On Thu, 19 Apr 2001 22:57:48 -0500, "ved" wrote:

>Why is this camera so expensive? I'm looking for reviews on this camera,
>I've read a few already and I want to learn as much as possible about this
>camera. I've heard that the VX-2000 and the XL-1 are compared and it really
>is a matter of opinion wether one is better than the other.
>
>If this is true, then why is the XL-1 much more expensive than VX-2000?
>
>Please, if you can, post some sites to look at and read about the XL-1.
>Don't think I haven't looked into this. I have, I've read much about it. I
>just want to read as many opinions. I compared today, my Sony TRV-8 and a
>friends Canon GL-1. WOW! What a difference! I never imagined there would be
>so much difference from a 1CCD to a 3CCD. It's really motivated me to get
>myself a new camera. I thought my TRV-8 could do for a while longer, and
>it's going to have to, but not for long. I will be getting my self a 3CCD
>camera soon. I've basically decided to look into VX-2000 and XL-1. Anyone
>have any comments on Panasonic new 3CCD camera? The PV-DV951?

You can find critical reviews of several 3-chip Mini-DV
camcorders (and some one-chippers), at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
I must say, after trying two samples of the XL-1 in
addition to the others, I failed to see the appeal
(other than non-practical ones, like appearance)
of the XL-1. Other camcorders had better picture
characteristics, and the auto and manual controls
of the XL-1 were generally insufferable. The XL-1
audio shines, though, and offers more control than
others (but with mini-plug connections, unlike the
generally better PD150). I turned down an offer of
a new XL-1 for $3000 (back when they were much more
expensive) as a result of what I found, and the
owner of reviewed XL-1 dumped his immediately in
favor of the JVC 500 and TRV-900, and later, the
PD150 (similar to the VX-2000 - and I'm generally
happy with my two VX-2000s).
The XL-1 was a good try on Canon's part, and would
have been formidable had it appeared with the
AGC-EZ1U and VX-1000, but when it did appear (in its
"overgrown" glory [Canon has a penchant for making
its camcorders too big and heavy for the format and
market target, as the L1/L2 were before it], it
was already no real competition for what was
already on the market (except for what was created
with good salesmanship, which Canon has mastered...;-).