So, I'm on the market for a 3chip camera
 

and after doing a some research, I really like the Panasonic AG-DVC80. It is essentially the same camera as the DVX100a, same 1/3 inch CCD's, same lens, same audio components.... Without the progressive scan and 24p. Which I don't care about because I'm not interested in the film look, I want crisp clears pictures so my members can get a good jerk on.

It seems Pana's cameras are getting rave reviews for there Leica Dicomar lenses and superb audio over the sony's. I also heard there have been audio problems with the PD170.

Here's my choices... sony VX2100, PD170. Pana DVC80, DVX100a


What do you educated videographers think? :glugglug



P.S. The DVC80 is $1300 bucks cheaper then the DVX100a.

Damn... Check out the Price for this baby...

http://www.bwayphoto.com/product.asp...dvc80&l=google


http://img.shopping.com/cctool/PrdIm...d/20765405.JPG

3-CCD Hand Held Mini-DV Camcorder: 1/3 3-CCD Mini-DV camcorder w/Precision Wide-angle Lens w/Servo/Manual Zoom (stops & barrel markings). Auto / Manual Focus f1.6 w/72mm filter size. F11 @2000 lux, min illumination: 3 lux (at +18dB). Advanced optical image stabilization. Conventional 4:3 aspect ratio & 16:9 letterbox image capture modes. 6 User settable Scene Files & 2 direct access User Set buttons. S-Video, Video & Stereo Audio IN & OUT. IEEE 1394 interface (in/out) for transfer of digital video/audio to NLE platforms. 2ch XLR audio inputs w/phantom power supply (48V) & manual audio levels. Flip-out 270 3.5 LCD panel w/superimposed audio metering on both LCD & EVF. Well balanced & highly portable. 4.2 lbs in full operating condition. 1.6 Ah Battery, AC Adapter, Mic holder, remote control, shoulder strap, lens cap, cleaning tape

I shoot with a vx2100 my partner shoots with a dvx100a there both great cameras the only advantage the dvx100a has is the 3.5 inch lcd.. I love my sony you can't go wrong with sony... here is a clip shot with my sony


http://www.dirtydanza.com/nikki.wmv you can't beat the vx2100 in my opnion.. the 24p really is not that noticable... only to the trained eye your surfers will not notice... you can icq me if you have any questions..

Thanks for the input Dirty...

I'm still liking the Pana... It's got to be the best camera for the money. It's got 1/3 inch chips and a great lens, for $2100.

Sony has the better lux rating, but I don't shoot in low light. I use lights. and 3 lux ain't bad.


B and H has good prices

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=277532&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=303956&is=REG

I have had my Sony VX2100 for a month and I think it is excellent. I went Sony cause I was able to get a deal, and I already had one.

In truth, you will be happy with any one of the cameras you mentioned.

Go with the one that feels the best in your hands.

:rasta

the sony is built like a tank, i'd go for it,

i have the vx2000

I'd go with the panasonic it has 24frames per second,
looks as great as film!

think of it this way though, if your doing it for a site, and that site gets big enough...why not get the best you can so you can archive all your tapes, then release a dvd of your best material later?

24 fps needs a very steady hand or a tripod, especially when using zoom

Cannon Xl 1s

http://www.canondv.com/xl1s/f.html

Kind of big but I like mine :)

Mee Too!

so are u using it yourself ?

if you want a smaller 3ccd cam i would go with the canon gl2 .. best colour that I have seen in a pro-sumer(or professional, for that matter) 3ccd cam. good luck -g

I don't want the Film look. I want the live video look.

That's the plan.

Any 3 chip cam wiil be good for DVD as long as the lighting and audio are not compromised.

the gl2 is an excellent choice and the prices have come down a bit lately. canon cameras are solidly built and have (imo) the best lenses.

the xl 1 s is cool, but it's overkill for 99.9 % of what pornographers shoot.

the vx2100 is 1/3 chips as well... trust me I have shot with both.. you will like the vx2100 better cause you can lock the iris and the panasonic you can but it still does not do the job that the vx2100 does....

Panasonic just introduced a 3 CCD cam for lightweight use. The GS200.

All of them, will be good for DVD's
you just need to know the basics of DVD Autoring,
or just go with the simple softs IDVD for Mac, and DVDIT for PC.

This sounds like a good choice too!

Yeah, I'm thinking Sony because of the better lux rating, I'll be using this camera for mainstream use too, and I'll be doing some nightlife bar scene shoots as well as live bands with this.

I also heard the audio hum in the PD170 is fixed.

Thats a nice camera

Wrong. That's the cam of choice down in the valley.


I just want something not as bulky.

I agree canon makes great camera's too.

I think I'm gonna get this package right here...


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=308853&is=REG


The PD170 with a Hard case for $3400


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/308853.jpg



I still need to get long life battery and Wide angle lens.

don't get the dvcam one get a minidv.. tapes are cheaper and you get the same quality... no difference at all... the only difference is the xlr imputs on the cam... which you can get an adptor for the vx2100 to get the xlr if you need em which I doubt you will...