Camera shopping!

KPITRL wrote on 4/18/2002, 3:24 PM
Hi Guys!

I need just a little help from you all out there.

I'm in the midst of odering a video cam.

I'm pretty much looking at either the Canon GL1,

and the Sony VX2000, does any one have any feedback

that could help me decide oneway, or the other.

From what i've seen there both great cameras, but

which one gives superior imaging.

Is there anyone who have had experience with both?

Thanx again guys

kpitrl

Comments

Summersond wrote on 4/18/2002, 4:26 PM
Go to www.bealecorner.com for a complete in depth comparison of those plus the TRV-900 from Sony. I have the Sony and love it. Good luck!

dave
DSR500 wrote on 4/18/2002, 9:37 PM
Did you read http://www.videouniversity.com/vx2000.htm ?

Seems like the Sony people like their cameras!

The frustrating things about cameras that a mere
mortal can afford is that they have so much automation
when it is not desired, and really poor manual
controls.

That said, I happen to own a GL1 (one of several
cams), and I don't have a VX2000.

The GL1 has generally poor sound because it has
no manual levels adjustment for sound, only
an attenuator for "hot" inputs. But you asked
about the image!

The GL1 image is pretty darned good in 4:3 mode,
which is the only thing it actually does. Its
16:9 mode is just cropped from the 4:3. Other
cameras like the DSR500 have native, full 16:9
mode, however you'll have trouble getting people
with a true wide screen to every watch it, wide
screen TV's are still rather expensive. Get this,
the DSR500 uses the same CODEC as the VX2000 and
the GL1 in theory. And it isn't much better for
blue/green screen work either.


The lens of the GL1 - it is absolutely first
rate. Probably the best optics in its class,
or at least as good as anything else.

The tape unit of the GL1 is okay, and the overall
image quality is remarkable for its size. Still,
you can really see a difference when you move up
beyond those cameras.

Manaul focus in the GL1 is a joke. It works, but
it's so decoupled from the mechanics of it all,
it's like trying to hammer on a nail with a piece
of silly putty.

If you don't edit the footage much, or at least
if you are really careful when you do, the GL1
will give you hours of really pleasing video at
a small price. As you grow, you'll want manual
audio, and more pro features. You can always get
the VX2000 or GL1 and then rent when you need the
next step up.

The GL1 has small 1/3" CCDs. The pro cameras have
2/3" CCDs. It makes a difference in image quality.
If you're doing blue/green screen, almost none of the
mini DV camcorders do well. For that, Digibeta is
lots better. Don't get me wrong, I've done pretty
good greenscreens with the GL1 as long as there is
enough light.

Low light performance on the GL1 is nothing to
write home about. It is noisey down there.

The place the GL1 does the best is outdoors, in
adequate light. I've captured some great stuff outside
in the shade or in the sun, and the little image
stabilizer is quite good.

Oh - the GL1 seems to have a "tilt" function. If you
shake it too hard (like when recording from a motorcycle
or car) it turns off or drops out. Bet the Sony does too.

I LOVE the 30fps frame movie mode. Cannon made a sort of
"poor man's 24p" with it, and it is really great for some
things.

If you want to look unprofessional, the GL1 unfortunately
STILL draws people out of the woodwork to either kick you
out of their place or ask you a bunch of questions. it's
the square lense hood and kinship to the XL1 that does it
I suppose. Funny thing, a full pro camera rig seems to
deter those people from coming up and asking questions.
I'm about ready to build a black bag with grip tape or
a fake VHS recorder housing for my little GL1 so that people
won't bother me.

For the price, the GL1 is really neato, and very lovable.
It also is very reliable (no problems in a few years here).

No matter which one you get, you will ALWAYS be limited by
the Mini DV CODEC, colorspace and compression. As you get
picky, you will start to drool over Digibeta and 24p.


Funny, I thought that the VX2000
was more toward the XL1 class in some ways. I'll let
the people that know it comment on it.












BillyBoy wrote on 4/19/2002, 9:48 PM
Just got a Canon ZR45 a couple weeks ago. Works flawlessly with video capture and print to tape. This really isn't the right forum to discuss the merits of various cameras. However for mid price range models ($550-725) you'd be hard pressed to find anything better... or as good.
BD wrote on 4/22/2002, 10:32 AM
I use Sony VX2000 and TRV900 camcorders. The VX2000 is superb in low light, but it is a bit bulky and does attract attention. I use the smaller and lighter TRV900 when shooting outdoors (with a polarizer, external ND filter, or aperture-preferred exposure locked on F4.0, to avoid diffraction-limited sharpness). Both have manual audio control and other "semi-pro" features. The www.bealecorner.com site has mucho info on both cams.
kkolbo wrote on 4/22/2002, 10:57 PM
I enjoyed the beale corner site. Thanks.

I have recently purchased the PD-150 after long consideration and after talking with a number of directors and DP's in the area. I couldn't be happier with my choice. The step up from the VX2000 is worth it although only if you are really 'working' the camera. On a recent shoot in Seattle in low light conditions during an orchestral recording session, those manual extras of the PD-150 really paid off. The better audio interface did as well. Since I use an NLE for post work I do not know if the DVCAM format is much of an advantage at the moment. I do know that the tape transport is beefier than the standard DV only transport.

Yes I would have liked a DSR500 or better yet a DigiBeta rig, but for the price point the PD-150 will do the job nicely for me. It was a much better choice "for me" than an XL1-S. Everyone has different styles and needs, so please remember that the Sony fits "MY" needs. The XL1 by the time you get all of the parts to make it really useful is considerably more expensive. While Cannon lenses are the standard of quality, the older XL1's had a problem with rack focus holding. Neither unit has backfocus. The newer XL1's may have the lens problem fixed.

The end result of my shooting with the PD-150 is first rate DV images. Ease of operation was much better than I expected once I got used to the control layout.

I really reccomend that you take the time handle and shoot with a couple of your finalists. Read the manuals before shooting so you can take advantage of all of the features/settings. It was the only way I could be sure before purchase.

Good luck and enjoy your choice no matter what it is. This is supposed to be fun remember. I do it for a living and I still work to make sure it stays fun.

K