On Wed, 10 Jan 2001 18:50:07 -0600, AP wrote:

>So, I'm interested in doing wedding videography and have narrowed down my
>videocamera search to these:
>
>Sony PD-150
>Canon XL-1
>JVC GY-DV500
>
>This is what I know so far as issues with each choice:
>
>PD-150
>------
>XLR connector is in the front, making it hard to connect wireless mics.
>Zooming changes focus. I hope that's not common.
>
>XL1
>---
>Audio connectors are unbalanced. I'm not sure how the shoulder pad/adapter
>fixes this. I mean, I know it physically adapts the phono plugs so you can
>plug in an XLR cable, but how does it correct signal from unbalanced to
>balanced?
>
>Expensive lenses are flimsy (I'm ok with expensive if they're worth the
>expense, but that's not what I hear...)
>
>DV500
>-----
>A bit past what I have budgeted for a camera. However, if the "built
>rugged" factor means this camera can handle more field work without falling
>apart (compared to the above two cameras), then I guess it may be worth it.
>
>Any advice from anyone who has experience shooting weddings would be
>greately appreciated.

I have not used or tried the JVC DV500 (too
large/heavy/non-auto for me, though it has a good
reputation). I have tried the XL-1 and VX-2000
(consider it, if XLR connectors are not important,
since it is more compact, equally good, cheaper,
and the built-in mic is excellent for
ambience-recording). These are reviewed at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
Bottom lines, for me: XL-1 and DV500 are too
obtrusive, and too heavy and large to handle for
long periods; couldn't stand the lens controls
of the XL-1; didn't like either the AF or AE of
the XL-1; didn't like the picture quality much of
the XL-1, but was very impressed with its sound
capability; VX-2000 picture is excellent and
"customizable"; VX-2000 is the best of those
tried in low-light conditions; VX-2000 AF is
WONDERFUL - I rarely use MF now; adding external
mics to the VX-2000 is problematic - get used
to using pads with the otherwise excellent AGC.
For hours-long hand-holding at events in low
light, there is no alternative if you can afford
it - the VX-2000 serves well (based on trying
two samples each of the XL-1 and VX-2000, and
others camcorders reviewed).