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General discussion

Canon GL2 , Panasonic AG-DVC30 or Sony DCR-VX2100

May 6, 2005 10:35PM PDT

which is suitable for a serious shooter or a semi-pro shooter
Canon GL2 , Panasonic AG-DVC30 or Sony DCR-VX2100

Discussion is locked

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Either the Canon or the Sony. Reviews say that both are
May 7, 2005 2:29AM PDT

excellent, and both Canon and Sony are experienced makers of video cameras. Panasonic is not, and I am not familiar with their camera.

Have you looked at the Sony PD170? It is a low end pro camera, and has XLR mic input. I don't think Canon has anything other than the XL2, which is excellent, at that price point. I think the XL2 has a higher price than the PD170.

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I just looked at both in the store today. My vote would go
May 7, 2005 8:59AM PDT

to the Canon. It's controls are laid out better, and it seems to pay a LOT more attention to audio. You can see VU type meters constantly when shooting, and it has individual left and right channel volume controls right on the back of the case (thumb wheels). It also has a 20x optical zoom versus 12x for the Sony. I also expect the Canon lense is superior to the Sony's.

I was once told audio is 70% of a good video. I think that is true.