"Pro-level" mics have XLR connectors, but this does not mean that

you cannot use the few high-quality mini-plug equipped (and relatively

cheap) alternatives, or that you cannot cheaply use $35 Shure matching

transformer adapters or $150 XLR boxes that fit on the bottom of the

camera to adapt XLR mics to mini-jack inputs. With good wiring in

reasonable lengths, "single-ended" lines are not noisy, and will produce

good results. So if you buy a camera without XLR input jacks, there

are good and cheap solutions if you decide on a mic with an XLR plug.

The VX2000/2100 audio is fine for all but the highest-quality music

recording (assuming good technique), and software noise-reduction

modules work well for removing low-level noise that may remain

if things are not quite right and the recording is made in a very quiet

environment. Good video heads are VERY expensive, but you may

"survive" with mid-line Bogen or Libec heads and legs (the shorter the

FL of lens used, the easier it is to get away with marginal tripod gear).

Expect to pay around $200-250 minimum - but the "good" tripod gear

starts around $1500-1800. The VX2000/PD150 has been used for

at least parts of many nationally broadcast TV programs - though it

is not quite up to the best SD gear, if you know what to look for, and

it may take more processing in post to have it look its best. On the

other side, it permits shooting many things quickly and easily that

would be difficult or impossible to shoot with more "pro" gear. If you

understand the limitations of the gear, and are good at both avoiding

situations that push these limitations and at "covering" in post those

that can be fixed, this gear will serve well...

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

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

"Randyman" <eatcrowspammer@execpc.com>

wrote in message news:102j4sa4nudtg62@corp.supernews.com...

>

> Thanks for the info. David. Your site is very informative. I mentioned XLR

> audio input on the Panasonic and Sony PD170, but I really know very little

> (actually squat)about the pros and cons of the XLR vs. the audio setup

> present on the VX2000/VX2100. Knowing about audio setup with the camcorders

> I mentioned really confuses me. I don't want to spend more on accessories

> than the camera its self (not now anyway). Can you mention a few tripod

> heads which are adequate that don't break the bank of a frugal newbie? Can

> you give me some direction on audio limitations of the Sony VX2000/2100 vs.

> the other 2 camcorders I mentioned. I'm leaning more toward the VX2100

> because of price, but I don't want to screw myself with too much audio

> limitation. Can you address the VX2000/2100'a audio limitations (or are

> there any?)in simple terms. Can one produce a homemade documentary with the

> VX2100 which could be put on TV without shame. *<];o)))))

> "David Ruether" <rpn1@no-junk.cornell.edu> wrote in message

> news:X6cWb.29402$IF1.22441@nwrdny03.gnilink.net...

>

> > 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