Everyone who makes their own films in DV all have a preference in Camera. So for us students, which is best, and why?!?
This thread is going to compare and contrast features between the DVX100 and Canon XL2 to find the overall best camera. So let’s begin!
Panasonic DVX100
Specs:
- 1/3" 3-CCD Mini-DV camcorder with exclusive CineSwitchTM technology. Records 410,000 pixels.
- Rugged magnesium alloy diecast chassis
- Outstanding sensitivity of F11 @ 2000 lux
- Supports 480i/60 (NTSC), Cinema-style 480p/24fps, and 480p/30fps image capture. Features 2 types of pull downs for true 24p, regular 2:3 pulldown and 2:3:3:2 pulldown.
- Precision wide-angle Leica Dicomar lens with Servo/Manual Zoom (with stops & barrel markings)
- Well balanced and highly portable: 4.4 pounds in full operating condition
U.S. List Price $3,995.00
So a quick overview. This Camera features 16:9 aspect ratio as well as 4:3. The body is made of magnesium allow, thus heavy duty and long lasting. It has a 1/3 of an inch 3CCD with CineSwitch...
Canon XL2
Specs:
- Size 1/3", approx. 680,000 pixels (total), Progressive Scan CCD x3 (charge-coupled device) with horizontal pixel shift
- TTL autofocus. Manual focusing possible (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed)
- 60i, 1/60 shutter speed = 5.5 lux; 30P, 1/30 shutter speed = 6.5 lux; 24P 2:3:3:2, 1/48 shutter speed = 10 lux
- 16:9 target area: approx. 460,000 pixels (962 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.289" diagonal
4:3 target area: approx. 350,000 pixels (720 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.236" diagonal
U.S. List Price $4,999.99
OK now that both are up on the board, from personal experience, I will write a few comments.
The Canon is cool, no doubt about it, and yes, you can interchange lenses, but personally I prefer the image from the Panasonic. Yes there are fewer pixels per line with the Panasonic, but the colors are more real, then over extenuated with the Canon. Canon are usually know for vibrant colors, but its part of the CCD, with Panasonic, there are nicer blacks, and less pixel noise in low light situations. If the Canon had a CMOS instead of a CCD, it might be better, like their Still cameras, but I have yet to see a CMOS in any Camcorder.
Besides that, the Panasonic is the camera which resembles more to film, and I would know, I have worked with Film and DV, and with these two cameras...
BUT ultimately it’s a personal choice!
GL choosing a camera, and happy DV making!
Mike
This thread is going to compare and contrast features between the DVX100 and Canon XL2 to find the overall best camera. So let’s begin!
Panasonic DVX100
Specs:
- 1/3" 3-CCD Mini-DV camcorder with exclusive CineSwitchTM technology. Records 410,000 pixels.
- Rugged magnesium alloy diecast chassis
- Outstanding sensitivity of F11 @ 2000 lux
- Supports 480i/60 (NTSC), Cinema-style 480p/24fps, and 480p/30fps image capture. Features 2 types of pull downs for true 24p, regular 2:3 pulldown and 2:3:3:2 pulldown.
- Precision wide-angle Leica Dicomar lens with Servo/Manual Zoom (with stops & barrel markings)
- Well balanced and highly portable: 4.4 pounds in full operating condition
U.S. List Price $3,995.00
So a quick overview. This Camera features 16:9 aspect ratio as well as 4:3. The body is made of magnesium allow, thus heavy duty and long lasting. It has a 1/3 of an inch 3CCD with CineSwitch...
panasonic.com said:
Canon XL2
Specs:
- Size 1/3", approx. 680,000 pixels (total), Progressive Scan CCD x3 (charge-coupled device) with horizontal pixel shift
- TTL autofocus. Manual focusing possible (20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS installed)
- 60i, 1/60 shutter speed = 5.5 lux; 30P, 1/30 shutter speed = 6.5 lux; 24P 2:3:3:2, 1/48 shutter speed = 10 lux
- 16:9 target area: approx. 460,000 pixels (962 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.289" diagonal
4:3 target area: approx. 350,000 pixels (720 x 480) x3 CCD, 0.236" diagonal
U.S. List Price $4,999.99
OK now that both are up on the board, from personal experience, I will write a few comments.
The Canon is cool, no doubt about it, and yes, you can interchange lenses, but personally I prefer the image from the Panasonic. Yes there are fewer pixels per line with the Panasonic, but the colors are more real, then over extenuated with the Canon. Canon are usually know for vibrant colors, but its part of the CCD, with Panasonic, there are nicer blacks, and less pixel noise in low light situations. If the Canon had a CMOS instead of a CCD, it might be better, like their Still cameras, but I have yet to see a CMOS in any Camcorder.
Besides that, the Panasonic is the camera which resembles more to film, and I would know, I have worked with Film and DV, and with these two cameras...
BUT ultimately it’s a personal choice!
GL choosing a camera, and happy DV making!
Mike
