Vx2100 vs Xl 1 « Videomaker Community Forums

nobody
Member

Are these cameras really in the same category. Which one is better. Does the XL 1 not have an LCD? I am looking to do some outdoor climbing documentary work and was wondering which one would be better. Are there any things that I should be aware of with either?

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

The biggest difference between the cameras is that XL1 has removable lens and the VX2100 does not. This fact alone makes the XL1 a more "professional" camera than the VX2100. However, the cost of optional lenses places the XL1 in a much different price category, where the competition is steeper.

From a 'real world' usability standpoint, the XL1 is an awkward camera to use hand-held, due to its shape and as you point out, the XL1 does not have an LCD screen. IMO, the XL-1 is suited for tripod shooting in controlled studio conditions. The VX2100 on the other hand is designed specifically for hand-held usability. It sports a stunningly bright LCD. It is well-balanced and its attached handle allows greater flexibility in acquiring different types of shots, espicially the "floor up" variety. The VX2100 is an ideal weight for steady shooting, especially compared to lighter cameras that make it difficult to guage the camera weight when you're trying to hold the camera steady.

The picture quality between the XL1 with its standard lens and the VX2100 is on a par. Sony fans prefer the VX2100, while Canon fans sing the praise of the XL1. The point is there's no clear winner there. You can definitely get broadcast quality footage with the VX2100. Also, it feels more rugged than the XL-1, which somehow seems delicate.

In conclusion, I recently purchased three VX2100's for my business - and so far, I'm totally happy with them. If I was going to be hanging off the side of a mountain shooting a camera, the VX2100 works great for one-hand shooting, while my other hand would be gripping a rope rather firmly. However, it would be unfair not to mention the Canon GL-2, which is of a similar design to the VX-2100, and although IMO it doesn't quite match up to the VX2100, it takes a good picture and is significantly cheaper - in case you have to drop it :)

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

Lee, I saw that you suggested the pdx10 to a guy that had a buget between $1000-$2000. Can you tell me what the major differences would be for what I am trying to accomplish. What is the Lowest price you think I could find on a vx2100. Thanks again.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

Will it take as good a picture as the VX2100? Definitely not. Videomaker gave it high praises, though. Would it be a great 1st Camera? Absolutely. I love Sony 3-CCD cameras! So, I'll bet it matches the Canon GL-2, which is similar in price. It's small and easy to handle, so it sounds like a great outdoor camera. If the lighting is OK, then the picture will be crisp. In low light situations however,it won't match the VX2100, but then probably no other camcorder does either. If you plan to shoot mostly during the daytime, I'd say you can get away with the pdx10.

I bought VX2100s both for technical and marketing reasons. The VX2100 has a great "look". This will sound shallow, but my clients would question me if I walked into a shoot with a little pdx10. However, since it sounds like you're planning a personal project, 'impressing' people is not a factor, so the PDX10 will work. As for prices, I bought the VX2100 at B&H Photo/Video for $2399.00 (+ $169.00 for 4 year ext. warranty). You might find it cheaper, but B&H is rock solid.

Posted 8 years ago #
Samuel Orcutt
Member

If all this that you say about the VX2100 is true, then why does Sony market the PDX10 as a pro cam, and the VX2100, as a Handycam?

thx
sro

Posted 8 years ago #
Relentless
Member

Because the PDX10 uses mini-DVCAM tapes. Sony designates all their camcorders that use their proprietary mini-DVCAM format - as professional, and all their camcorders that use only mini-DV tapes as 'prosumer' (if it's 3 CCD) or 'consumer' (if its 1 CCD). Sony's mini-DVCAM is no better than mini-DV in terms of picture quality. Unlike, mini-DV, it does positively synchronize the audio and video, but if this isn't important to you (it isn't to me or anyone that uses mini-DV), then mini-DV is a better choice (60 min. vs. 40 min.). According to Sony's designation practice, XL-1 would be a 'prosumer' model rather than a professional model. The PDX10 is a sweet little camera, but it doesn't match the quality of the VX2100.

Posted 8 years ago #