Help me decide which video camera...
 

I've been looking at Canon GL2 & XL1, & XL2. I can't decide if I can handle not having a display. I've saved up plenty of cash I need help!!

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

I would personally get a sony pd-170. Its simple and takes awesome video quality.

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

XL2 by far if you have the money! Do some reading on it GREAT camera! Sony PD-170 good too! Less money.

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

From what I had seen tested at my work site I would only purchase the panasonic brand. The cameras were tested in a lot of elements and panasonic out did all of them by a long shot.

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

What's your output? Do you need the 24p feature on the XL2? We have both the XL2 and the PD 170 and ourrental clients prefer thePD170 over the XL2. Some prefer the XL2 but most like the Sony.

For my own use I have a Panasonic GS 150 and love it. I wish changing settings were a little easier but what do you do I wanted a 3CCD camera under $500.

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

Hey, did you get a new camera yet? If so, which one did you decide on?

Just wondering, cause I need a new camera really bad. My old C-VHS just aint cutting it anymore. It's so noisy! The noise from the camera wheels actually can be heard on what has been recorded. It's terrible for videoing hunts!

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

We got a Canon GL2 about 8 months ago to use while filming demo DVD's for our outfitting business. It worked finefor about 2 months,then kept giving a "clean heads" or "Remove cassette" command. It had to be sent back to the factory to be repaired. Then when we got it back, it worked fine, but all the tapes recorded before sending it back would not play in the camera anymore. Probably due to the realignment of the heads. But still, we lost all that footage ( about 12 tapes full )which cost us not only the demo DVD for this year, but our annual Hunting video also.
After this incedent, I've read and heard a lot ofthis same problemhappening with other peopleand the GL2.
Just thought I'd let you know and maybe prevent this from happening to someone else.

Steve,

www.outdoor-encounters.com

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

I know as I stated above we tested a lot of different video cameras. They were tested in heat, steam, and dust to monitor some of the equipment at the plant. Most cameras died within three months! A few made it to 6 months, but, the panasonic that was used here a year later and was still running. That convinced me that for my money I would stick with the panasonic ones. The camera was taken down so as to fix a more permanent lense to monitor the things needed. To date 8 monitors were installed all under these conditions with one having rain water dripping on it from a leaky roof. All cameras that are there are all panasonic. So that I will leave up to you to decide on, good luck!

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

While I am not questioning your test results....you do realize that conservatively speaking, 90% of outdoor(hunting & fishing) videos are taped with Sony and Canon video equipment?

BTW, my Sony`s have held up like troopers in less than pleasant weather for quite some time now.;)

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

Sorry for not addressing your question on my last post.......

If you are intending to use this camera for hunting type videos, my honest opinion is to NOT choose any of the cameras you listed.

While those Canon models all have some really excellent qualities, each one of them lacks the two most important traits needed for quality hunting video.

1. Pro Audio
2. Horrible low light capabilities.

Yes, you can peak the gain, and slow down shutterspeed to but some additional minutes, but it comes at the cost of tape quality.

For hunting video purposes, unless you are ready to spend in the neighborhood of 15K, the Sony PD170 was the clear choice.

Canon has now come out with another camera, and after giving it a serious workout, I would not hesitate to add it to my camera collection for hunting.

This new Canon has it all, IMO.......

20x optical zoom
Image stabilization that Canon is famous for.(can be turned off when camera is mounted)

Twin XLR ports for pro audio
Vastly improved LCD screen.
And possibly the biggest quality........0.4 lux rating. This means that you can video QUALITY footage longer than you can see to hunt.

Here is a link to the new Canon.....it is one sweet puppy!;)


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1881&A=details&Q=&sku=447098&am p;is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

0.4 lux (60i/30f Mode, Manual Mode, 1/4 Shutter, F1.6, Gain 18 dB)



If I'm reading the info, right that would be .4 lux with s gain set at 18, and that would be some grainy video, and not suitable for Tv production, our producers really dont want anything over 8 db of gain....

BUT, AND I say BUT, still sounds like a very nice cam , Like the ouputs and the LCd that will flip to either side, 20x glass also......

I was looking at the new Sony HDR-FX7, it has great stuff but two big draw backs, one is no xlr inputs, just a 1/8 mic input, sure you can get dapters and still have a good spear mic and cover, but the other drawback is after it the auto iris adustment, when it reaches maximum exsposure it will automatically start adding gain, its not controlable...

Every camera will have its drawbacks, but you need to find a cam that will suit you individuale filming needs..

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

I have a Sony vx-2100 and it is more quiet than a Canon gl2. Also, the Sony has more features you can adjust and actually film in lower light than Canons I have been around. And you can hardly hear it when turned on, unlike a Canon

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

dwd,
I would go with the sony pd170 if you are going to try and do anything with your your filmed hunts, the vx-2100 has great footage but the audio stinks on it so by time you get the attachments with the XLR ports and a new shotgun mike you might as well just bought the pd170 with built in XLR ports and a great shotgun mike..But if your hunts are just for you to enjoy the vx-2100 is a great camera many guys run them as second camera angle cameras. Walt

RE: Help me decide which video camera...
 

I appreciate all the info guys. I'm still deciding but I'm definitely looking at the Sony's a little harder. I've decided that Low light performance is more important than having 20x optical zoom since the majority of my hunting will be bowhunting. I truly appreciate all the help you guys have given and I'll post some pics as soon as I make a purchase.