I own 3 DVX100's.

Cons - Could feel more sturdy. Feels very 'plastic'. Low light capability better on some other camera's.

Pros - Jaw dropping picture quality. I have people saying 'Wow!' all the time. Audio not fantasic, but better then anything else I've heard in the market. Even if you don't consider 24p, this is a fantastic camera.

I don't view lack of autofocus in 24p as a flaw. Remember that 24p is designed to get you a step closer to a film camera. And film cameras do not autofocus.

I also don't view the zoom speed as a flaw. Some folks complain that the zoom speed should be slower. I disagree also. I my personal opinion, I don't want a lot of zooms in my footage. I use the zoom to get from one shot to the next. Rarely for a very very slow zoom effect. The DVX100 does have a slow zoom, just not as slow as some others.

24p is very cool! It has such a different 'look' then standard video. But to paraphrase what I said earlier, even if you never turned on 24p this would be a great camera.

Mark

DVX-100 also has less tolerance to low lighting in 24p modes. The idea behind this is one of engineering and some assumptions. The idea of film mode cameras is that you do the spot with the same mentality as if you had a film camera. You have a dedicated engineer capable of focus and focus pulling, and spend a fortune correctly lighting the scene.

You don't get something for nothing. A 25p PAL camera might suit you better DocHogan, and then you can adjust for 24p with stretch and pitch conversion like 25fps film camera folks do (and reduce the 720x576 to 720x480 for DVD or 486 for broadcast) with a pulldown system somewhere if going to NTSC.

25p PAL cameras typically have auto-focus, auto-iris and excellent sensitivity (and some have 1/2" 3CCD blocks).

Do you need anamorphic lense for a widescreen without crop or other AR trouble?

I have the same dilemma. I like the dvx-100, but see a few weaknesses. I haven't bought anything yet. Promax made a dvd comparing the dvx-100 and pd-150 which helped me understand the quality of the dvx. Here's a link about the test, call Promax to get the free dvd...it will be worth your time.
http://www.lafcpug.org/review_dvx_pd150.html

Pros: Looks great, 24p is cool for DVD production

Con: Not ideal for run-and-gun, or situations where "full auto everything" is needed (weddings, live events, sports etc). There is definitely a learning curve with this cam- tolerable, but don't expect good looking shots in any scenario with zero setup time (ala the Canon GL series).

Guys - there is nothing out there right now like this camera. If you are in this price range and if you have any interest in creating projects in progressive mode - get it! If you're not sure, rent one for a weekend. Many places in LA & NY rent the camera. Also, if you haven't already, check out the 2-pop forum on the camera

http://www.2-pop.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=PanasonicAGDVX100Camera

We've discussed ad infinitum the "cons" of the camera on that forum and no one has said they regret their decision. It is an awesome camera. (BTW - The Promax DVD is what sold me.)

I have been shooting with DVX since Nov. I am an old film fart
and this is as close as you get to a real film look. Of course
there is always the Pana & Sony HDTV cams but for 3.5K
nothing comes close to the DVX. And yes the Pro-MAX DVD
is a good comparision and really shows why the DVX is
better than a PD-150

Nice camera but I'm always reluctant to go for the first in any new product line. I think I'll wait for Sony to "do it right", hopefully sooner rather than later ;)

J\

> I'm always reluctant to go for the first in any new product line.
> I think I'll wait for Sony to "do it right"

Panasonic has been first to market with some of the best, most affordable prosumer/industrial video gear since the mid-80's. Each generation is always a step up in quality and features from the last.

What makes you think Sony will do it right (better than Panasonic)?

Is the "Jaw dropping picture quality" just in film mode? or would i notice the difference vs. say a pd150 in regular 60i mode?

Read the reviews (all the major video magazines have reviewed the camera and I haven't seen one negative one - "revolutionary" they all say). It takes excellent 60i video.

I've been waiting for Sony to do it right for years! ;-)

You never mentioned what you were going to use the camera for? That makes a difference in choosing the correct one. If it is to shoot family type stuff then the Canon GL2 is the better choice, IMHO. I shoot weddings, events, business multimedia with the Canon XL1s and have found it suited to those needs. Would I rather up-grade to a truly professional set-up? You bet. The Panasonic SDX900 is my next camera. (50k dressed out and with editing support.)

As an aside, the Panny DVX-100 would not endear my clients as a professional cam, whereas the XL1s looks formidable and professional - and at a little less cost. The bottom-line - you will miss auto-focus with every lost shot and there will be many lost because of that lack of capability.