Deciding between two video cameras

Hello to all,

First sorry for the long question(s) however many thanks for input

See Links at the end…

I'm trying to decide between two cameras (Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM or the Canon XF100) as this would be my "A" cam for future Shorts and maybe some really cool vacation stuff but Shorts are first and foremost. I have read from some members here about their hands on take of Canon's cameras but not so much on or about the lower end Sony gear so any input is greatly invited. Also my budget is for either model at this time but as the Sony has a rebate offer that helps greatly placing extra money in other places (audio or lights). With that said, you will see below there are always ways to offset cost in one form or another. My main focus is quality of the video, features second or I should really say 1b and add on gear is then placed behind that.

Example, quality of video, good colors or too much and things get into trouble in post. Next, functions such as a focus ring(s) and manual controls so that a persons ear is sharper than their eyes Not last but how is the audio? XLR inputs are great but if the unit on the camera is bad or not enough control so why pay extra for less per se if you can't use it at all.

I'll start with which models I'm looking at, then let you know what I'm using as of now and go from there… (I'll add links at the end of this also).


First, I'm interested in the Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM Compact Camcorder. I like the fact it is built for certain areas, not in a studio's control such as mist (I video around Niagara Falls a good amount), some dirty areas (aka dust) and rugged for different weather conditions.
Small is nice for what I'll be doing, the XLR audio inputs are welcome and a good amount of inputs/outputs in general is nice. The ability to record in 60p if I need to or want to and just from using it's baby brother, the Sony HDRPJ710V Camcorder, I've been very impressed by the colors, stabilization (can't stress this enough for hand held) and over all fit and finish. Only down side to the 710, manual controls are one at a time and no full audio control, only two modes but idiot proof and clean so it is fine and would end up being used as my "B" cam.

The second camera is the Canon XF100 Camcorder.
I should start by saying I have the Canon HF-S21 and really like all the controls it offers and would give an additional "point" over the Sony 710 because I have full control over the audio and it can piggy-back recording from one card to the next or both at once which is very nice.
So, while I do like the Canon unit I have, this doesn't have to make the cut for a "B" cam at this point because I plan on using the Sony 710. I must admit I'm not sure if Canon's big brother, the FX100 can give any better quality of video since they use the same senor chip which is where my concern comes into play for the price. Also I'm not thrilled with the stabilization of the Canon unit (when zooming in around the half way point and on) and extra care has to be taken when hand held, not sure about the XF100 and for the price I would hope it would be better. Again though to be fair my "A" cam will mostly be on a tripod or Jib but at the cost for either unit it is a definite plus having good quality when not mounted.

Back to the audio, I like the Canon's audio when using my Rode Mic and hoping for some feedback about the XF100's audio? Like anything I understand a good mic goes a long way and while I was on a tight budget a few years back I have had great luck with my RodeVideoMic. I would look into using with either camera unit a Rode NTG-2 unless there is something else people find better for the same or close to cost amount.

I know some may suggest a Panasonic in the same price/model range but I'm not impressed with the video quality and a few other things I've read about. Not to mention I watched first hand some struggles a few have had in lower light situations which I want to stay away from. Some of my shorts will be darker to some degree but again I'm aware of the lighting and balance needed to pull off what I'm looking for.

Overall cost to invest into another unit of either brand plays a part as well as I mentioned briefly above however it is secondary to quality. See below as to why.

I don't want to list everything but the things that stand out as important and other specs that can make two very good units come closer or further apart in the final decision making process.

My Pros/Cons for Sony short list:

Uses the same SD cards as I have now, Just bought this summer new SD cards of all sizes at highest quality so I'm set there. Plus they work in my D7000 so it's a bonus. This helps on my Macs since I don't need to have readers hooked up and any chances of broken or lost parts.

Great colors but hoping the Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM has the same or better quality as the 710 and any real world info or feedback is greatly welcomed.

Batteries, yeah I know, I have to have them no matter what but the small Sony unit uses the same as it's big brother and again I have plenty of them so that is an investment factor though not as much as function and final output is which I have not mentioned enough
The description of rugged and weather sealed is a nice bonus and what appears to be a nice viewfinder for those really bright days.

Canon short list:

I am comfortable with the menu system so adding extras is just that, things to make the filming a better flow and to get use to like buttons and the like.

The HF-S21 has a nice picture, gets better when editing/correcting the color in post and I can only hope the XF100 can do the same, feedback welcome.

A bit concerned about how steady the XF100 is handheld and since it will be heavier I would like some feedback on that part.

I would need different cards to record to and then again a CF reader as well for offloading the video, not a deal breaker but budget cost adding here.

My only other concern is you can get the 50/60p added to the Canon unit but I'm not sure how much extra this is and if the quality ends up degrading or improving, again any feedback would be great.

While I don't think either unit you could go wrong with I would like to know how these compare or are they really different in the long run?

Links below:

Canon FX100
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/733533-REG/Canon_4888B001_XF100_HD_Professional_Camcorder.html

Sony
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761581-REG/Sony_HXR_NX70U_HXR_NX70_Compact_Dust_and.html

 

It's all funny since BH and other places still have the name camcorder after everything including the Black Magic VHS, too funny but so true thinking back to family events and seeing one of those on someones shoulder.

Thanks to coldsweat for the info, I've been all over looking at video, issues and complaints from both and some fixes for both as well. I know nothing is perfect and I know my cameras have a few issues as well.

Thanks for the link mBox I will check that out with my coffee

 

Thanks Zwhaler I did look at your videos as I use to play the drums before my back injury. A sweet gig would be getting video of the drum off from Guitar Center

I was just saying last night, if the Canon still had the $500 rebate the decision might be much easier but I'm a tad bit late to the party, laughs. That has the big part as well MacBookOrozak as I've been all over YouTube and every where else looking at footage from dawn until dusk and some night video.

This one really has me on the fence about both, see link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwkbXMqB4O0&feature=related

One question, was most of the footage shot hand held and how do you like the stabilization? I know my HF-S21 could really be better in this department but again I could also have a handheld rig for it as well if I really wanted (see below).

 

Brief update, called up BH yesterday and spoke to a helpful guy in the pro video section of the store to help out with some questions since no place around me has either camera on hand.

The Sony while good in the stabilization department, it does not have the same system as the NX30 or the Sony PJ710V which has the newest in the stabilization optics. So if others are wondering that is a factor if going mostly hand held.

The Canon FX 100 as others have mentioned produces great colors and if you need it to be a must (I'm not sure how much it will matter) is broadcast certified by the BBC. He gave me a few links for some fantastic video footage at night hand held and it looks great.

My only question left really is what is the refresh cycle for cameras in this area or range? I know the Sony came out October/November 2011 but when did the Canon units come out? I know the more consumer type units are or have been around a year to 18 month cycle but all things considered with the Japan happenings it seems to be a bit off. Both of these may not be placed into that area for sales/marketing but who knows what companies are thinking.

I really can't find anything concerning an updated unit for either company and I just want to make sure for the dollar amount I don't pull the trigger if I missed an announcement of new units rolling out soon.

All things considered I most likely will order the Sony this week once BH reopens after their holiday off. Once I get my camera I will post some links and answer any Q's the best I can to help out others on the fence like I have been.

Thanks to everyone here for all the help, links and so on