On Mon, 25 Mar 2002 16:00:54 -0500, "John King" wrote:

>For over 5 days I've been reading review after review for the JVC GY-DV500U
>Vs the Panasonic GY-DVC200. I searched google for past posts, I got all
>their brochures, I downloaded their pdf manuals and so on... ... but I still
>can't decide with which one to go with. They are priced almost the same ($3k
>new without lens at bwayphoto.com ).
>
>Guys, believe it or not, Till now, I've been using a Canon GL1 for Broadcast
>News Shoots and I think its about time to retire this one. The camera, 90%
>of the times can provide equal quality as the more expensive cameras. But,
>sometimes I fall in this 10% situation where the camera behaves really bad
>in low light situations or High Contrast scenes or when I have to go with
>manual focus.
>
>So yesterday, I've had enough of the GL1 for ENG!!!! Some guys using
>2/3" 3-chip cameras also had 'minor' problems. My GL1 in these high contrast
>shoots just freaked out! I had to severely overexpose the background in
>order to get some shots of some persons in the shadow.
>
>Anyhow, which of these 2 cameras handles better high contrast scenes and Low
>light situations?
>
>Format is not an issue. The TV station for which I freelance for, runs on
>DVCPro, thus their VTRs can play directly largeDV or miniDV tape with their
>adaptor.
>
>Just confused! Both cameras seem to be the same! Are they?

I would avoid bwayphoto.com; I would look also at the
Sony PD150, if you like excellent auto control and a
compact package (the low-light range and image-quality are
excellent, and the picture contrast and highlight-rendering
are also improved over the GL-1); I would try to handle all
somewhere to see which is the most comfortable to handle
and use; I would buy from a reputable place (like
bhphotovideo) that permits returns/exchanges. Remember
that with the shoulder-mount type cameras, the accessories
(needed...) are VERY expensive compared with those for
"handycam"-type cameras, and picture-quality and
low-light range is likely similar for all these...
Maybe flip a coin and see if you like the results, if
you cannot try out all three before buying...;-)