Panasonic AG-DVC80 opinions wanted « Videomaker Community Forums

nobody
Member

Does anyone have any experience with the new Panasonic AG-DVC80? Is it basically a DVX100 without progressive scanning? Seems to be, in my opinion, and not a bad price considering I've seen it advertised as low as $2099. Prior to this recent price drop, I was considering only a Sony VX2000 or Canon GL-2, which are still more or less consumer-grade camcorders. Maybe I'm a sucker for clever advertising, but the Panasonic says "pro" more, which is my intended purpose. I don't want to shoot weddings with my single-chip camcorder much longer.

My main concerns are low-light image quality and audio. I know VX2000/PD150 is supposedly the low-light king in the sub-$2500 range, but if news crews are using the DVX100 and the DVC80 is the same thing (minus progressive scan), I'm sure I can shoot in dimly lit churches and banquet rooms with it. As for audio, I'd have to upgrade all my mics to XLR if I bought the DVC80, which is expensive, but would be worthwhile if the image quality surpasses that of other cams in this price range.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Posted 8 years ago #
Tom W.
Member

I haven't had experience with the 80, but if it has the physical charasterictics of the other Pana's, it will be a winner. For instance, I have dropped my 1-CCD Pana off a fully extended tripod onto concrete and nothing happened. It still works fine today. Panasonics rule. If all else fails, get a different Pana. I have also used the AG-EZ1, which, although old and lacking firewire, possesses supreme imagery and sound. Look into those, because they are cheap when used, and are quite professional.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

the ag dvc 80 is great..iv'e been using the ag-dvc15 which is also great but the 80 is a little higher quality because of the size of the chips...doing weddings you should use only 3 chip..(this will eliminate grain in low light..however you should burn at at least a 30 watt (nrg is best and light weight)in banquet halls for flooding. Before using the xlr's try the on board mike first with 16 bit quality, that is really usually enough if your not into a lot of inteviews. And yes it is the same as the 100 minus the progressive scan. I have a single chip panasonic that i use only as a backup and sports...it's great outdoors but not in low light..one good thing (all panasonics use the same batteries!)

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

We have that camera I have nto used it yet but we also have the VX200 with an XLR adapter I would sugust to save some money is get a markertex (Spelling?) catalogue and they have cables and adapters to go from That Mini Plug to XLR thats alot cheeper then new mic let me know if you do this
Matt

Posted 8 years ago #
tjborek
Member

Although I've been tempted by Canon's $250 GL2 rebate (now extended through 13/31/03), I'm leaning toward the Sony VX2000 because of its PD150 lineage and solid reputation for capturing quality images in low light. If I can book one or two more weddings before year's end, I'm ordering that puppy ASAP. For $150 I can add Beachtek XLR inputs if needed, to connect to a PA system or heavy-duty shotgun mic. For critical voice pickup, however, I use my wireless lavalier mics and an Azden CAM-3 minimixer, which does a great job.

My biggest dilemma now is where to buy. No one in my city stocks the VX2000. Everyone has to special order it, so I'd still end up paying about $2500. Not a very good deal considering I can't try before I buy, and I have still to pay a 15% restocking fee if I return it. Given those conditions, I see no advantage to buying locally. Can anyone recommend a mail-order retailer? Broadway Photo advertises the VX2000 for $1949 + shipping, but I have yet to read a good review of them.

Posted 8 years ago #