"gayle" <gcschmidt@earthlink.net> wrote in message

news:42dc2c9b.0404162234.5a407d70@posting.google.com...

> I create what might be considered short news stories for a government

> access station. My work is mostly done outside. I'm needing a new

> video camera. I've had a Canon XL1s and have been happy with the

> results, but Canon's repair service center and customer service

> relations leave me frustrated and without a camera for too long. I'm

> reading about the Sony VX2000 and PD150. Now, I'm not an expert

> videographer. I was tasked with my current job, and I'm still on the

> learning curve. Right now, good automatic capability is important,

> although I'm working hard to upgrade my skills. Any thoughts on

> cameras? Thanks for your help.

The VX2000/2100 (if you don't need XLR mic connectors, or

*really* need interchangeable lenses [most don't - there are excellent

WA and tele converters for the Sony]) will give better results

at lower cost, with a smaller "package", with MUCH better auto

controls (see more on using this camera with "biased" auto controls

instead of manual, at : www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm).

For general comparison comments (older XL1 version, though),

see: www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm. The

frame-grab comparison at this site (compare sharpness) is useful:

http://www4.big.or.jp/~a_haru/exknow2002au

If you need XLR's, small adapters or adapting boxes can be used

with the VX2000, or you can get the PD150/170 with them built

in (I prefer the smaller, cheaper camera version, though...). A good

alternative (though I prefer the Sony slightly for most things) is the

Panasonic DVX100a.

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com