I've come to 2 choices.....

[3amigosproductions]

Ok well my friend has a father who teaches at a local college about film. He wants to get more into it and is going to go the whole 9 yards by getting a prosumer camcorder

With my knowledge and his budget i narrowed him down to 2 earlier models of good camcorders

I've come to 2 choices........

Panasonic DVX100 a or b

and Sony PD-150 or 70

Can someone tell me which he should get ???? and why

[speekerphone]

DVX100B better

[KMProductions]

Panasonic seems to be the most popular one. They both have the exact same quality and they both have 2 XLR inputs. Really they are about the same minus a few small details. The Sony one is 300 USD more expensive though. It's really about which ever one you would feel more comfortable working with.

Im gonna add these two to my guide.

[3amigosproductions]

is it ok to put a gl2 in there to? or no comparison

[punkandska66]

Dvx, pd-150, gl2?

No, the gl2 don't belong in that list.

[thepie]

Dvx, pd-150, gl2?

No, the gl2 don't belong in that list.

Why is that hm? The GL2 is pretty equivalent to the DVX, and an excellent choice for a little cheaper. The only thing the DVX has over it is 24p and XLR inputs. Its a perfectly acceptable choice, since they are classified in the same categor: Prosumer SD cameras.

[Trekdude]

I believe that the ccd block is 1/4 on the gl2 and the dvx100b and pd150 have a 1/3 block. might as well go for the extra resolution and the 24p

[3amigosproductions]

Another question

does the dvx100b come with a mic jack for like the atr-55??

[elscottomagnifico]

Why is that hm? The GL2 is pretty equivalent to the DVX, and an excellent choice for a little cheaper. The only thing the DVX has over it is 24p and XLR inputs. Its a perfectly acceptable choice, since they are classified in the same categor: Prosumer SD cameras.
Not entirely true. The DVX is far more professional/prosumer (there are brackets within prosumer - entry level = gl2, top tier = dvx100). The GL2 has smaller chips - worse low light and harder to control depth of field, no xlr ports - you have to buy an adapter box to run higher end mics, a different control/ability set - not as tweakable, no 24P or real progressive mode, etc.

The Gl2 is a nice entry to prosumer cams, but in comparison to the higher ups, it doesn't stand much of a chance. If all you can afford is the Gl2, then it will do nicely (just light it well and you won't have problems), but if you have the money to spend, the DVX will have many features and capabilities that warrant the extra expense.

Don't get me wrong. You can make a nice indy film with a GL2. A DVX will just make it easier/give you more options because it is a better (and much more expensive) cam.

[elscottomagnifico]

Another question

does the dvx100b come with a mic jack for like the atr-55??If you're getting a DVX, you do not want to go with the ATR-55. Look into XLR mics (something like a Rode NTG-2).

On the topic of the PD vs. DVX. Typically they are described as equally good cams for different purposes. The DVX is often aimed more at the indy film makers (with its 24P - used in indy movies), while the PD is aimed at documetary makers (nice low light, but still no progressive mode - used in TV shows and documentaries). It's up to you which one meets your needs.

[elscottomagnifico]

I believe that the ccd block is 1/4 on the gl2 and the dvx100b and pd150 have a 1/3 block. might as well go for the extra resolution and the 24p
They're both SD resolution. The bigger chip just allows for each pixel to receive more light - better lowlight. The bigger chip also helps with those wanting to achieve shallow depth of field, as a larger imager/light capture point allows for better control of depth of field.

[elscottomagnifico]

http://www.lafcpug.org/reviews/review_dvx_pd150.html