"Randyman" <eatcrowspammer@execpc.com>

wrote in message news:102cuvg6ucgtt0b@corp.supernews.com...

> I see I can save at least $500 buying the VX2100, and I probably could use

> that money for accessories. I have all the software (Adobe Video Suite and

> PS7) to do the editing, etc. I will be a very serious newbie to video. I'm

> an older guy with time on his hands. A variety of disabilities have screwed

> up things; so, I have not been able to work for about 8 years. I have a

> very good SLR tripod -- will this do for video? I'm worried about the audio

> setup of the VX2100; am I right to be worried about the audio versatility of

> this camcorder. Is it worth $500 to $600 more to buy the Sony DSR-PD170

> over the VX2100? I'm leaning toward the PD170 because of the low light

> ability(esp. over the Panasonic) and its XLR inputs(esp. over the VX2100).

> Since I don't know too much about this stuff. I'm very computer savvy and

> artistic; so, I think I could do good video work. I don't see Sony listing

> the PD170 at the company web site, and I wonder why. I'm leaning toward

> interview and presentation(How to do stuff) type video uses. Will I need

> lots of accessories if I go with the PD170(to start with)? Please give me

> some of your thoughts on my possible picks and concerns. I've been

> observing the posts to this newsgroup for abt. 6 months, and I have been

> going to as many informative web sites as possible.

You can buy serviceable XLR adapters for the VX2000/2100 (both

small mixer types, transformer-equipped, or straight XLR->mini-plug

adapters), but if you know that you will use only XLR-equipped mics,

it makes sense to consider getting a camera that will accept these

directly. The Sony solution is a good one (especially for low light), but

the Panasonic is close enough there for many purposes, and each has its

own set of advantages/disadvantages. I recommend either, but prefer

the VX2000 currently for my own use (try all these cameras if you can,

then decide [if you can...;-]). If you want to move the camera while

recording, you will need the best fluid head you can afford (and the

tripod must adequately resist the motions to avoid reverse motions in

the image after stopping). A good WA lens converter, a UV filter, and

an extra battery are the basic accessories, with others added as needed

(see various video articles at www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/articles.html for

more).

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

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