On 23 Aug 2000 14:26:18 GMT, moorelj@mail.auburn.edu (Larry J Moore) wrote:

>I'm thinking seriously about purchasing a SONY PD150 for my facility but
>I'm having a difficult time finding the answers to a few questions. I'm
>hoping that any of you all that has a PD150 might be able to offer me
>some advise. I'm kind of "old fashion" and I use a camera for many years
>before I purchase another (currently I'm shooting with an old but great
>SONY M7) I also like to "test" before I buy, but none of the vendors in
>my area has a PD150 in stock, must less a demo.
>
>So... here a are few questions.
>
>1. Does the PD150 have manual audio controls for the external XLR mic inputs?

Yes.

>2. Can one use external controls for zoom/focus? (ENG rig)

Yes - there are (servo) rings for focus and zoom. Both feel
good, and "real", but neither are calibrated.

>3. How good is the the 12x1 lens? How close can you get to an image and
>stay in focus? I do a lot of "medical" production, and sometimes need a
>macro type lens.

It is excellent in all respects. Minimum focus is at the
short end of the zoom range (not very useful for your
application), but adding Nikkor or other high-quality
diopters and achromats to the front (a 58->52mm step-down
ring is useful for this - no vignette, though) solves
this, giving highest magnification at the zoom long end
(and VERY sharp results).

>4. Are the 1/3" chips really as good as the 1/2" chips that are in the
>DSR300? (I've read on this board that the PD150 delivers a better image
>than the DSR300)

I have not compared the two. There are many Mini-DV
camcorders compared on my web page, at:
http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
The VX-2000/PD150 image is very sharp, and good
in very low light.

>5. Some say the DV format is as good as the DV-CAM format... Anyone
>tested this theory? I know the PD150 will record either.

The signal is identical, for practical purposes.
The DV image and sound are the same for Mini-DV
in LP or SP mode, and for DV-Cam - the risk of
dropouts is the only difference, for most purposes.

>Thanks in advance for any guidance that you can offer. If anyone in the
>Atlanta, Georgia area or Birmingham, Alabama area has a PD150, I'd be
>greatful for the opportunity to visit with you and have a look at your
>camera.

You will be surprised what a "little" camcorder
is capable of!