Canon XH-A1 & Underwater Housings

Anyone considering working with the Canon XH-A1 underwater? Personally, I am trying to decide between the Sony FX7 and the this Canon. From the reviews, it seems the Canon is a better camera for only a little more money. Importantly, it is reported to have better low light capabilities.

The issue is being able to purchase a housing by May for an extended trip in the Cook Islands. I have been told Gates plans to have one by July, which does not help. I would have preferred a Gates. I see Equinox is offering a housing built upon order; however, I do not know much about them. I really would like to stay with manual controls as I will be in the South Pacific for three months and repairs would be an issue. I am even going purchase two of which ever camera I choose to have a back up.

Anyone considering the Canon XH-A1 to use underwater or have any news on upcoming housings. Or should I consider another camera for a better option on housings.

This being such an extended trip, I hate to make a poor decision. Definitely appreciates your folks thoughts.

Jonah

Obviously very few people have taken the XH underwater.

With the XH, you get amazing picture customization and awesome if not the best resolution picture (on a screen and not imatest) in HDV. Picture is excellent quality but you are dependent on the optics of the housing to exploit it.

Low light ability is slightly better than the Z1 judging from the conditions I witnessed.

I really like the camera and recommend it if you want maximum image control on camera.

If not you may wish to consider the V1U, which manufacturers should have housing out by March/April.

Low light ability is slightly better than the Z1 judging from the conditions I witnessed.

I have dowloaded the canon xhg1/a1 user manual. Under minimum illumination it says:

0.4 lux (60i/30F mode, manual mode, 1/4 shutter, F1.6, Gain 18db).

On camcorderinfo.com I have found:

60i, 1/60 ss = 7 lux, 1/30 ss=4 lux; 24F, 1/48 ss = 6 lux

I am considering the canon as a new baby to say hello to the sony a1 (nice small camera but awfull in low lux (7lux min. ill.)) but I cannot really understand what is the real minimum lux performance of the canon g1/a1 compared to the 3 lux of the sony z1.

Has anyone got the clue ?

Alberto

Alberto

That's the problem with the lux rating system. Manufacturers don't want to play fair. In the US, there is an agreed upon standard that manufacturers are suppose to use, but are not obligated to use. Hence the reliability of US advertising lux ratings are at best possibly comparably within the manufacturer's own product line (but at Sony, even they changed their own rules to get lower numbers) and totally unuseable comparing with other brands.

The Japanese have a standard test for all brands and cameras. It's not comprehensive but allows for direct comparison. Unfortunately, Canon played the little loophole in the test where they listed the absolute minimum specs for a pic. Hence the 0.4lux. For reference the XLH1 is 0.5.

My personal view is that at 6db gain, the XHA1 is as clean as the Z1 was in grain and color noise but has more play with custom controls and keeps shadow details a little better due to its higher resolution. At 18db, they are about the same but the image is just plain unuseable except in must have situations. This is off test tape I shot in Dec and by no means review quality, just a quick judgement comparison.

Hopefully I'll have a XHA1 review with housing in May or June, depending on the housing availability and my own time. I should have the HVR-V1U review by July too. Maybe sooner even. Yes Wetpixel is now going to have limited reviews of cameras and housings inhouse.

I am really interested to hear how this unit performs underwater., maybe it will be an option for some potential V1 shooters. In any case great to see a few options coming available .

Well hopefully I'll get to test the Gates housing in Africa if the timing is right. Hopefully I'll get a head to head shootout of the XH and V1U.