Help deciding between canon xl2 and panasonic ag-dvx100b

[macdvuser]

Hey everyone,
I am looking to buy a camcorder for a wide range of uses, including film making, wedding/party filming and show/music filming.
I used to own a Sony HDR-FX1, but sold it as I realised that HDV wasn't what I needed, as I recorded in DV mode. The FX1 performs poorly in low light situations and has no 24p.
I am interested in the Panasonic AG-dvx100b and the canon xl2 as both are good in low light and have 24p.
Just need help deciding which one to choose or advice on any alternatives.
Help is very much appreciated!

 

[TaKashMoney]

Both cameras that you mentioned are great cameras, and you really can't go wrong with them. A lot of people really like the colors of the Panny, and make sure you check out the XL2 because the body is not a traditional shape.

However, with that being said, are you sure you don't even want the option of HDV? I realize that you didn't shoot in it with your Sony, but a camera like the Canon XHA1 shoots at 24fps and has fairly good low-light capabilities that certainly rival the XL2 and 100xb.

I was deciding between the same cameras at the beginning of this year, really thinking that HD was just not practical for me. I was set on getting the XL2 until I realized the XHA1 was the same price (this is because it can't change out lenses without an adapter, which might be a dealbreaker for you). I couldnt justify paying $3000 for a camera with 8 year old technology, that was not even future-proofed with HD capabilities. I went with the XHA1 and now couldnt imagine ever shooting in standard def again.
HDV gives you the exact same file sizes as DV, and even my consumer macbook can edit it without a problem. Just my 2 cents...

 

[macdvuser]

Thanks for the help. Just wanted to know if the XHA1 has the same cine capabilities as the XL2:
Cine feel
Film-like texture, tone and expression are now routine, with 25p recording and a special Cine Look mode. Gamma curve controls include Knee adjustments to tame white clipping and Black controls bring out or suppress detail in the low brightness areas. Colour matrix is selectable from Video and Cinema, while V Detail allows flexible resolution in the vertical direction. Skin Detail allows control over phase and chroma for softer, warmer skin tones. A Film Grain setting adds the warmth and natural compression of film. Manual control is provided over Master RGB, Setup level, Master Pedestal, Gain, Coring, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Colour Gain and Hue.

The link below has a detailed video review for the XL2 and talks about these features.
http://www.dvcreators.net/canon-xl2/
Again, the help is very much appreciated !