Camera Help: GL2, Pana AGDVC30, Sony VX2100

seanfl wrote on 9/26/2005, 6:11 AM

My church is looking to add a couple of camera that would be used hand held, on stage during service. They currently have a Sony PD150, HDR-FX1. Like both of them, and would consider a pair. I've also brought the GL2 ($2250) or AGDVC30 ($1800) up for consideration, but don't have much hands on with either.

Assuming they want to go a little less expensive than the PD170 or HDR-FX1, out of the Canon or Panasonic, which would you chose and why? Anyone with lots of experience with each? Someone also said I should take a look at the Sony VX2100 (near $2150 or so?) as it's low light and optics are thought to be better than either of the above mentioned cameras.

The application will be imag to the projectors, and maybe part of a live recording deal. Inside lighting if that makes a difference in how they perform.

thank you! Sean

Comments

Billae wrote on 9/26/2005, 10:14 AM

I own the ag-DVC30 and it does a great job. It works good in low light conditions and the color is very warm. The only drawback is that the audio input is just an 1/8" stereo plug-in. You can get an adapter from beachtek go to http://www.beachtek.com/dxa4.html they work great. I really do like the DVC30 for the quality, versatility and cost. You really can't beat it!

JohnnyRoy wrote on 9/26/2005, 3:00 PM

I would definitely take a look at the Sony VX2100. It’s basically the miniDV consumer version of the PD170 with the same lowlight characteristics.

~jr

Serena wrote on 9/26/2005, 3:26 PM

You haven't given much information about your intended final product. Why have you got an FX1? If you provide DVDs in 16:9 format, presumably you want another native 16:9 camera. Life is easier when all your cameras have similar characteristics (format, colour, etc). Since you mention "on stage" do you want an unintrusive camera? Smaller than the FX1 and others mentioned? Is cost a major issue? How well do your present cameras perform under your church lighting?

smhontz wrote on 9/26/2005, 6:55 PM

We have two Sony VX2100's we use in our church. We use them for IMAG and also for whatever video shooting we do during the week. They have a great picture, and are pretty sturdy. The extra zoom and rec buttons on the handle are nice if you plan on shooting some low shots when holding from the top handle.

The only problems we've had so far is 1) it's only a 10x zoom, which isn't quite enough for our camera located in the back and 2) if you have the SteadyShot function on, it can be affected by strong wireless signals, actually physically moving the framing around. We are tripod mounted, so we just turn that feature off, so it's not a big deal.

Laurence wrote on 9/26/2005, 7:09 PM

By the way, I believe all optical steadyshot functions are affected by strong wireless signals, regardless of camera make.

tharris wrote on 9/27/2005, 8:35 AM

I 2nd the vote for the DVC30 - it has a $200 rebate until the end of the month so it is actually $1,599 at B&H right now. A fantastic deal for the quality you get.