On Sun, 23 Jun 2002 21:06:05 +0200, "Jonathan Gift" wrote:

>Thanks for all the help. I guess what I need to know is, are these camera
>the next setp up in quality from the Canon XL1/Sony VX 2000? I'd rather a
>used superior camera... If so, which. I know there's great stuff at $15K,
>I'd wat around $5K new/used.

The VX2000 is a step up in picture quality from the
XL-1 in terms of image resolution, relative freedom
from undesireable artifacting, color-quality, and
low-light reach - and the Panasonic 200, JVC 500,
and Sony 300 do not offer higher-resolution imaging
except for the advantage that can be derived from
putting an expensive top-quality lens on them (forcing
the budget far above $5k...), but these do offer more
control over picture characteristics, and much
better manual control while shooting (but less good
auto control...). The VX2000/PD150 is the top-end of
"handycam"-type camcorders, with excellent auto
controls and only fair manual controls, in a
compact, light, and relatively cheap package; the
"shoulder-mount"-type handle and operate very
differently and represent a "step-up" for some
purposes, a "step-down" for others... Perhaps you
need to look at what the camera will be used for,
and select from among the several good cameras on
the basis of this...?