http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: XL2 - Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:30:22 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-68312 Tue, 31 May 2011 18:34:58 +0000 vid-e-o-man 68312@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> jbetz, I don't know if you are still monitoring this thread but my suggestions for your situation would be the Sony nex 5 or nex 10. I don't have any experience with them but I have seen some excellent footage. They take interchangeable lenses. They have a few proprietary lenses and some shooters are using other lenses but without using the autofocus. Adaptors make almost an infinite variety to be used, maybe some old prime lenses from previous 35mm days. Keep shooting. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-68301 Mon, 30 May 2011 20:08:11 +0000 Ian James Smith 68301@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have the same problem, with a HD camera approaching the top of my wish-list. I also have another problem, namely that it will be used for filming portions of a documentary series which I commenced in October 2005. Recently, we capitulated, at last, to the 'obvious' and bought a modern flat-screen TV and video/recorder-player. Our initial recordings were of the BBC 'Life' series of Natural History docos. A copy could only be downloaded from the video-recorder in mpg2, because of DVD limitations and so I did so. Seeing that the camcorder I intend to buy shortly is also 'Panasonic' and fully compatible, I intend to shoot in HD, but allow the recorder to do the mpg2 transcoding, which it does brilliantly on our example. I will have the advantage, as I see it, of first-rate Standard definition, which at 720 x 576 will be a breeze to edit without 'proxies' and by downloading and storing my 'Hi-Def' footage for possible future use, options for the future, should I need them. I have excellent mpg2 codecs of my own, installed, and that way I can ensure continuity of what I am doing, and enjoy all of the advantages.</p> <p>I prefer mpg2 currently to many of the more modern formats. It has had a huge amount of research/development, go into it and avoids the pixel-clustering tendencies of many contemporary formats, when they are not set up optimally.</p> <p> One more note, it is all in 16:9 widescreen, which I have used exclusively since 1975, using in those days, a 16mm Bolex reflex and anamorphic lens. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-20x-optical-zoom-lens#post-66765 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:19:26 +0000 builkaa 66765@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>Thanks for this information i like it.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-63732 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:34:30 +0000 adddibrux 63732@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Using two Panny GH1's here. Every lens I try, is like a new gift. Even with the GH2's big advantage of HDME direct out, the apparent cheaper build quality, and button re-design, will keep me with the GH1.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-63460 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:32:10 +0000 bbi bogdao 63460@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Both HD and DSLR are good. Just consider buying from a good producer. I'd go with Sony.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/xl2-or-pv-gs400#post-59788 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:43:03 +0000 jsterlini 59788@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Greetings. This may seem like a silly question to<br /> some, but here goes. . . . .</p> <p>I would like to get some feedback. I currently have a XL2 and<br /> considering selling it for 2 PV-GS 400 or 1 PV-GS400 and a PV-GS 500. I<br /> will be using the cameras for performance / theater videos. Low light<br /> is a concern, although I do have stage lighting and a couple video<br /> light packages. Another reason I am considering selling the XL2 is it's<br /> quite large. For example, I wanted to record my daughter in a parade<br /> today but really didn't want to lug around the XL2, the PV-GS would<br /> have been with me today if I had one.</p> <p>Image quality is my main concern, all the extra bells and whistles is<br /> not as much of a concern. Being able to sell 1 camera for 2 is also<br /> appealing. 1 for closeups and one for full stage shots. I realize the<br /> XL2 is a higher quality product, I guess the main thing I wanted to<br /> know from those in the field who have experience with both if there is<br /> really much of a difference in video quality.</p> <p>I'm not taking lighting and techniques into consideration, and I do<br /> realize the XL2 is the standard workhouse and more of a higher end<br /> prosumer cam, but again, looking at my end product, will there really<br /> be much difference the image quality. Or will be only be something<br /> noticeable when doing an A-B comparison?</p> <p>Any thoughts?<br /> I appreciate any feedback you may share</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-20x-optical-zoom-lens#post-59579 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:11:31 +0000 deividrivera 59579@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>hi my xl2 with canon 20x optical zoom lens wont focus i think its the lens or the 3ccd chip it will only focus when i zoom in or when th object is in a 4 metter range at notmal with no zoom wont focus if object is more then 5 metters away what can i do is it the lens or the 3ccd chi the camera fell from my tripod a few weeks ago please give my a tecnical applyable answer and not just take it to a professional thanks  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-hvr-v1u-and-canon-xl2#post-56483 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:52:23 +0000 sk8brdr4life699 56483@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am filming an indoor fashion show and have the choice between filming with a Sony HVR-V1U (in DV format, not HDV) and a canon xl2. what do you reccomend, i am not familiar with either camera</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50874 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:37:21 +0000 jbetz 50874@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for all the info. I'm definitely considering a DSLR but since I need to save up a bit more money before I buy anything, I'll wait to see what happens in the coming months. I read a rumor that Canon may be releasing a new camera at the end of the month, perhaps something like the 7D but in camcorder form. We'll see. Until then, I have a lot to think over.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50872 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:58:02 +0000 composite1 50872@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Jbetz,</p> <p>Glad to be of assistance. As for my comment 'You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit...' goes, I base that on my own purchase and rigging of our XL1s kit. I got the cam for the same reasons you're eyeballing the XL2. I ended up doing a full pro-rig for it including; MA200 4-audio input and shoulder mount, FU-1000 monochrome viewfinder, 16xs, 16xm and 3x lenses, Nightvision lens and adapter, portable dual battery charger, 8 batteries, lens filters, Kata camerabag not including accessories like tripod, etc. 75% of that list was bought at the same time and it came out to just under $11k. </p> <p>Now, you're probably not going to 'pro rig' your initial choice as cam's are so much further along, but if you get an XL2 some of that stuff will be essential if you're serious. So my point is; if you're going to have to hork up the money anyway, why not take the next step up front?</p> <p>You mentioned the DSLR cameras and that is a really good idea. Though I'm using JVC's GY200UB and am quite pleased with it, the MkII and the 7D are definitely in my co's acquisition future. The only drawback for a wildlife shooter is the 12-minute rule with the Canon's. I haven't heard whether the 7D is also limited by that, but you'll save a heap o' cash not having to pay for 35mm adapters. The cheapest one you can get for the XL2 is the one Canon makes for use with their 35mm lenses. You could use that money to buy a mattebox kit from Redrock Micro or Zacuto. Plus the fact is, the MkII is a 5k camera! I don't know what the 7D is rated at since the CMOS is smaller, but I'm sure it's still 2k or better.</p> <p>The money you'd spend on an XL2, you could get a DSLR kit and be at the cutting edge for a while. Something to think about. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50871 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:57:13 +0000 TheWildlifeStudio 50871@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The quality of the output from the DSLR's is excellent, while the longer lenses you require do not HAVE to be the 'L' class optics that the still guys need, as there is not the resolution required.</p> <p>The lenses can still be used at a later date with adaptors! :)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50867 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:24:12 +0000 jbetz 50867@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the info composite1. I just want to respond to one of your comments.</p> <blockquote><p>You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit as you would to get an HDV kit these days.</p></blockquote> <p>I am only considering cameras with interchangeable lenses, and so that basically means I'm considering cameras like the XL2 and XLH1. Both can use 35mm lenses with adapters, and so even if I purchased a XL2, I wouldn't be wasting money on the lenses because I could always use these on a future camera. So it's the difference between a $2500-$2800 SD camera and a $5000 HD camera, which for me is a big difference.</p> <p>I just want to throw out a couple more options to consider:</p> <p>1. HD camera like the XHA1 with teleconverters. Anyone have experience or advice?</p> <p>2. DSLR like the 5d Mk II or 7D. Seems like it could be a good option as it provides interchangeable lenses and full HD video, as well as being two things at one: a temporary inexpensive (at least for the 7D) HD camcorder and a great quality still camera that will be useful even after I buy a more expensive HD camcorder later.</p> <p>Any thoughts?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50859 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:36:46 +0000 composite1 50859@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>jbetz,</p> <p>It all boils down to what can you afford? Despite HD taking over for SD, cameras like the XL series particularly the XL2 are still great for direct to DVD and internet streaming. You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit as you would to get an HDV kit these days. Also, what are your customers/clients asking for? Shooting wildlife footage is hard work and you should have a plan to sell stock footage in mind. If you shoot in HD, then you can downres clips to SD and offer the footage in two formats.</p> <p>Granted the XL rig will be a bit cheaper in the short run. You'll need less harddrive space to store SD footage. Shooting tape is cheaper than solid-state and SD footage is less hassle to edit than HD. In the long run, you will have invested time, cash and other resources in a format that is near the end of its run. </p> <p>Paying as you go for gear is the best way to build your kits. But you also want to pick out gear that has as long a shelf life as you can afford. If you stay with indy video production, you'll eventually have to go HD anyway. It's a tough decision, but take a hard look at your budget and what you plan to accomplish with said camera. Once you've done that, I have no doubt you will be able to make the best choice for you. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50850 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:16:45 +0000 grinner 50850@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Sure it is. You'll upgrade to HD when paid to do it. Till then, I see no need for the expense. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50848 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:11:44 +0000 jbetz 50848@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am looking to purchase a camcorder, and I am wondering what others think about the HD vs SD dilemma, especially with regards to wildlife subjects. I am an aspiring wildlife filmmaker and so far have shot all of my footage in HD (on a Sony FX1 and Canon XHA1). I am happy with the quality of the footage I shot on these cameras, but for wildlife filming longer lenses would obviously be a benefit. Here is a link to my showreel if you would like to see some of my footage: <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/6371584">EXAMPLE FOOTAGE</a>. Since I just graduated from college and those cameras belonged to my school, I now find myself without a camera.</p> <p>I have done a lot of reading on choosing cameras in books and on forums, and I believe I have a pretty good handle on the costs and benefits of both HD and SD for wildlife, and in general. I know that interchangeable lenses are often considered a necessity for wildlife work, and as I have a knowledge of lenses and multi-lens setups I feel that I am ready to handle this type of setup. I know it adds a lot of cost, weight, etc, but again, for wildlife it seems like more of a necessity than perhaps in other film genres. Because of this I have been considering the Canon XL2.</p> <p>On the other hand, I know that the wildlife film industry, and all video in general, is quickly transitioning to HD. I love the quality and resolution I was able to obtain using the FX1 and XHA1, but I just didn't get the magnification I need to film many subjects. While I could get close enough to woodchucks (within 10ft) to get decent close-ups, I can't get this close to a fox, deer, bear, etc. I am working on a budget, and so I can't afford something like the Canon XLH1 at this point, and so any HD camera I purchase would not offer interchangeable lenses.</p> <p>At this point my main goal is NOT to produce lots of footage to sell to anyone, but to improve my reel with effective sequences of behavior so that I can show that I am able to shoot for sequence-editing and will subsequently be noticed by producers.</p> <p>Is a camera like the XL2 good enough for this purpose? Or do I absolutely NEED HD footage in order to compete in today's HD world, even in terms of my showreel? Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cannon-xl2-vs-sony-pd150#post-50555 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:12:29 +0000 stacin61 50555@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Saint.</p> <p> I have worked with the PD150 and I currently own the Canon XL-2. I really Cannot say anything about the the JVC, but I have been looking at prices and the price he says for the JVC smells like shark bait to me.</p> <p> While both, technically, are very similar I really like my Canon. I like the fact that I can change lenses, even though I can't afford any additional lenses right now. I also like the idea that I can use 24p frame rate as well as 16:9 format that is an option for recording. If you are willing to go as high as $3000 kick this guy to the curb and buy from a reputable dealer. I found mine for $2495 at B&#38;H Photo Video in New York. I f you have not seen their website then you need to check it out. <a>http://www.bhphotovideo.com/</a></p> <p>Trust me, I do not endorse a company unless they have treated me well as a customer. I purchased online and get the added benefit of receiving their Pro video catalog a couple times a year.</p> <p> I almost made the mistake of trying to buy a "deal" but was able to get out of it at the last minute.</p> <p>Check em out and see what they have on their used racks</p> <p>Staci Newsom<br /> Old Pueblo Video</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cannon-xl2-vs-sony-pd150#post-50412 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:09:09 +0000 saint 50412@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the reply.</p> <p>That was my sense of the deal. I will ask for those specifics.</p> <p>As far as the old tech cams go that is my price range, 1500.00-2000.00, I would go 3000.00 for an Hvx 200 or equiv. For now and my project is internet based and and more of an info product than cinematography. Just gettin by for now ya know.</p> <p>What do you think of the JVC 200U, the one he has is at the outer reach of my price range.</p> <p>if legit these cams have very low hours 7-10hr for the XL2, 119hrs for the JVC.</p> <p>your thoughts are welcome, I am greenhorn. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cannon-xl2-vs-sony-pd150#post-50401 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:25:40 +0000 zoobie 50401@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>tell him straight up...you want to check on the cam's service record<br /> if he's legit, he'll give you the serials off the cam(s)<br /> cash only is also a tip off...no paper trail<br /> are you sure you want these cams? the tech is pretty old by now </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/cannon-xl2-vs-sony-pd150#post-50395 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:34:37 +0000 saint 50395@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>So i have an opportunity to get a used cannonXL2 for only 200 more than my PD150 which I could trade. Just how superior is the XL2 to the PD 150?</p> <p>I am still feeling it out, it smells a little fishy. A guy in Oakland has a jvc 200U for 3500, and could be worked lower, really wants to sell fast had it listed for a few days at 4100.00. when I said it was more money than i had considered he then offered up the XL2. the XL2 which is not listed (on craig's list, the JVC is). </p> <p>He wanted me to go to Oakland with cash today or tomorrow I basically told him that wasn't happening. His story is that him and some buddies took classes and bought the cameras and then just decided they weren't that into it and he is tired of them sitting around.</p> <p>Little worried about the source of the unit to be honest. How do you check if the unit is stolen is my main concern. </p> <p>the guy knew about drum hours and fan hours... but was kinda vague as to his projects and where he had used the camera etc.</p> <p>any thoughts as to whether I should pursue this </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/considerations-going-from-a-gl2-to-xl2#post-47180 Mon, 25 May 2009 22:27:27 +0000 mistermom007 47180@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey, thanks both of you.  I just purchased a used XL2 and can't wait for it to get here.  I had considered several things to try and capture great sound with my GL2, among them a Beachtek DXA-6HD Dual Hi-Definition Audio Adapter<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&amp;A=details&amp;Q=&amp;sku=531333&amp;is=REG"></a>, a Rode NTG-2 Battery or Phantom Powered Condenser Shotgun Microphone<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&amp;A=details&amp;Q=&amp;sku=400806&amp;is=REG"></a>, and a Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 Series - UHF Lavalier System. Tell me if I figured wrong, but won't the XL2 eliminate the need for the first two?  Will the shotgun mic on the XL2 be sufficient?  What do you think?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/considerations-going-from-a-gl2-to-xl2#post-47069 Thu, 21 May 2009 18:13:48 +0000 digitalhq 47069@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I agree with Ryan.  I frequently shoot event and wedding video with both a GL2 and an XL1 (very similar to XL2) and am overall very happy with the results.  Surprisingly, even with smaller CCD's the GL2 holds its own with the more expensive XL1.  I typically never use the digital zoom function on either camera, though, so no input on that aspect.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/considerations-going-from-a-gl2-to-xl2#post-47027 Wed, 20 May 2009 13:08:40 +0000 Ryan3078 47027@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>No problem, glad I could help.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/considerations-going-from-a-gl2-to-xl2#post-46921 Sun, 17 May 2009 17:29:23 +0000 mistermom007 46921@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Thanks Ryan, your experience and input is very much appreciated!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/considerations-going-from-a-gl2-to-xl2#post-46881 Sat, 16 May 2009 16:33:57 +0000 Ryan3078 46881@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've used both cameras extensively, and they work quite well together!  As both are made by Canon, the image from both matches perfectly.  The stock XL2 does have a 20X zoom lens, and I've never really needed more.  The XL2 is a definite step up from the GL2 in quality and options, and would be a great purchase choice to make!</p> <p>I've filmed several plays and concerts using the Canon GL2, XL2, and XHA1, and they work together beautifully!</p> <p>You can learn more about the XL2 at <a href="http://dvcreators.net/media/demos/xl2featuretour/xl2featuretour.html" title="Xl2 Feature Tour">http://dvcreators.net/media/demos/xl2featuretour/xl2featuretour.html</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/considerations-going-from-a-gl2-to-xl2#post-46879 Sat, 16 May 2009 15:13:28 +0000 mistermom007 46879@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have been using a GL2 for a couple of years now and mostly shoot pageants, plays, graduations, some weddings, recitals, etc.  Thinking about purchasing a used XL2 and am concerned about being able to use both the GL2 and the XL2 for multi-camera shoots and it look right.  I use Sony Vegas 8.  Does anyone have any similar experiences?  I sometimes use up the 40X digital zoom on the GL2 but am I correct in thinking the stock XL2 has up to  20X zoom?  Would the picture be a lot better on the XL2 but I might be limited by the wide angle and zoom abilities with the XL2?  Please give me your experiences.  Thanks.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/firewire-capture-in-final-cut-pro#post-39195 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:24:41 +0000 brandon0409 39195@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have this happen on occasion to. It just comes down to a timecode error on the tape and there is nothing you can do about it.</p> <p>I use a separate (cheap) camera (Samsung cheapo) to download my tapes (so I don't wear out head on expensive Cams).  Sometimes, this problem will occur on one camera (Cheapo cam) so I will put it in another camera (Sony VX2100) and it will get hung up on the same spot.</p> <p>Sometimes, it just happens.  Just fastforward a couple seconds past that scene and continue capturing from there.</p> <p>What I've done a couple times is to use WinDV (free app) <a href="http://windv.mourek.cz/">http://windv.mourek.cz/</a> on PC and download the video to PC in AVI then just transfer it to the MAC.</p> <p>Usually when I do this, the timecode does not error out.  I think because this program isn't so timecode oriented like FCP is.  Either way, it works.  If all else fails and you absolutely must have the 1 or 2 seconds that it is skipping.</p> <p>Good luck</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/wich-ones-better-sonyvx2100-panasonicdvx100b-or-canonxl2#post-37620 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:15:18 +0000 sham 37620@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>My advice is to go for the camera with XLR audio inputs.  Recently I bought the VX 2100 with a Beachtek adaptor.  I'm happy with the VX 2100 but disappointed with the Beachtek.  The Beachtek is made to be used with two mics but the sound from one of the mics keeps dropping in and out.  And then you can't use a Dynamic mic with it. The level is extremely low.  In short my experience with Beachteks is that they are good - for throwing away.   Then the 1/8 mini audio input on the VX 2100 isn't very robust.  I am expecting trouble with it. As a pro you need XLR inputs. So I would say: buy the XL2.  I have read that it is good in low light.  It has XLR and it's Canon.  Don't worry about the weight.  I have never been a muscular guy and I used to run with an Arriflex 35, with a loaded 400 ft magazine!   But, having said all that, instead of buying a standard def camera at this stage, why not jump into Hi Def?  If you're the serious videographer I think you are, you will have to go the Hi Def way, sooner or later.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/firewire-capture-in-final-cut-pro#post-37219 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:02:47 +0000 jerronsmith 37219@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You may have an issue with timecode breaks on your tape, these can cause a capture to abort depending on the setting you are using. A timecode break is usually caused when you stop a tape and rewind it to check what you have just shot and then restart the shooting from a point after the tape had been recorded on. You end up with duplicate timecode.</p> <p>I believe you can have FCP ignore the tapes timecode and capture or just dubbing the tape can fix timecode breaks.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/firewire-capture-in-final-cut-pro#post-36597 Sat, 17 May 2008 18:55:58 +0000 LowCostVideos 36597@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Well I happen to import footage from an XL2 to FCP at school about every day so I do have "advice." The times I've had that same "looking for timecode" message are first when the frame rate changes during capture. For me this happens when someone else switches the frame rate during recording "for the heck of it." :( I don't like those people. Anyway, is there any way you may have accidentally switched frame rates from one shot to another? If not I think even prolonged gaps in the tape during capture cause something to cease up. Either way I send a few choice words to the XL2 for doing this.</p> <p>Also, what brand tapes are you using for the ZR25MC? I honestly don't know and may sound like a n00b for this, BUT I own a panasonic gs300 camcorder and FUJIFILM tapes cause noise noise noise NOISE...not much unlike this: $&amp;%(#$(%$%%()^%*&amp;*)!$!^*$*%^$*#%*)!#$)%!*%!*&amp;gs300?!*#*%!%*()!screwyourquality!!*()#!%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>If you use fujifilm tapes then I suggest panasonic from now (or forever hold your peace) on.</p> <p>-Dave</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/wich-ones-better-sonyvx2100-panasonicdvx100b-or-canonxl2#post-36104 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:46:45 +0000 robGRAUERT 36104@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The DVX and XL offer more manual options than the VX I believe, at least with image adjustments. But the VX is really good in low light situations...like the reception. I'd go with the DVX over the XL. I think the XL is a pain in the ass, and doesn't really offer that much more even though it's priced higher. If you want interchangeable lenses, then go with the XL, but if not, DVX is the way to go. </p> <p>So some things to think about are:</p> <p>Is low light an issue?</p> <p>Do you need interchangeable lenses?</p> <p>Do you mind lugging around a large camera like the XL?</p> <p>What about sound? The DVX and XL have XLR inputs, which with the VX, you'll have to buy an adapter like the BeachTek thing.</p> <p>Do you want HD? You can shoot in HD and down convert to SD. It makes for really nice SD. Then you can offer HD videos and SD videos. That might open yourself up to more people. (neither of those 3 cameras shoot HD)</p> <p>Hopefully I was helpful, if not...feel free to ask more questions.  </p>