Suggest a video camera???

[loanstar]

Hi, I'm wondering if someone "in the know" might help me understand what video camera might be the best one for me to purchase. I currently own a VX2000 and like it very much, but I want to upgrade a bit. I shoot for an outdoor television show so picture quality is important. I'm looking for a quality TV network capable camera, easy to use and in a price range up to $3k. People have reccomended the Sony PD170, others say the Canon XL2, but I want to make sure, so you're suggestions and reasoning would be much appreicated. Thanks!

[daamon]

Hi loanstar,

I was gonna suggest the XL2 - I'm looking at the XM2 for prosumer use, and all the reviews I've read say Canon has the better optics.

This site: http://www.camcorderinfo.com would be a really good place to ask your question.

Good luck and enjoy...

[loanstar]

Thanks Daamon, I appreciate the info and link.

[daamon]

No problem. I've just noticed that that was your first post - welcome to the forums and the site...

[thecoalman]

Just purchased the Canon GL2, I'll have to say the picture is superb. No complaints yet, only had it a week so I haven't been able to thoroughly give it trial run.

I'll be trying it out at a local club taping a band, this seems to be a problem for most cameras.... mostly the red lights falring. I have another thread going that I'm going to post some screenshots in when I get a chance. Look down a few threads there is one screenshot there.

[pijetro]

There's a fairly new Panasonic (can't remember the name), but it allows for 30 Progressive frames, 60 interlaced frames, and 24 Full frames (which is film).
It's supposedly the first consumer based, professional movie camera..The next model up jumps to 15k....

But yeah, the GL2 seems to be a good workhorse...

Good luck!!

[thecoalman]

There's a fairly new Panasonic (can't remember the name), but it allows for 30 Progressive frames, 60 interlaced frames, and 24 Full frames (which is film).
It's supposedly the first consumer based, professional movie camera..The next model up jumps to 15k....

But yeah, the GL2 seems to be a good workhorse...

Good luck!!

The GL2 does 24fps framed based too, I read quite afew articles and reviews and many said the panasonic (I don't have the name either) excelled in this area.

[loanstar]

Is the Panasonic you're talking about the DVX100? I've read a comparison with that camera against the GL2 and this particular article favored the GL2, but only slightly, mostly becasue of the interchangable lense capability. In terms of spec's, they were very similar.

What about the PD170? Does anyone think this camera is better, reccomendable, or better than my current VX2000? Keep in mind this footage is 90% shot outdoors and for a sports network...

Thanks again everyone for you're help.

[pijetro]

Is the Panasonic you're talking about the DVX100?

Bingo!!!
I believe Premiere Pro offers a plugin, or update that allows for editing this specific format...
Take what i say at face value.
I'm just a dreamer..

[zorankarapancev]

I am a profesional videographer and I use a Sony DSR300 and I don't have a personal experience with the Sony PD170 and the CanonXL2. Some of our free lencers use the PD170 and the CanonXL1. I can tell you that the PD170 is better then the XL1 and the GL2. I had a chance to work with the XL1 for short period of time and I can tell you that camera (same design as XL2) has the worst ergonomics then any camera I have ever used in my life.