[Jason Goodwin]

I’m trying to make the same decision. The XF100 is a great camera with video quality rivaling the full frame 5D mk iii. Even better, It supports pro formats and as a camcorder is much more suited to video work then DSLRs. I’ve been doing all my video on DSLR so having pro audio inputs too at that price is a true godsend. The best advice I think to consider tho is that a camera is only 1/3 the purchase.

Included with a camera purchase, is also tripods, lights, memory, cases, filters, lens attachments, audio, and then there’s post processing. You’ll need a work station that can handle the larger file sizes.

If you already got all that stuff covered or figured it all into your budget then I’ll continue. These are some the pros and cons I’m considering so I thought I would share:

I understand the XF100 only records in MXF files. The XF200 can record in more MXF formats as well as MP4 simultaneously onto a separate SD card.

xf200 has 3 rings vs 1. I’m sure its one of those things you won’t miss until you have it.

Xf200 has a touch screen, I use a t4i sometimes and this is an excellent and useable feature. Ads an artful touch to autofocus shots.

20x zoom. Say it with me. 20X ZOOM. Us wedding videographer want this. We want this badly.

The XF200 also has more up to date specs than the XF100. You’ll get wifi, which is great when paired with an iPad. Also for running and gunning the XF200 has more image stabilization. I don’t want to spend all my money on a glide cam, so that’s $500 back in my budget just for buying the xf200.

Also, if you’re considering the xf100 on price alone I might recommend the XA20 for an additional $1000 in savings. It’s a tiny camera that boasts many great features at only $1500. It has the same lens as the XF200 with wifi, xlr inputs, the only draw backs I’ve noticed is changing settings through the menu is a chore, and the battery bumps my cheek when I use the eye cup. But still, small sacrifices for huge savings.

The XF200 does do 1080/60p but not at 50Mbps. So you’re MP4 will be 35 Mbps at 1080/60p but at 50Mbps you get 1080/60i or 720/60p.

Another huge thing I think about the xf200 is the rotating handle. It looks like it will make getting some shots a lot more comfortable without having to hold your wrist at weird angles.

The only cons for the xf200 are 1.) it costs $3500 and 2.) there won’t be any cheaper third party batteries available for a while. Which means back up batteries will cost you $200 until that happens. I’m sure WASABI will have something soon, but it could take awhile.

That’s really all I can think of. In my mind, going with the xf100 means settling for less features but still getting a really solid camcorder with a professional look and most importantly dedicated buttons (vs the xa20 which must be operated via touch screen), but getting the xf200 means spending $1000 more. Looking at pricing trends in previous models, the price will drop as low as $2900 by summer 2016 and then something more new and exciting will be around for us to debate on purchasing. Best of luck! Post back, I’m interested to see what you decide on.