November 4th, 2009 
pkinvest Is it worth it to spend that much on an old camera like the XL1 or XL1s with technology advancing as it is? I want to be able to switch in and out of focus quickly and be able to zoom pretty fast too.
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In that price range, the xl1/xl1s is not a bad option. Even though they are old, they are quality cameras.
Another option for that price range is Panasonic’s AG DVX100. This is the godfather of indie film making and a ‘go to’ camera for many film makers to this day. Definitely check this camera out. It records in 24p which mimics the frame rate of film cameras giving you that “movie look.”
You might also try looking for an xl2. the xl2 is a big step up from the xl1 giving you the option to shoot in 24p, 30i, or 60i. You can also choose between recording in 4:3 or 16:9. plus several other improvements.
You might be able to find an xl2 in your price range, but I seriously doubt there will be a sony fx1 anywhere near 1k.
Good Luck!
The XL1 / s has the benefit of a zoom ring, but it is actually motorised and not suitable for a crash zoom.
There are a couple of things against an XL1 or XL1s:
An XL1 could be up to 11 years old.
An XL1s will be no newer than 4 years old.
Apart from wear and tear both have 4:3 aspect chips, really in this day and age you want widescreen aspect chips, and preferably hi def (good to have the option)
I would look for a used Sony FX1 instead, as it also has the manual zoom ring.
The XL1 is 3 chip but they compromised by using low pixel count 4:3 chips making it totally unsuitable for widescreen mode shooting.