On Thu, 26 Sep 2002 09:26:41 -0700, "Paul Tauger" wrote:

>First, thanks to all for the input on my pending camcorder selection,
>particularly Mr. Neuman-Ruether.
>
>Based on what everyone has said, I'm leaning very strongly towards the
>VX2000. I'll be in NY next week, and I'll make a pilgrimage to B&H or J&R
>and get some hands-on time with it.
>
>Before I commit to this purchase (which is going to make my wife freak!!!
>when she finds out the cost), is there anyone out there with negative things
>to say about this camera?
>
>I've heard the positives and, aside from the size and weight (which, I hope,
>will be manageable for travel videography), it really seems like the best of
>the bunch.

Overall, yes - though if low-light reach is not critical,
the TRV950 still looks interesting...;-) Main complaints
I have about the VX2000 (in addition to the size/weight
compared with those alluringly smaller/lighter cameras):
it is difficult to hold steady with the lens zoomed long
(I have a grip method now that works reasonably well if
I remember to use it - and I would not give up the VX2000
stabilizer's freedom from "bouncing-ball" effects at WA
to get more liquid motion at tele); adding mics is not
as straight-forward as it could be (though not difficult,
once you know the camera's requirements - and I would not
give up the VX2000's wonderful AGC for easier compatibility
with some external mics); finding reasonably-priced
top-quality lens converters for some magnifications is
difficult (.5X and full-frame fisheye particularly);
shooting waterfalls can result in odd "diagonally chopped"
image effects. But on the other side is a slew of nice
things to say about the VX2000, so...;-) For more, see
my review at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm.