I am currently saving money for my first indie camera. I have done some research and found some models which I found interesting.
- Panasonic AG-DVX100
- Sony HDR-FX1
- Canon XL-2
- Panasonic PV-GS400
- Sony DCR-VX2100
- Canon GL-2
My question is, how do they work out in the field? Any information would be appreciated, also if you have used one just for one day, rented it, or if you have an older model in the line. Another important aspect for me is price. I do not mind spending more money, as long as it is justified. So is the $2000 I spend more on the Canon XL-2 over the Sony DCR-VX2100 worth it?
The most important thing for me is image quality.
Please share your thoughts and opinions, and suggest other camera models as well if I did not include them in my list.
"Revenge is a dish best served cold."
"Revenge is a dish best served cold."
I?ve used five of those cameras. Of the ones you list I like the DVX100 best.
But the camera I bought was the JVC GY-DV5000. After doing several side by side tests (including a transfer to 35mm) I chose the JVC.
?url? http://pro.jvc.com/prof/Attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101367?/url?
My movies go to DVD and the quality is exceptional.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
My god, the very sight of that camera causes salivation.
I own a Canon GL2 and love it, the image quality is incredible for its price and the color is great, the only thing i have not liked about it is the built in mic is not the best in the world. One feature that places the GL2 above the others in its price range is the 30FPS mode which is useful for getting a CineLook.
I would say if you could afford it go for the XL2 the image quality is amazing, it looks very close to cameras that cost $10,000 more.
Also if you're thinking of going the HD route remember that you will need to upgrade your editing station and you will need HD TV's to take advantage of that feature.
So in short my advice, if you're going under $2500 get a GL2, if you have the money get the XL2
you can find the xl2 for $2900 at ?url? http://digitalliquidators.com?/url?
the DVX100A is very good as well.
i've got a bit of experience with the pv-gs120 ( an earlier version of the pv-gs400) and it's great for a palmcorder. the image quality is really good thanks to the 3 CCDs. but i'd recommend the xl2( which i'll be getting sometime)if you've got the moolah.
DVX100
check out the trailer here...
http://www.parasiteproductions.com
http://www.parasiteproductions.com
I'd be hard-pressed to consider anything other than an FX1 or Z1 at the moment, unless I had a guarantee that the end result would be getting a film transfer and cinema release... even then the Z1 at 25fps would quite probably be better than any of the other cameras at 24fps.
Other than some question-marks over tape dropouts and editing, about the only issue I've seen in comparisons between the FX1 and other cameras is that it's not quite as good in low-light shooting (thanks to small CCDs with lots of pixels): but if you're shooting drama you probably won't be shooting in low-light anyway.
Either way, second choice would have to go to DVX100 or XL2: I wouldn't shoot on anything that doesn't have a true 16:9 mode anymore for anything that I planned to try to distribute in any significant way.
ughh... parasite, yes your footage looks nice - and I've seen your advertising
I've a Canon GL2 and I think the images are great. I've seen other footage online but have never had the situation to compare. The DVX looks fantastic, especially with the addition of 24p. I've never shot with an XL series camera; I can only imagine that the ability to change lenses puts it above all else. Plus the XL2 shoots 24p and true 16:9.
So, I guess deciding upon a camera for indy film, my choice of camera would be the XL2.
