Canon XL2 or XHA1

the firestore can record the exact same hdv video that you'd get on hdv tape... the video signal is transmitted through a firewire connection to the firestore, where it's recorded onto a hard drive.

i used a dv-based firestore, and it was a revolution back in its day... plug it into your edit system and start editing immediately... i usually copied the files over to my computer first, for backup purposes... here is the firestore review that i wrote on my unit, the newer hdv firestores are similar:
Firestore FS-4 Review

unfortunately, afaik, none of the firestores will transcode video, they can only record the video signal that comes down the firewire cable... in this day and age, they are essentially obsolete, because of solid-state camcorders like the panasonic hmc150, or this little hf11 that i'm using.

with the hf10/hf11/hg20(?), you can record directly to an sd card, then pop it into your computer, and start editing... with the latest sony vegas pro, i can do cuts-only editing on the 6750 core2duo; it plays back at about half-framerate, as long as there are no titles or things like cross-dissolves.

osv wrote in post #6770776
the firestore can record the exact same hdv video that you'd get on hdv tape... the video signal is transmitted through a firewire connection to the firestore, where it's recorded onto a hard drive.

i used a dv-based firestore, and it was a revolution back in its day... plug it into your edit system and start editing immediately... i usually copied the files over to my computer first, for backup purposes... here is the firestore review that i wrote on my unit, the newer hdv firestores are similar:
Firestore FS-4 Review

unfortunately, afaik, none of the firestores will transcode video, they can only record the video signal that comes down the firewire cable... in this day and age, they are essentially obsolete, because of solid-state camcorders like the panasonic hmc150, or this little hf11 that i'm using.

with the hf10/hf11/hg20(?), you can record directly to an sd card, then pop it into your computer, and start editing... with the latest sony vegas pro, i can do cuts-only editing on the 6750 core2duo; it plays back at about half-framerate, as long as there are no titles or things like cross-dissolves.

That's good. Thanks for the info.

We went from an XL1s and an XL2 to a pair of XHA1's.
Overall, we are pleased with them. the only drawback with them is the XLR audio selection. If you want to go from an XLR input back to the onboard Mic, you have to pause the camera since it is a software switch in the cameras menu.
The XL1 and 2 have mechanical audio switches on the side of the camera.

i think that you lose a couple of tracks of audio with the new xha1... it can't record 4 seperate tracks of audio(?)

I'll take this as my next camcorder, thank you very much.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …PMW_EX1_XDCAM_E​X_SxS.html

Or the EX3 if i want lens interchangability.

I have Canon XL1s, 16X and 3X lens. But almost never use 3X lens. Interchangeable lens camcorder might not for everybody. Except you have money and like to play arround.

The Sony EX1 and EX3 are wonderfull, 1/2" CMOS Full HD. But SxS memory card are too too expensive.

Just wondering why Canon still not release Full HD with memory card recording media. 5D Mk II can not record seamless after 12 minutes or 4GB. This too bad.