thx - on my iMac24" some of the HV30 shots are bettr than the XH-A1 @ 23sec. and more detail @ 28sec. but overall 90% of the shots the XH is better - but marginal to an amateur as I am :)

If you are okay with the lack of easy manual features, then by all means, the HV30 is a bargain. Better is all relative to how you're going to use it. I've seen some mind-blowing footage from both cameras....its all a matter of familiarity and skill (plus the ability to overcome the weaknesses of each camera).

I love this comparison..but the A1 is definitely better :)

I would say 40% better image quality

Thanks nate. I have a hard time quantifying the difference myself. There are still quite a few variables that I would have to account for (like shooting at the same aperature and approximate focal length). This isn't a scientific test by any means, and I hope that it doesn't discourage people from purchasing either camera (or a competing brand, for that matter).

Thanks for the test. It was enough to push me to finally order the XH A1 this morning. It should arrive in a couple of days!

I think white balance is the main difference in the footage, also the quality of the Lens and the 3ccd is a big upgrade for the A1, those among other reasons is why the the A1 is so much better and more expensive. If I had the money to spend on that camera without bracking the bank I'd get it without hesitating! :)

Well the xh-a1 definably has more flexibility, which might be getting in the way with the comparison. Since out of the box its a pretty flat image, when compared to the hv20/hv30 which has just a few presets getting them close isn't very easy. Also too, lets consider the hardware and means of image acquisition. The XH-A1 has 3 CCD chips while the HV30 has 1 CMOS. the single chip contender is going to lose detail at extreme values quicker just because its one chip. They are both great cameras and really both are good deals for the price. the HV20/30 really gives a pro camera a run for its money. but the XH-A1 is IMO the best prosumer HDV for the price.

Really interesting Oren, thanx a lot for doing this!. So, I guess it will be fairly easy to match this cams in post, on a 2 cam configuration, say a wedding, right?

(I mean, not exactly matched, but close enough to give the viewers a smooth watching experience)

No sweat. I did it to see how well they would match on my wedding shoots. For the most part (6 weddings later), I'm pleased with the little HV30. Outdoors, you can get decently close results. Best to shoot both cameras on preset outdoor white balance so there is no drift (and color corrections can be copied equally between both cameras). A bit of sharpening on the HV30 would be needed on the tight shots, but as a wide unmanned/backup..it holds its own. The faces tend to be much more saturated (and slightly red) with the HV30, noticeable more in shaded/indirect sun (especially when zoomed in).

They're close, but I find the XH-A1 has superior depth of field (no surprise here, it has 3X as much glass) and better definition overall.

On the other hand, the HV30 has a punchiness that the A1 seems to lack. I suspect that's because the HV30 is designed to be a bit oversaturated right out of the box.

Man what settings did you use?
I'm trying to match the colors for both cameras and I'm having a hard time.

Nice comparison. Looks like Alum Rock Park?

Man now i dont know what to buy. I can get a XHa1 for 2k right now, but i can also get a hv30 for 450...