Canon XHA1

Excellent – I have been using the XHA1s model for over 2 years now and found it to be extremely reliable, hard wearing and great quality. This camera takes a while to get used to, especially if you have come from a cheaper more consumer type. The XHA1 records to mini DV tape and for me that was ok. Tape is ideal for archiving original material and is reliable. The twin XLR audio inputs are magnificent also and provide the user with professional audio every time. Sturdy, professional image and sound quality, has great manual controls, everything is adjustable if desired Average low light performance, LCD screen is too small, flimsy plastic port covers on rear, hard to hand hold for long as it gets heavy,

Excellent – Great for video enthusiasts, would be more realistic priced for the quality if the price was at least $1500 lower. I love it, I want it! A real low to mid range broadcast quality camera capable of high end results in the correct hands! Its still a low to mid range quality broadcast level camera and its a canon guaranteed to be more plastic than metal parts...

Excellent – This camera can be made to 'sing' in the right hands. It can challenge Broadcast vid cams at 5 times the price. But be honest though - if you don't have experience with serious HDV Broadcast-style cams, do yourself a favour and go for something easier (JVC Everio, et al) - and cheaper! This is a camera which in the right hands is as good as a Broadcast camera. For its price it is simply amazing. As a pro with over 20 years experience in Broadcast, this is the camera I've been waiting for in terms of quality and price. Not so much as a 'con', but unless users know how to 'swing camera', this is not for them. If you want 'point and shoot', there are some excellent, cheaper HDV cams on the market which will give similar results without the lifetime 'learning curve'. This camera is for the pro, or at the very least, the very serious amateur.

Good – The Canon A1 is a great semi/pro video camera. HDV is here to stay and the A1 has mastered the image quality. Although the camera is a bit pricey is performance and manual controls all get a tick from me. Only downside is that the LCD is a quite low resolution, but overall a great camera. Excellent video quality- HDV is a big step up from DV Lens delivers sharp image, optical stabilization is very useful

Manual controls are quite good

Auto focus is very quick LCD screen is not high resolution

The A1 is quite pricey for what it is