Looking for a camera

[ShBm]

Right now, I don't really have any money, and I'm not sure what my price range is. I'm getting a job, though, and my parents will help me. I'm going to study mass media and I need a camera. I'll probably make short films and stuff with it. Basically, I want to know how good of quality I can get out of a camera. I'm looking at the Sony VX-2100 or the Canon GL2. I'm just wondering how different they are and what type of quality I'm looking at, in comparison to film, tv, commercials, whatever. Is there something I would know of that has been filmed with one of these cameras (I'm thinking Cky, Jackass, Haggard, etc.)? Is the vx2100 worth $1000 more than the GL2? Or are other options like the trv950 or Panasonic pv-dv953 close enough in picture quality? I want something close to tv quality if it's possible.

[daamon]

Hi ShBm,

www.camcorderinfo.com will help you - there's reviews and a forum where regular camera users have commented, or will answer questions.

I own the Canon XM2 (GL2 in NTSC land) and have found it to be an excellent camera. My only criticisms are:

* On board mic isn't all that. But I've bought the Rode VideoMic and it's improved recorded sound quality very noticably.

* The exposure control, though manual, is only adjustable in discrete jumps of pre-defined amounts. So changing the exposure while recording isn't fluid and gradual.

These threads of mine might be of use:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=282090

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=275537

As well as this one from another XM2 (GL2) owner:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=242782

Good luck.