. Its bad enough that we've been push to digital, missing those over saturation and compression of tape. But it all comes down to usability and simplicity in the end.

The consumer creates the market but the very few would know better.

Would I buy 10 Xacti HD1000 or 1 EX1 to satisfy my creative needs? Its too obvious. The EX3! :o)

The video looks good. But, red and blue are a bit strong in the picture. Using a monopod or a Manfrotto steadycam some of the picture would have been a bit less shaken.

With camera's like the XH-A1, EX1, EX3 and FX7 there is more controll with Depth Of Field (and many other things), so in some of the recordings you could have used a bit more accent on a person or an object. The cameraman can 'play' with his pictures and that's why some people buy bigger camera's.

Looking at the main goal of the whole movie: Making a promotional movie. The small camera will do fine.
Stabilise the hand or the camera a bit more and it's perfect for online video.

I think there are otheres issues at hand: there's portability for a start. The EX1 (et al) is a bigger rig and needs more effort, particularly if you're lugging it around for an afternoon. there's also client expectation — if this is a commercial operation then the client will feel maybe they've hired the wrong guy if they're not visually impressed (that's the way of things).

Next comes manual control. The EX1 offers it in abundance and this might make the difference between getting the shot and missing it (iris control, manual focus ring, colour balance etc).

But there is a halfway house solution: you could use a Canon HV30 or step up to a XH-A1 (still much cheaper than an EX1), or if you're determined to stay with Sony, then something like an HVR Z1 would probably be ideal.

And as for sound, an external mic is (in my opinion) an absolute must, as the quality is so much better.

So it's horses for courses, but maybe a young colt, rather than a thoroughbred stallion or a pony is the way forward? Who knows, it's your choice. ;)

Hello Jan,

Yes, a tri-pod is a 'bit' to big for these situations. But, for instance: the Manfrotto 585 Modosteady is a very small, cheap and stable tool for small camera's.
You can use it as a steadycam tool, on your shoulder and 'table' tri-pod.
In situations for low shots, walking shots, 'fast people passing you' shots I think this tool is ideal.

The only thing you have to say is: Cheese! :-) :-) :-)

I am of the opinion that a lot of things in the correct hands can do amazing things and often WILL stand up to the higher end equipment. I think also that quality work will always impress, even when the technical standards are a little below par. However, there is the situation where much is produced without the basic knowledge and simple care that you demonstrate in your quick experiment Jan.
Often the 'home' movie enthusiast is so caught up in the immediate content that they completely disregard, or in some case do not even notice, the details.
My feeling is about the same with music recording, after 30 years as a sound engineer I am hearing some home recordings made on reasonably cheap gear that DO sound very good....in the hands of a knowledgeable sound person they could have sounded even better. They do not however come up to the standard that will be achieved using a GREAT studio with a really good engineer at $1000 a day fees.
Is the difference enough that MOST people will notice, hmmmm, when folks are listening to 128kbps mp3 files and thinking that they sound good.....I really doubt that they would really notice in most cases.
I really like this piece of work...it shows me a lot about the camera under fast and 'immediate' shooting conditions. I think with a Steadicam [Glide-cam] added to this shoot, your question would have posed even more thoughts and discussion. As an exercise....great. As a ENG record of an event, not bad at all.

I agree with what a lot of people here are saying. If used correctly and creatively, the xacti can stand up to some of the stuff shot with the pro camera's.

DOF, stand further back zoom in. More hassle? Yes, but it gets the shot. Lighting not right, wait for the light to be right or fix it in post etc

The pro cameras help you get the shot you want simply and quicker, but if you're willing to wait or do some tricks to get the results you want I think the xacti can be comparable in most situations.

Check out my last 2 videos on vimeo, both shot with the xacti hd1000, and I feel I managed to get pretty decent production quality out of the wee camera.

Well I guess a couple of things: the Ex1 is not a $10.000 camera, its a $6000 :)

Actually looking at the wobbly shots I don't think any of the companies I shoot web / intranet videos for would ever want anything like this on their sites.

My customers want the opposite, so its true handycams can match resolution, just like a point and shoot $100 photo camera can match the resolution of a $3500 Nikon SLR. So here is the thing: WEB videos are smaller and are usually viewed even smaller on high res- screens. This means that they need an even BIGGER impact. Personally I prefer to shoot with the Letus / 35mm adapter because it lets you focus absolutely on the subject. Something your xacti can't do. There is no focus point in the shots, everything is in focus and with all due respect: it looks cheap.

On a webpage you need to grab the attention even more then on a screen where there is nothing else to see s I believe, and so do my customers, images need to jump out and GRAB you. So yes a EX-1 will win over any consumer cam simply because of its cinematic quality.

But thats just my point of view, not to mention the controls and the simple fact light cameras even with steadyshot on will just have a "seasick" dimension to the images. Sharp and nice colors don't change the fact your holding a matchbox lol. and the EX1 heavy? well its poorly balanced but nothing compared to the broadcast cameras I used to run around with. This and the big sachtler tripod and a backpack full of anton bauers. You can imagine these handycams make a difference from the 40 kilos I use to carry around.

Are they more economical? Not really because you will be stuck in a circuit that has no money. Do you need a Ex 3 for web videos? Well I don't I'm very happy with my DVX for now. Do I want a EX-3, well if I can find a good solid backup to a solid medium I would like to have one but we will see what Letus brings to the table with its B4 mounts first :)

So yeah a pro cam wins, but do you need to go all the way up to EX 1 or 3? Not really, the DVX 100B is a good middle ground, you don't need HD for web. What you do need is a camera that can shoot progressive. The edam show has some odd interlace artifacts. And I don't mean arti facts, its a fact its not arti?!?!

Oh and to add a little practical experience: if you are shooting productions for real, there is not time for tricks and fix it in post. It has to be good while shooting, most internet stuff needs to be up there quick.

Hi Jan! Thx for the share.
Without a doubt, the big cams are another league,
I`m always impressed by the footage of an EX-1/3.
But the idea and the feeling of the film maker is what makes the pictures attractive in the end.
And you can do that even with the smallest cam.
Watch this cute clip - vimeo.com/1076275 - by Lil GraFX, done with the ultra pocket sized xacti hd700, half size of the hd1000 (she uses the EX1 as well).

You can have these little xactis always with you and nobody really gets that you are doing video capture with it, because of the pistol design most people think it`s just a still cam, so you can do great hidden cams with it as well.
Btw, do you`ve seen my last cheesy music clip yet?
vimeo.com/1292618

I think these clips of mine underline your meaning here:
vimeo.com/1167305, vimeo.com/1171445, vimeo.com/1282165,
(unfortunately nobody noticed my talent yet, ;-) lol

Great for what it is and for quick web clips , go for it I even know a guy that uses the Xacti for underwater footage on Incentive group trips.
The EX 1 is certainly a fantastic camera and will produce outstanding results. The question ends up being does your client want this type of quick, shaky and raw footage or are they looking to also build an archive of footage that they can reuse in the future. If they need to reuse this and even give it out then the Xacti will not do and your client will be upset.

Like I said if it works for you and your client great, but non of my clients would buy this and probably not even talk to me again!

I have rollerblades, a bicycle, a motorcycle (it is still for sale) and two cars and if I had enougjh money I would buy an aeroplane. I use all of them for different things. I think I gave the best answer to your question.

The Xacti's have limitations. They are easily hit by the direct sun. They are a little slow in the auto modes. The saturation is a little low. No external mic or lens adaptors. In spite of all that this camera does what no other camera can do, it's the most convenient camera I know and the image IS of commercial quality. The FCP effect to remove shake is great! Use it on a tripod with double system sound, fantastic! I use the Olympus mini Voice recorders and a Zoom audio device to great success on commercial projects. The biggest factor is the camera looks like a toy and a joke. People want to see big cameras or at least a Canon XL "look". Give me a break!

Big or small, short or tall? It’s all up to the client. Years ago the audio industry went though the same deal with small high quality recorders that everyone could afford. Only problem is quality equipment does not create a quality product. Give an EX1 to a person who has no idea and you will get a poor production with pretty colors. Give an Xacti to someone with a good eye and you’ll get a good video. The issue of the client does not allow me to show up with a camera the looks like it was purchased at Wal-Mart, no matter how good the quality. Even shooting a 10 minute how-to production we bring in 5 or 6 cameras, jib, steady cam Flyer, racks of monitors, computers, lights, miles of cable. The client loves the production because it is VERY professional. Could we have produced the same final product with a couple of Xactis? Maybe . . . Could we have charged $25,000 for the project – no way.

Jan, I was wondering:
If you have a real paying customer who expects a great steady online video of his product, artist or anything else.
What would you tell the customer when turning up at his place with the little camera?
I know you have a professional reputation and I would like to see how you sell the product.

P.S. I got the point you made with the whole discussion. But, I'm interested :-)

Jan,

I am with you on this one. I agree everything is changing very quickly. This camera looks very good.

The JVC HD GZ6 has external audio inputs and a 120 gig hard drive, and shoots in 1920 X 1080P. Put it on a fluid head tripod or monopod with good audio...presto...There it is.

This was kind of my thoughts regarding the JVC GZ HD 7. Many of my colleagues marvel at what I have done recently, and you have also demonstrated on some levels the same thing.

Some union broadcast contracts now allow reporters and production assistants to shoot their own video with external audio and tripods/monopods.

The world is a changing right before our eyes!

Kindest and sincerest warm regards,

Lisa J. Kassner
Los Angeles California

The EX1 is an awesome camera......but it comes down to the operator ......you need to have a keen eye and know how to frame a shot....the EX1 won't do it for you.....and if you just shoot on it as it comes out of the box , you would be very dissapointed......you really need to tweak this camera to get it to shine.

Jan-ik am kwijt aan daarvoor bespreking. ik dilettant fotograaf aan jou are vooruitstrevend!

bijster braaf!

Jan-I am lost in this conversation. I am an amateur photographer you are advanced.
Very good!

Jan.

I have been looking at the technical specifications on the Sanyo Xacti HD1000. It outputs in MP4. Not quite the camcorder that the JVC GZ HD 7 or HD 6.

None the less...technology is changing fast!

Regards,

Lisa J. Kassner
Los Angeles California

A photographer showed some of his images on a birthday-party...
The hostess said "Woow these pictures are awesome. You must have an expensive camera!"

While enjoying his meal, the photographer says:"This is a very tasty meal. You must have expensive pans!".

I have an Xacti HD700. Im using it to teach myself filmaking towards earning a side/main living if possible.

It has its limits some of which can be made up in post.
I recomend using the excellent and free Deshake (assuming you can't use a steadycam or tripod) and 3D clean filters for VirtualDub.
Also take a look at goodervideo.com for Dynalpel's Slowmotion tool. I belive it uses an optical flow algorithm to great effect. Free to download a trial version and is about $26.66 purchase.

With an F stop of 3.5 indoors the HD700 is very poor; dynamic range a nightmare! (eg landscape with sky hard to shoot) but If you can keep stuff lit well then you can great images.

Not sure how the HD1000 fairs?