On Fri, 20 Apr 2001 09:53:31 -0400, "TheKeith" wrote:

>I was thinking about getting either the Sony VX2000 or the Canon GL1, but as
>you probably know, reading reviews can be really discouraging since they
>have a way of exaggerating the cruciality of a problem. With the Sony, it's
>all about the messed-up audio and the crappy progressive-scan mode; with the
>Canon, they like to complain about the fact that the image gets squashed in
>the LCD when shooting in 16:9 mode (the sony actually shows it accurately).
>After wondering if panasonic or some other company makes a comparable 3CCD
>model to the previously mentioned, I found out that this month Panasonic has
>their own version coming out, but the specs listed on the panasonic site
>could use more detail. I just have no idea what to do at this point but I'm
>definately jonesing (i think that's how it's spelled) for one of them.
>Should I wait for this panasonic? Help would be appreciated - thanks.

There is always something on the horizon (or just
beyond...;-). Both the VX-2000 and GL-1 are reviewed
at: www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
The VX-2000 audio does have quirks (though NOT the
rumored "hiss"), but it is rather good when used with
understanding - and its picture quality is easily the
best in its price range. Its PS-mode is optimized for
still-image use only (but I'm not a believer in using
PS-mode for shooting motion-video, anyway). I found
little to commend the GL-1 but its 20:1 zoom lens and
its appearance and control positioning - its picture
and sound quality were at the bottom of the group of
the 3-chippers covered, at a price above the better
TRV-900 and just below the considerably better
VX-2000. Just my opinion, but I've actually tried
using these cameras - and, for me, the picture and
sound quality are the basics for determining
preference...