dv cam recommendations...sony? canon?

[CurtinCall]

i'm looking to buy a dv cam to shoot a documentary and other shorts. i have done research and so far i've narrowed it down to two cameras.

sony DCR-VX2000
canon GL-1

any thoughts? advice? my budget is around $2500. i know i should get a 3chip (whatever that means) for quality. and i'm leaning towards the sony as i hear they are easier to edit from and sony has a good reputation for reliability.

also wondering where you'd recommend buying the camera. i've been to cnet. anyone in particular that is reputable enough to order from online or buy in person in NYC?

any other advice on cameras and/or shooting my first film would be much appreciated.

thanks!

[Choo Choo Andee]

I've also done hours upon hours of research and I'd definitely go with Sony VX2000, I've heard some good things about the GL1 but also a lot of negative things. The reason you should get a 3 chip is because instead of one sensor for all three colors, there's 3 Red, Green, Blue and because of the indvidual sensors for each of those colors, it produces colors that are much more accurate.

If you're doing shorts that are going to get compressed for the internet, a lot of people will argue that you don't need an expensive 3-chip camera. If you decide to save some money, get the Sony TRV-30, it's a high end 1-chip camera, and you can find it for about $1400. I have one and it's perfect for what I do right now allthough I'm looking to get a 3-chip soon.

As for stores, go to B&H, you can order from them online and I promise my first born child that they will not rip you off, no grey market, no sandpapered serial numbers, they are 110% legit. If you live around the City, they have a huge store in Manhattan, you might as well go and take a look and pick up some accessories. Also, be sure to get an external microphone because even though those cameras are high quality, the mic that comes built in is just not enough, you can get a nice little sony mic that fits on it for a little over $100.

www.bhvideo.com

[Ute Giddeon]

Curtin,

Have you looked into the PD150? If you're looking to go beyond personal projects and do pro work for hire, having this camera speaks volumes to a client. A lot of cable TV is being shot with the PD150, from MTV to the Food Network. The main difference between the PD150 and the VX2000 is that the former uses the more robust DVCAM format.

Check out Adam Wilt's DV FAQ (http://www.adamwilt.com/DV.html) if you want to read up about the difference between DV and DVCAM. Two differences he fails to mention: 1) DVCAM uses the US standard of 7.5 IRE for black level (also known as "setup"), wheras DV conforms to the Japanese standard of 0 IRE. 2) DVCAM uses locked audio (this means that the audio sampling rate is locked to the video to ensure more exact synch for editing. This does NOT mean that you can't un-synch the audio during editing).

The PD150 was so sought after when it came out, that Sony artificially engineered a shortage of the camera since pros were buying it instead of Sony's more expensive cameras.

[Choo Choo Andee]

I've heard a lot of great things about the PD150 also, but it's about $1000 more than the VX2000. If you've got the loot, go for it.

[Sean_Taylor]

GL-1 are no longer made. You could get one used but if you want a new one, you're most likely going to have to pay a little more and get the GL-2.

I have one and I love it.

The Sony VX2000 is great too and works better in lower light. If you have enough light inside or almost anything shot outside, I give the nod to Canon. The picture quality is truly awesome.

[Johnny O]

I have a Sony VX2000 and it rocks!

I used both the GL-1 and the VX2000 when I was trying to make up my mind between them. The Sony wins hands down.

The Canon has a better lens but the Sony is much easier to use and much more durable. The only problem with both of these cameras is the audio. In short it sucks! If you have the extra cash you should get the PD-150. It has XLR imputes and that will make all the differance in the world for your audio. I wish I had know that the audio was going to be an issue when I purchased the VX2000. Don't get freaked it is not horrible - it's just not broadcast quality.

Go with the Sony!

[Phil]

i have nothing against the Sony, but I've had a Canon GL-1 for more than two years and have done tons of work with it. nothing but positive things to say about it. extremely easy to use, lightweight, durable, etc. and, i could be wrong, but I think the flip out monitor was a little bigger than the Sony.

i got it because it was a little cheaper and easier to use than the Sony (the VX-1000 may have been the latest Sony at the time). the on-board stereo mic is of exceptional quality, actually, for a camera mic. it doesn't work at long distances, but up close it's fantastic. I hate lugging around a bigger mic, with it's necessary bulky BeachTek adaptor strapped to the camera, so i've used the camera mic a lot and loved it.

the lens is great, too, especially very close & at wide angles. and the stabilizing feature works well.

Andy's right, B&H is a great place to buy stuff. And they're totally maxed-out Jewish, which is a plus in my book.

L'chaim,
Feivel

[Clubfootmidget]

I have worked with all the camera's mentioned here. I prefer the PD-150 over them all with the VX coming in second.


But to be quite honest, I enjoy working with my ZR25 more than any of my other camera's. I get a grainier look and the peripherals are less expensive. Then again, my desire is not to make a feature length film. I like shorts and experimental films.

[sammyhead]

I am new herethis is actually my first post..but I feel pretty strongly about this... I have a GL-1 and it is the best thing I have ever bought. The PD-150 is nice but I have found it to be a little bit more combersome. I have had my GL-1 for a little over a year and have shot numerous projects with it. I am also partial to canon cameras. I think they handle low light situations a lot better and although you are not supposed to use the camera mic unless it is an emergency, the canon mics are a hundred times better. I've got a recording engineer's credit on an album for a live track that was recorded with the camera mic on my GL-1. A lot of people I know have bought Sony cameras and have regrets about doing so. Get a canon. That is my take...
Sammy