On Thu, 24 Aug 2000 13:27:13 -0700, "Randy" wrote:

[...]
>> shooting from a tripod and using auto focus, aiming at a stationary
>subject
>> (like a reader) the focus "hunts" (not all the time but enough to be
>> annoying). If it weren't for these drawbacks I'd get another GL-1.

>I sometimes use autofocus just long enough to 'lock' onto something then
>switch back to manual. I agree that it has a tendency to hunt, especially
>in low light.

A good technique (and the VX-1/2000/PD150 have a button that
activates AF only while it is being pressed). One thing
different about the VX-2000/PD150, BTW, is that the AF
is slow to respond. This serves to keep it from hunting,
and from losing focus if something passes quickly in front
of the camera. It also gives the impression of manual
follow-focus in tele when panning among subjects at
different distances from the camera - very nice. The AF
appears to be quite good in low light, also. Once in
a while the AF is too slow to follow fast action, though...

>Regarding low light, the GL1 gets a nice sharp image at +9,
>even +12 gain. I hear the VX performs better in lower light, albeit with
>added grain (and gain).

You should look at the image of the VX-2000/PD150 - even
at +12db, it is smoother than most others, and still
surprisingly smooth, with decent color, at +18db (and
sensitivity appears a bit higher than average - so overall,
these cameras are quite remarkable in low light).