On Sun, 16 Jun 2002 09:01:43 +0200, "Jonathan Gift" wrote:

>With the new 1 LCD replacing the present 3LCD system in cameras (I forget
>the name of the company which produced and is licensing this revolution), is
>this about to happen to DVCams.

Foveon - and it is a "wait and see" situation. The first
still SLR with the Foveon chip (Sigma) is supposed to
appear this summer. This will tell us some things, but
not whether or not the chip is suitable for camcorder use.
If it is, it may be VERY interesting - but cameras using
it are likely quite a while away in any case...

>In concrete terms. I've been hearing a lot about the Canon XL 1S.

Good Canon marketing at work...;-)

>1. Is it the best quality camera in the price range for semi-pro output?

No, in terms of picture quality. Look at the Sony
PD150/VX2000 for best-picture-for-money (or the more
expensive Sony DSR250, Panasonic 200, or JVC 500
shoulder-mount cameras - see
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm for
more on some of these.)

>2. Is there new technology around the corner so it's better to wait ona
>purchase X months?

No major mfgr. of camcorders has expressed interest
in developing a camera based on the Foveon chip,
as far as I know. But, who knows what will appear,
and when...

>3. Is there an upcoming camera or model to replace this one out soon?

3-CCD cameras have long model "run" times...

>This is a new field for me and I have a lot of research to do.

I would do more before buying an XL-1, though for
very specific needs, it may still be the answer for
you...