Video People! Which video camera should I get?

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

I was thinking between the Sony VX2000, Sony PD150, Canon GL1, Canon XL1, or the new Panasonic AGDVX100.

Tell me what you think.... please....all the help is greatly appreciated:) :p :)

[funkywhat2]

XL-1. It's a really good camera. My friend has one, getting a second, and it's great. We've made a few movies with it, and they're all super-clear quality. It's feels good on your shoulder, and the controls are nice, overall. Some of the buttons could be placed better, but overall a nice camera.

[SumDumGuy]

I can't say enough about my Canon GL-2. It's such an amazing camera. I've found the quality to be very close to the Canon XL-1s at a much lower price. Of course, the GL-2 doesn't have interchangeable EOS lenses, but do you REALLY need that? If you do, there are fisheye, telephoto, macro, and 16:9 lenses for the GL-2 as well (centuryoptics.com). I guess it depends on what you will use the camera for.

I prefer the form factor of the GL-2 over the XL-1s as well. Ever tried to shoot for an extended period of time with the XL-1? My shoulder got sore after using it. Of course, that may be just me.

My advice would be to try all the models you are interested in before you commit. The forums at DV.com are a great place to learn about all the different models. And decide beforehand exactly what you plan on doing with the cam. No use dropping that kind of money on a camera if you aren't going to use it to its full potential.

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

I thought about the whole EOS lenses thing.... Since I do have a bunch of lenses for my Canon already, that would be a great extra for the XL1. Even though the adapter does cost an additional $450

[jelloshotsrule]

isn't there supposed to be an update to the xl line sometime soon? i mean, it's due after all...

might want to check into that and possibly wait.


personally, i'd go for the new panasonic based on what i know.

though you can't change lenses and apparently the lens that comes with it isn't as good as the ones with the canon. though i think it's better in a lot of other ways...

keep us posted on which route you go.

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

yeah, I wanted to check out the new Panasonic at 24frames but the stupid reseller where I'm at doesn't have it. I'd like to really see this "Film" look from it....

[teabgs]

OK, I have a strong opinion on this....but it depends on what you want/need it for....

I just recently got a VX2000. I would have gotten the PD150, but I use it for videography and shooting Stop-motion into my computer. So I dont need the On camera xlr inputs and mixer. If you need to get good sound NOT from and omni mic, I'd say the PD150. Otherwise theyre basically the same camera.

I like the sony's better then Canon because they are better weighted, the Canon's are front heavy and strain the wrist. Also, they're heavy and clunky, and some of the buttons and input/outputs are in weird and imo stupid places. Also there is no LCD on the XL1...and I don't like the XL1's viewfinder because I find it not to be very crisp.

in lieu of my liking of Sony, if you can afford it and you are going to shoot live action to be transferred to film....get the Panasonic. I've "used it" in a store, but never in the field, as I have with all the other cameras except for the GL's. I personally don't have a need for it, but to be able to shoot 24FPS on DV....oh man. Slap some filters on it in post to add a little noise, maybe a little hue saturation..well, check out the Jan 2003 MacAddict "secret's of the pro's". Pretty nice way to get dv to look like film.

If you have a need, or even a strong want for 24fps and can afford it, get the panasonic. The VX2000 is about half the price and a wonderful camera, unless you want the xlr mic inputs...then get the PD-150. I personally don't like the feel of the canon's , though I cant say anythign about the GL's....

that's my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

The VX2000 is very tempting. The great thing about it is that I can use my old Sony TRV310's batteries on it.... hmmm.....

Now I'm between this:

Buy XL1 and be able to use my Canon EOS lenses or.....

Buy the VX2000 and already have 4 extra batteries for it......

[teabgs]

my vote obviously goes to the VX2000.....however, if you go with the XL1 and you dont know what to do with those batteries..... :D ;)

[Dignan]

I have a PD150, its great, but I recently saw full quality quicktime videos comparing it to the new 24p panasonic...panasonic has a MUCH better film look. Better, deeper blacks, and the whites arent all burned out, washing out the colors.

I say panasonic.

But personally, I'm waiting for Sony's response to the panasonic.


Also, having a flip out screen is really, really nice.

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

Originally posted by teabgs
if you go with the XL1 and you dont know what to do with those batteries..... :D ;)

I'll take that into consideration if/when I buy the XL1.... of course I could still use the TRV310 for cover shots, so, I don't know at this moment

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

Originally posted by Dignan
I have a PD150, its great, but I recently saw full quality quicktime videos comparing it to the new 24p panasonic...panasonic has a MUCH better film look. Better, deeper blacks, and the whites arent all burned out, washing out the colors.


Did you see the quicktime videos online? If so...do you know where I could see them....

[MacAztec]

Originally posted by ShaolinMiddleFinger
I was thinking between the Sony VX2000, Sony PD150, Canon GL1, Canon XL1, or the new Panasonic AGDVX100.

Tell me what you think.... please....all the help is greatly appreciated:) :p :)

Well, if you decide the Canon GL1, I have one for sale. Just PM or Email me. Its about the same as the XL1, but there are no interchangable lenses. Its a sweet camera.

[RBMaraman]

Originally posted by ShaolinMiddleFinger
yeah, I wanted to check out the new Panasonic at 24frames but the stupid reseller where I'm at doesn't have it. I'd like to really see this "Film" look from it....

I have a friend that just got the Panasonic. It is absolutely amazing. I would HIGHLY recommend it. The 24 fps make your shots look beautiful.

[dotcomlarry]

Regarding the XL-1, the organization I work for has had theirs sent to the shop twice for repairs. The first, admittedly, was human error (someone tripped over cables connected to it, and it took a tumble down a few steps and wouldn't turn on anymore). The second, however, is a bit weird: it plays and records tapes just fine, but don't try rewinding them... the XL-1 eats them. It's currently being repaired.

[Glossybear]

I've used all these cameras in the field except for the Panasonic (my boss wouldn't send me to DV EXPO :( ).

It really depends on what your shooting and what kind of support equipment you use.

Here are some of my thoughts.

The PD150 and XL1s are currently my 2 favorite cameras. The PD150 is better for hand-held work because it is better balanced. The PD150 also has on-board XLR, which is HUGE if you plan to record your sound on the DV tape. The XL1s has the lens options, and the Manuel lens that is availableness is GREAT (but an extra $1500).

The VX2000 is prettymuch a 150 w/o some of the bells and whistles (most notably the XLR) so if you are using a DAT or not too worried about audio this might be a good choice. And with either of the Sonys check out Century Optics for the .65 wideangle adapter. very nice.

The GL2 is a nice little camera, but not really upto snuff when it comes to printing to HD or 35. It has a VERY DV "look" and unless that is a stylistic choice, I would avoid the camera. UNLESS you are just shooting vacations, family stuff, Industrial videos, or weddings. The the GL2 might be perfect.

If I had 4 large to spend on a camera right now I would buy the Panasonic in an instant! I have heard nothing but glowing reviews of it, and its feature set is VERY impressive. The main disadvantage is in order to take advantage of the 24p you need Cinema Tools for FCP. At least until FCP4...

So my bottom line:
Go with the Panasonic if you are a DV movie maker.
Go with the VX2000 if your shooting personal stuff, industrial stuff, or guerilla stuff.

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

See, that's what I hear about the Panasonic but I still haven't seen it with my own eyes....

[asparagui]

I've got a GL1. It's a good camera.

However, as GlossyBear pointed out, the PD-150 and the VX-2000 are also very nice.

The XL1/XL1-S are nice cameras, but they're only worth the extra money if interchangeable lenses are an important thing to you.

-Brett
www.universe42.com

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

Hey folks,
Thanks for all the recommendations and information. I won't be buying a new camcorder soon due to the fact I have to pay $2100 for taxes....damn!

Thanks for all the info, though.

[MacAztec]

I have a GL1 if you are interested. And, there is no tax ;)

[LethalWolfe]

You've gotten some really good avice here.
DVX100 and PD150 (http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/review_dvx_pd150.html)

I personally don't like canon's because they "tweak" the timing of their camera's which can lead to sync hell.

If it was me I'd get one of the Sony camera's just because I don't like buying "brand new" products (especially expensive ones). I'll let other people take the plunge and see what people are saying 6-8 months down the line.

But you really can't go wrong w/any of the cameras you are looking at. It boils down to price, preference, and purporse.


Lethal

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

Originally posted by MacAztec
I have a GL1 if you are interested. And, there is no tax ;)

Thanks but I meant I had to pay Uncle Sam $2100 this year....

[MacAztec]

Originally posted by ShaolinMiddleFinger
Thanks but I meant I had to pay Uncle Sam $2100 this year....

Oh, that sucks :(

Anyways, if anyone is interested, its going for 1600...

[mcrain]

Originally posted by ShaolinMiddleFinger
Thanks but I meant I had to pay Uncle Sam $2100 this year....

Muhahahahahaha

Sorry, I couldn't resist...:D :D :D

[trebblekicked]

Originally posted by LethalWolfe

I personally don't like canon's because they "tweak" the timing of their camera's which can lead to sync hell.

Lethal

this used to be a problem...most editors compensate when using canon device control settings.

for my .02: i bought one of the first 500 XL-1's in 1998. I've kept up maintenance and never had a problem. i've put about 1500-1600 record/edit hours on it, dragged it across europe for two summers, shot two feature lengths, twenty shorts, four industrials, etc etc. The camera holds up. I just ordered an XL-1s.

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

Guys! I'm back again. It seems I don't have to pay $2100 to Uncle Sam.....woo hoo! I'm leaning towards the Panasonic now....

[mymemory]

The XL-1 is crap.

I'm always using other people cameras to record things and the XL-1 I just used it onces and that was it. It is everything the oposite of ergonimic and it doesn't have half the functions that you can get with the sony. The image is good but the sony is good too.

Many people like the XL-1 because it looks very exotic but as always... "no one is going to complain about something that is that expensive".

I would take the sony. What I like from the sony is that I can use it as a video capture device to capture from the VCR. You can do the same thing with the XL-1 but there is something anoying from that camera, I guess the lack of bottons and things like that. It is not that flexible I think. I can't remembre well, I just know I got one for a day and I was calling 30 minutes later for a sony camera.

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by trebblekicked
this used to be a problem...most editors compensate when using canon device control settings.

for my .02: i bought one of the first 500 XL-1's in 1998. I've kept up maintenance and never had a problem. i've put about 1500-1600 record/edit hours on it, dragged it across europe for two summers, shot two feature lengths, twenty shorts, four industrials, etc etc. The camera holds up. I just ordered an XL-1s.

It still is a problem because the "fixes" that NLE's try to use to counter the Canons' sync problems don't always work. I've got 12hrs of footage from an XL-1s that is outta sync. Is it a show stopping problem? No, but it is d@mn annoying.


Lethal

[Alte22a]

I have an XL-1 love it to bits but wished I bought the GL-1 or the now GL-2. GL-2 Image quality is very similar to Xl-1 in brightly lit situations. Is just the fact that Accessories are so pricy. Its alot of money to shell out, but accessories are also important like batteries, case external mics and stuff. Cause the standard mic on the XL-1 just sucks. Now when I work I have to rent extra stuff to finish jobs off. But The XL-1 is a good base to collect accessories for. Been using mine for 3 years now and it hasnt let me down. For the Sonys I`ve used the PD150 for a job and its great aswell. But so many good choices you just have to try them out. and see which one works for you. But wished I had more money left in my pocket to shell out on accessories when I bought the camera in the first place. Now the XL-1 wardrobe looks very respectable. :D

[Ifeelbloated]

Sneak on to a porn shoot. Then when everyone is getting all hot and heavy, club the camerman over the head and swipe his camera. They usually use good quality digital cameras now.

[macphisto]

I have 2 XL1s. Well, that is the company that I own does. They are great cameras. The only problem with them is that we have the NTSC versions so we have to run the footage through Cinetools or AfterEffects to get 24 fps. No worries though. I would recommend them as great cameras, but then again all the cameras you are looking at are great cameras.

[Alte22a]

Originally posted by Ifeelbloated
Sneak on to a porn shoot. Then when everyone is getting all hot and heavy, club the camerman over the head and swipe his camera. They usually use good quality digital cameras now.

Yeah I heard that they use XL-1s. One of the directors said if I was shooting porn with my camera when I brought it into the office to show the other office staff. :mad:

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

Hmmm...no idea if I'll be shooting porn with my new camera but I was asked to shoot a couple...