Canon XL2 still good to buy?

Question

Im deciding if I should buy the canon XL2. This camera does not film HD 1080p. Since it doesnt film HD is it still ok to buy without it becoming outdated too fast?

Answer 1

Yes, despite not being a High Definition Camcorder, the XL2 is still great! Just because HD cameras are out now, that does not make the XL2 any worse. On the contrary, because of the emergence of HD, the older professional standard definition camcorders are great values; the XL2 was considerably more when it first came out.

   In my opinion, I would NOT consider buying a professional HD camcorder at the moment. HD is still a somewhat new technology, therefore, much much more expensive. I would wait several years, and they will definately go down in price. I have a standard definition pro camcorder, and I have not missed HD; I guarentee that standard definition will never become outdated- you will always be able to edit on computer and view on your TV. I think you woud be perfectly fine without HD unless you plan to film a feature film to be released across the nation. So in conclusion, I would buy the XL2.

One last piece of advise, though: I recommend trying to buy an older, used Canon XL2 for one reason: Canon recently removed the 24p (24 Progressive Scan, or a mode that simulates the "old school" film look- like that on a professional film camcorder used on big movie productions today). I have no idea why they did this because I personally love the 24p feature. You may be able to find a used model with the 24p, and it would be cheaper too!!! Of course, if 24p doesn't mean much to you, don't bother, and get a new one!

Answer 2

The only difference between the XL2 and the cameras now is that the XL2 isn't HD. Still a great cam. Even for 3 years it will still be good.