Looking for a camera . . .

change4no1 · Nov 20, 2006

Hello all. I'm looking to purchase my first camera. Still, I'm on a rather tight budget, and I'm looking for something under $3,000. Basically, I want the best quality I can get for the money. I've done some research and I'm currently looking into these cameras.

Canon GL2
http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_GL2/4505-6500_7-20224838.html

Panasonic AG-DVC30
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_DVC30/4505-6500_7-30836631.html?tag=also

Panasonic AG-DVC60
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_DVC60/4505-6500_7-30981376.html?tag=also

Panasonic AG-DVX100B
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_DVX100B/4505-6500_7-31568573.html

Sony DCR-VX2100
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_DCR_VX2100/4505-6500_7-30567263.html

These are the cameras I've been looking into . . . Do you have any tips, suggestions or warnings? Feel free to suggest a camera not listed here that is in my price range. Also, if you could, please rate the cameras above . . . just like the top 3. Thanks for your help!

Lazlo · Nov 20, 2006

I own the AG-DVC30, and can say that it is a truly great camera. A great blend of professional qualities, and beautiful images. Complete control over everything. Love its size, not too small, not too big. Very reasonably priced, and a durable camera. Great optics. While oncamera sound isn't the greatest, you have audio levels, and the option for the XLR input attachment. Basically I love it.

AG-DVC60 - Basically the same thing except MUCH bigger... If you're into that sort of thing.

GL-2 - Probobly about equal to the DVC30, even though it costs a lot more. Canon is very overpriced. It's got some issues, but a pretty solid camera I think.

DVX100B - Did you say your budget was under $3000? The best camera of the bunch you listed.

VX2100 - Great in low light at 1 lux. Another really solid camera. A few steps above the DVC30, 60, or GL-2. No XLR inputs...

Don't get a used camera or one off of a gray market site (where its cheap). I implore you. Save yourself the headaches. If you buy from a good retailer paying slightly more, you get a great warranty and support, and basically ensure that what you're getting is (hopefully) going to last for a long time. Good luck. Just a few basic outlines.

encity5 · Nov 20, 2006

Hm. so currently the sony is priced at 2200 at BH and the DVC at 1800.
What else merits the extra 400 dollars for the vx than the dvc besides the lowlight capablities?
im currently debating these two. unfortunetly my budget isnt in dvx range =(

Lazlo · Nov 20, 2006

VX2100:
-3 1/3 inch CCD's (effective pixels 340,000)
-Separate focus and zoom ring
-12x optical zoom

AG-DVC30:
-3 1/4 inch CCD's (effective pixels 410,000)
- only one programmable ring
-16x optical zoom

In other words... It's probobly not worth the extra $400... Everything else is almost the same except for the 1 lux on the VX2100. But the DVC30 has an awesome night shooting mode where you don't need any light at all to shoot in black and white. Its the only camera that does that besides the DVC60.