I second B&H. Great prices, great store (if you ever get to go up there)... I've never had a problem with ordering anything from them.
Markertek is great, as well... although they're a little more expensive than B&H. But Markertek is GREAT when you have to find something that you can't get through B&H.

David.

They also have a very good return policy if you no like the stuff.

JJK

Another vote for B&H. When they tell you it's in stock, it is.
I've purchased several SVHS VCRs, a VX2000, a set top DVD burner and many other smaller items from them. They are my first choice when looking for an item.

And at B&H, if you do your shopping and quote them a lower price from elsewhere, they will come down, sometimes meeting it..... they've been very good to me over the years as well....

I know this is redundant, but I also bought my VX-2000 at B&H, and have always had good service from them. They ARE New Yawkas, so sometimes you will have to deal with a smart alec, but they are generally very helpful and will answer any questions you have about a product.

As for your lighting question, if you are looking to light an office, and it has flourescent lighting, you may want to use flourescent shop lights and a filter on cam for that type of lighting, or color correct in post (which Vegas is VERY good for). You can get them cheaply at any home improvement store, and you won't have to worry about different color temperatures. Just try to match the tubes in your lamps with the ones in the ceiling. For any more tips on lighting, flat (like the news) or otherwise, John Jackman's book "Lighting for Digital Video and Televison" is an excellent resource.

Does B&H negotiate prices? They list the VX2100 for retail.

Are there any online info/tutorials for lighting video. I also would like to educate myself on the different types of bulbs, fixtures, etc., and their corresponding effects on video.....any online resources?

Thanks

B&H is good, but part of the reason many like them is because they are an enigma being honest and also located in New York City. I would recommend you avoid the "shtick" altogether and buy it from a friendly midwest outfit such as Vanns. They do price match within reason, but I would avoid Travis, he is not as flexible. Unless they have changed, they have a 30 day return policy which absolutely no other Authorized Sony Dealer will give you.
When I bought my VX2000, they matched the lowest price, gave me free shipping, and didn't charge me sales tax. I think the kid's name was Mike Moderie or something like that.

www.vanns.com

John

B&H usually has a list price and an actual price. Call or e-mail them and you will see what you can actually get the camera for. There are some decent lighting articles online if you look around. Try the Creative Cow website. Quite honestly though, buy the book I wrote of previously. It is indespensible (and no, I am not getting paid to say that!), and a bargan at about $30. Try Amazon for that.

I guess I should ask, how much should I expect to pay for the VX2100? www.vanns.com has it listed for about $2400. Is this a real price or a "scam" price?

I'm sure B&H will match the lowest price, but what is the "real" lowest price?

Even the honest places have a "scam" price, but $2400 sounds about right. I paid that for my VX2000 a few years ago. You might see if you can get a closeout or used vx2000 if you are trying to save a few bucks. Except for a very mild upgrade to low light capabilities, and a few other minor things, they are pretty much the same camera. As far as "scam" prices, if they seem high, call. Some stores have agreements with manufacturers that they will not advertise below a certain price. Otherwise, use common sense. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Yeah B&H has it for $2400--same as vanns. Sounds good, I was expecting to pay around $2700.

My last question is: what is a good close up lens for the VX2100 and its price.

B&H is actually selling it for $2399 also... you click on the "email me a better price" link and you then get to know the "real" price. Not scamming or anything... they apparantly cannot advertise the price out in the open.

Oh... and I have spent a LOT of money with B&H over the past year and have nothing bad to say about them.

Have you looked at PD150 ? Some nice extra features costing a bit more.

Yes. Although I need the LP fmode for much of the events that I cover and the PD150 (and 170) do not support LP mode.

bought a vx-2100 3 wks ago at B&H....went smoothly and happy with unit. JOHN

I checked the Vanns website. They have changed the return policy to 14 days for camcorders so they are now like the rest of them in that regard. Paid $2350 delivered for my VX2000 two years ago with a 30 day return policy. No problems and they were nice about it as well.
You may want to check ABTelectronics.com. Another reputable dealer. Price match on the phone.

John

Just checked. They only have a 5 day return policy on camcorders now. Incredible.

You may want to try this.
Amazon.com has it for $2548.94 with free shipping. They price match, but you have to e-mail them the URL of the site which has the lower price. They wont match slime bags such as Broadway Photo , but since Vanns is a reputable authorized Sony dealer they should match their price without a problem. If they do, order it from Amazon.com for $2393.30 delivered because they have a 30 day return policy and will also pay return shipping costs. You could also try calling them at their secret customer service number for a price match. That number is: 1(800) 201-7575 or try their regular e-mail inquiry. They actually answer the e-mails.

John

WhyBe,
Here is a reply I got when I asked for the new price. Also, I'd recommend the 4 year warranty that they sell there for about $160. Recommend you buy from an authorized Sony dealer for warranty service. There aren't many listed on the Sony site. B&H is one. From the research I've done, the VX-2100 is the best buy for me. I don't plan on using artifical light much and the low light capability of the VX-2100 (and 2000 for that matter) is head and shoulders above most others. Good luck.
Aloha,
Randy
********************
Dear Customer,

Our current selling price for the: Sony - DCR-VX2100 3 CCD Mini DV Camcorder
is 2,399.95, to purchase this item at this price, click below:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/sitem/sku=303956&is=REG&m=Y&BI=E12

AOL Users click here

Thank you for shopping at B&H Photo Video

The B&H Web Team
www.bhphotovideo.com
420 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
800-606-6969
212-444-6615

I bought my VX-2000 from onecall.com, the transaction went as smooth as could be and the camera has been great. They are an authorized Sony dealer and check online prices everyday to pricematch with other authorized dealers, always check places like resellerratings.com and bizrate.com for more reviews of the retailers, there are other reputible dealers out there besides the ones mentioned by myself and others. Pick the one that gives you the best deal (with shipping and other accessories you may be getting) has the camera in stock and is closest to where you live to get it shipped to you with the least delay and fewer miles your sensitive equiptment has to travel.

I bought my VX2000 from Armato's (www.armatos.com) in New York, paying $100 more than B&H's price, because I wanted to buy a maintenance agreement from Armato's (rather than buy a Mack agreement from B&H).

Quoted from Armato's website: "Unprecedented in the industry is our LOANER PROGRAM. If the equipment you purchase from us needs repair, and we cannot fix it within 48 hours, we will loan you an identical or comparable unit until your equipment is repaired, even if you are out of state.
This program is available to you for AS LONG AS YOU OWN THE EQUIPMENT."

Whenever I have mailed it to Armato's for an annual cleaning, they turn it around within 2 days (faster than Mack, which serviced my old TRV900).



Both Armato's and B&H are totally honest, reliable dealers, in my experience.

Brandon's Dad