I've got 3 weeks left in my first year of advanced media. I want to buy a propper camera of my own for second year as im working over the xmas break and will earn a lot of dough. I've had my heart set on the canon xl2 which i can get for AU$3500 to AU$4000 second hand. But i'm wondering if i should compromise on lens quality to get a HD camera. Is the XL2 realy the best choice? Most of the work we do in the course is SD but HD might look a lot nicer? My friend who is also doing the course just bought an xl2 but i gota say im not that impressed with the image. maybee hes just not that good at it yet?

Any advice on what to buy?

The XL2 has some nice features on it but if you were going to spend 4k on a camera, you might as well save up an extra 5oo$AU and buy the XHA1. You can get them for 4500$AU from a store in New Zealand. Either that or the JVC GYHD100E is awesome quality for 6500$AU from the same store. I don't have the website address on me but you might be able to find the store through google.

i definately agree with CJK. The XHA1 is freaking awesome. Save some more money and get the xha1.

wow first post. im always on here i just never post

I own a JVC HD110, but I'd recommend you get the A1 based on the price range you indicate. You can get an A1 for a similar price as a fully-equipped XL2, and you do NOT compromise the lens quality. Both those cameras have better lenses than the standard Fujinon on my HD110. The JVC is an amazing camera, but it's built like a wind-up toy. You can drop a Canon down a mountain and still expect it to work.

Happy hunting.

I am making a film in February and we are using two XL2s. Can you suggest an appropriate kit list to go with it (matte-box, lens, etc...) Everything I suggest is often inappropriate to the camera!