Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

NEED HELP Buying a camera-> Most film-like look desired

Apr 24, 2006 1:16AM PDT

Hi there, I need some help or advice in regards to buyinga camcorder. i want to use it for shooting music videos, I would like to have a camera that has the most film-like look, works excellent in low-light conditions and has a good working image stabilizer, and I would liek to be able to use different lenses on the camera. I have a budget of up to $3,000. I looked at Sony HDR-FX1, however, sinec theis camera has inetrlaced video, it has more of a home video look to it despite it excellent image. I also checked out Panasonic AG-DVX100B, Canon GL2 and the Panasonic AG-DVC30.

I appreciate any adice.

Thanks,

Oliver

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
The Canon XL2 has the features you want, but it exceeds
Apr 24, 2006 6:26AM PDT

your maximum price. I believe it is unique in supporting multiple lenses at its price level. The HD version also supports your features, but the HD capability adds a few thousand to the price. You would have to buy a lense adaptor to mount additional lenses.

Perhaps you should consider renting the camera when you need it rather than buying one.

- Collapse -
I have the earlier version to Panasonic AG-DVX100B
Apr 26, 2006 9:27AM PDT

the Panasonic AG-DVX100A which shoots in 24p mode and I'm extremely happy with it. Awesome "film" like look and quality. The newest model 100B I believe goes one up and shoots in 30p mode. The Leica lens is also amazing.

It's also a very easy to use camcorder. The in depth features will take some time to learn but the buttons and menus are very easy to understand.

- Collapse -
Not the GL2
Apr 27, 2006 11:43PM PDT

The GL2, although an excelent camera, isnt very, "film like". The XL2 is realy in my opinion the best for film look on MiniDV. You WILL NOT need an adapter to add a lense to it, as it comes ready to add new lenses at will.

Hope this helps,
Chris

- Collapse -
No Adaptor needed for additional lenses?
Apr 27, 2006 11:58PM PDT

I guess someone forgot to tell B&H. It is true that there is more than one video lense for the camera, but, if you want to add Canon photo lenses, you will need an adaptor.

- Collapse -
yeppers
Apr 28, 2006 9:30AM PDT

That is true. They mention that on the Cnet video.