The XL-1 would be my last choice among current 3-CCD
camcorders, unless there is a very specific need that
only it can satisfy. Otherwise, there are better cameras
for image-quality and handling-ease, with better
selections for excellent manual control or excellent
auto control. I have briefly tried the Panasonic
DVX100, and I'm quite familiar with the Sony VX2000,
and somewhat with the similar PD150. Both are excellent
choices. The VX2000 offers the most "bang for
buck",
and still, by a slight margin, the best picture and
low-light range of the top "handycam"-style
cameras,
but all of these are close enough to not worry:
Sony VX2000, PD150, TRV950 (good light only), and
PDX10 (good light only - but has some better provision
for 16:9 than the others); Canon GL2 (only!); Panasonic
DVX100 (wider lens without converter); and JVC DV300.
Among shoulder-mount cameras, look at the JVC500/5000
(and variants), Panasonic 200, and Sony models (300,
500, etc.). (Surprisingly, a properly-equipped XL1
system will cost almost as much as the lower-cost
of the better shoulder-mount cameras, though its
base price appears low...) See for more:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/vid_pict_characts.htm
(use the "key" to see what shot what - you may
find
the XL1 less interesting after becoming more familiar
with its many picture failings...)
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
These sites also have useful information and comparisons:
http://www4.big.or.jp/~a_haru/index.html
www.bealecorner.com
DR
("N-R")
www.bealecorner.com/dvx100/index.html
www.adamwilt.com
On Sun, 30 Mar 2003 23:05:47 GMT, "Robert D.
Winkler" <hahalman@rogers.com> wrote:
>
>I'm sorry to say, but I have much the same problem
(except Sony's PD-150 is
>also being considered).
>
>Does ANYBODY know where one could get some information
on these 3 cameras in
>relation to each other? A side-by-side comparison chart,
or even personal
>opinions (however biased they might be) would be most
welcome...
>
>Thanks,
>
>- Dingo
>"Dutch" <lewmiller5@insightbb.NOSPAMcom>
wrote in message
>news:ByKY9.36056$4y2.1678@sccrnsc04...
>> Am looking to purchase a camera for a local tv
production, which will be
>> shot mainly handheld in a "reality tv"
kind of style, and these two seem
>to
>> be the top of the heap for my price range. If I'm completely off base
>even
>> thinking this, would like to know that. Between these two, though, which
>is
>> the best choice?
>>
>> From what I've read, the AG-DVX100 has overall
better video quality, and
>> that is the most important thing to me.
>>
>> Then again, the XL1S seems to have many more
accessories available for it,
>> with the lens attachments and whatnot. Don't know how much use I'll get
>out
>> of that, as the lenses themselves can cost several
hundred dollars, but it
>> would be nice to have more options.
>>
>> Am also thinking that since the XL1S is older,
maybe it will be easier to
>> find a good price on a used camera. Then again, since I do not know how
>to
>> go about actually buying a used camera, that could
be a moot point. If
>the
>> XL1S is the best choice, considering price of a
used camera, how would I
>go
>> about finding one?