On 02 Feb 2000 07:06:11 GMT, "John P. Beale" wrote:

>In rec.video.desktop Vince wrote:
>: I have both cameras, and both are great in low light. Comparing them with
>: Sonys or other similarly priced cameras is subjective to the viewer.

>Actually I have a comparison of low-light response of GL1 and TRV900 at
>
> http://www.bealecorner.com/gl1/color/index.html
>
>which is pretty objective, I think. If you think I could have done it
>better, let me know how. -john

The above is a good test, and it brings up an issue covered
very indirectly in my testing (camcorder comparison article,
on my web page, at:
http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm),
which is that there can be a difference between the ultimate
low-light "reach" of a camcorder, and the quality of the
image at a low-but-more-moderate light level... I've noticed
that the Panasonic AG-EZ30U can also produce a good image in
light that is approaching its low-light limits (but which
is short of those limits). The VX-1000 is relatively "more
linear" in its low-light characteristics: it shows a gradual
loss in image quality as the light level lowers, with a less
smooth image with both camcorders used near the EZ30U's
limits, but the VX-1000 can go to noticeably lower light
levels with a useable image than the EZ30U can... As I
mentioned in my camcorder article, I suspect the image
quality difference is related to the available (auto) gain
differences - the VX-1000 and TRV-900 can go to +18db gain,
the GL-1, and EZ30U can go only to +12db (resulting in a
better image near their limits, but with less low-light
"reach"). Specifying the aperture and using a wider one than
full auto-mode would use in moderately low light can result
in less gain used and a smoother picture with better color
with the VX-1000 and TRV-900, and both of these camcorders
have available slow shutter speeds - using 1/15th (practical
in many low-light situations) makes available 6db of gain
that is not required for good exposure. This can be a useful
trade-off (a bit of motion blur and some loss of resolution
in return for less "grain" and better color) not available
with camcorders without slow shutter speeds...