Camera Recommendations

mrmike wrote on 10/30/2004, 4:30 PM
I am in the process of upgrading to a 3 CCD camera and have narrowed it down to four models. I have done most of the leg-work, read a number of independent reviews and would be interested in comments from people actually engaged in the business of using these cameras.

I'm looking for the best overall picture and the shortest learning curve.

They are: Panasonic AG-DVC30, Sony DSRPDX10, JVC GY-DV300U, and the Canon GL2.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

mike

Comments

jaegersing wrote on 10/30/2004, 6:50 PM
"Any and all input is greatly appreciated."

Hi Mike. There are probably many considerations for you to think about, but here's one that is important for anyone who needs to use autofocus at least some of the time.

A couple of years ago, I auditioned some Panasonic, Sony and Canon cameras (inclduing the XM2 which is the PAL version of the GL2). The Panasonic autofocus was what you would expect, it just worked and whatever you pointed at was in focus. The Sony was slightly slower in focussing, and tended to wander slightly off focus even when nothing was moving. The XM2 focussed extremely slowly, at least under the indoor lighting conditions in which I tested the cameras.

I ended up choosing the Sony VX2000 (I said autofocus was important, but there are other factors to consider too.) :)

Richard Hunter
farss wrote on 10/30/2004, 8:34 PM
For my money the DVC30 would be hard to beat, built to be used by a cameraman and I like the idea of its focus assist, you can do the same with most other cameras but you have to do the work. It would have only taken a bit of code and a button to provide this feature, they deserve praise for their efforts. I'd also get the XLR module with it, very handy and you can remove it if you need to travel light.
It'll take the same batteries as the DVX100 and you can pick up some cheap ones from www.dvxuser.com.
If you want something a bit more upmarket then the PD170 is also hard tp beat. Factor in the cost of batteries though. I have an aversion to cameras that don't offer balanced audio inputs, I've had to fix way too many audio stuffups from people who've skimped in this area.
Bob.
mrmike wrote on 10/31/2004, 1:46 PM
Thanks for the comments.

OK, so how does that go again?

Dear Santa, I've been good all year..........