Video guys: Canon XL2 or Panasonic DVX100B?
 

I want something well rounded, but used primarily for interviews and such. It'll also be mainly for the web via flash streaming (high quality though).

With that said, I'll also be interested in lighting (probably a standard 3 point lighting system), and wireless lavs. recommendations on those too?

I bought a cannon XL1 years ago, with manual lens. It's awesome. Awesome. Very versatile. Mine has been in several countries, large and small sets, various locations, types of shoots, etc. Have also shot lots on the XL2 very good camera. In my opinion.. it seems heavy for that lens quality... but that's just my opinion.

I don't know about the panasonic but I've heard that many are satisfied using Canon XL2.

If you're using it only for web and don't plan on doing DVDs and such, you may not even need an XL2 or DVX-100.

Panasonic makes the PV-GS120, which is a lower cost camcorder that still has 3 CCDs and good image quality and I think it can be had for under a thousand bucks.

If you were choosing between the XL2 and the DVX-100A or 100B, either one would do you well. The DVX has better support for 24 frame mode, if you want your stuff to look like film, but the XL2 allows you to change out lenses (very expensive though)

You might also look at a used XL1S or DVX-100.

Pretty much any of those are workhorse cameras that will serve you well.

It all depends on what you want to do. If you wanna do Gonzo type material, don't even bother with the bigger cameras like the XL2, go with a small handheld. It'll be easier on your shoulders (try running around for 3-4 hours with a cam on your shoulder, you'll see your back starting to kink up pretty fast, trust me).


Personnally, I own an XL1 and regularly use XL2s. The image quality on the XL2 is outstanding and the 24p mode is Awesome for special effects work. If you're looking to do semi pro stuff, I recommend to go with the Canon because it is without a doubt the most versatile camera. Hell, they filmed 28 Days Later using only Canon XL1s.


Just to give you an idea of the quality of the XL2, here is a shot I'm doing for one of my movies. It was shot in an old auditorium and what you see is the same actor over and over again. This type of shot needs quite some good definition to be achieved and the XL2 served me well.

http://www.pimpologists.com/spits.jpg


The end shot will be pretty cool. All the seats will be filled and everyone of them will get up and run towards the camera

awesome stuff.

I've done some research and decided it's best if I went with the DVX100b. it's a bit cheaper than the xl2 and doesn't require a ton of tampering around with to get a good shot.

this is footage from the DVX100B from some complete newbie who bought it 3 days ago, it's simply amazing: http://salsunproductions.sitesled.co...ickdvx_mtg.mov

May want to take a look at the new Sony HD's they are great! You can shoot in mini DV or HD and they are around 3-5k depending on the package.

http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/docs/brochures/sony50613_hvrz1u.pdf#search='sony%20hd%20video%20c amera'

the panny all the way

how did i know you were going to say that? :)
we have the dvx 100a and its awesome!

Look at the new panny HD or XL1h