XL2 or DVX 100

[craigferriter]

Already have a dvx100, looking for a 2nd camera.


All event stuff, weddings, reunions, etc.

I can get a used XL2 for $2200 or used dvx for 1900.


Which would you choose and why?

[arges03]

another DVX.
1. syncing timecode with ease on multicam shoots
2. already posess operation knowledge
3. cya incase your first one gets broken/lost/stolen
4. setting matching for multicam
5. DVX IMO are better for event work since they have a flip out LCD, so you can stand back and monitor your work
6. You already have batteries, accessories I would imagine

[Captain Pierce]

All right, I'll admit I don't know crap about matching footage from these two cameras (or indeed any two cameras :D ), but if it's possible to match the footage at least reasonably well if you know what you're doing (which is where I usually have problems ;) ), I would at least consider the XL2, if only for its 20X zoom. Arges03 has a good point when he mentions the flip-out LCD for event work, but as somebody who does mostly event work, I have just run into too many situations where I would have been tempted to trade the flip-out LCD for just a little more zoom. The XL2 also seems to me to be a little more suited to shoulder-mount situations, if you need any of that.

[zcream]

look at the dvc30 - has 20X zoom as well. No progressive mode though - but would be easier to color match cameras from the same family..

[Huy Vu]

look at the dvc30 - has 20X zoom as well. No progressive mode though - but would be easier to color match cameras from the same family..

The DVC30 doesn't have 20x zoom. It's only 16x. If you're looking for reach then the XL2 wins hands down, the two cameras are probably comparable at the wide end due to the smaller chip size of the DVC.

I think the XL2 has a more impressive form factor which might impress clients. The DVX is also a good camera.

[after_effects]

Also do you need 16:9 or 4:3? The XL2 uses true 16:9 chips, but the DVX uses 4:3 chips.

[Vladi]

Already have a dvx100, looking for a 2nd camera.


All event stuff, weddings, reunions, etc.

I can get a used XL2 for $2200 or used dvx for 1900.


Which would you choose and why?

Your on a DVX forum, XL2 vs DVX, ummm...Lets see...DVX...

No, but seriously I shoot alot of event and wedding stuff, I own two DVX's.

Yea XL2 has shoulder mount, buts its so much bigger then the DVX which means some of the equipment you might already have for the DVX wont work with the XL2, as mentioned already you have the batteries and accessories=+++.

Native 16:9, how many people that you shoot for actually need native 16:9. Event stuff is usually personal or broadcast, and last time I checked the standard is still 4:3.

20X zoom, Ive shot with it, nice but how hard is it to get up and move closer, need shalower DOF, get a 35mm adapter, but in my opinion not needed for events.

To me the only advantage the XL2 has is the capability for interchangeable lenses. Thats it.

No LCD, Heavy & Bulky, Color rendition not as good as DVX, Lacks progressive scan, no black balance, etc.

[Captain Pierce]

20X zoom, Ive shot with it, nice but how hard is it to get up and move closer

Sometimes, not so hard. Sometimes, damn impossible. :D Especially if you're talking event work. Most of the time, when you roll in, there's a spot that they've picked for you, and that's the only place you're gonna be. If it's a little too far away for your 10X zoom, they're sure as hell not gonna move any tables (or chairs, or whatever may be in the way) just to make you happy.

Where I work, I have access to a DVX, an XL1S, and a GL2--and I bought the GL2 instead of another DVX because of the 20X zoom. Yeah, there's still some circumstances where I have more control over my placement and I'm darn well gonna take the DVX :), but when I'm not sure, I'm gonna roll in with that GL2 and not worry about it.

Again, though, I'll admit that matching footage between any of these is not something that I've had to worry about, so I can't speak to that. I wouldn't think, though, that the 4:3 of the DVX and the 16:9 of the XL2 would be an unsolvable problem, because I recently did a shoot with the 4:3 GL2 and my own personal 16:9 ZR850, and the GL2's "squeeze" mode footage matched the aspect ratio perfectly. So I'd have to think that these two much more expensive cameras could be made to play nice together. :D

[Vladi]

Most of the time, when you roll in, there's a spot that they've picked for you, and that's the only place you're gonna be. If it's a little too far away for your 10X zoom, they're sure as hell not gonna move any tables (or chairs, or whatever may be in the way) just to make you happy.


I've never had that problem, the people I usually work for know I'm shooting with the DVX and won't put me half a mile away from my subject, if its someone new, I request ahead of time to be closer to the subject. Moving tables and chairs, dude, bring two cameras set one up if they do have a set place for you like you said, then get your ass up and move closer with the second one.:huh:

[VIDEOMIKE]

Vladi is incorrect about the progresive scan and adjustable black level on the XL2. The XL2 may be helpful with the use of the wide lens. However if your not going to use it in the 16:9 mode your just using less of the CCD equivilent to a 1/4 inch chip insted of a 1/3 inch chip.

[Evro]

Sometimes, not so hard. Sometimes, damn impossible. :D Especially if you're talking event work. Most of the time, when you roll in, there's a spot that they've picked for you, and that's the only place you're gonna be. If it's a little too far away for your 10X zoom, they're sure as hell not gonna move any tables (or chairs, or whatever may be in the way) just to make you happy.

Again, though, I'll admit that matching footage between any of these is not something that I've had to worry about, so I can't speak to that.


I totally agree with CP on this. We do alot of wedding & event work and you don't always have the best vantage point. Perhaps when videographers are given the same level of importance as photographers that might chanage but for now we have to deal with being an afterthought.

As far as matching footage between DVX & XL2 goes I've had lots of experience and my advice to you is if you are doing this professionally (not just a part time hobby) your time is money so buy another DVX and save yourself the headaches in post!!

[Vladi]

My bad, thats right the XL2 does have the progressive scan, its the XL1s that lacks it, sorry.

[SPZ]

In your case, I would go dvx. You'll have a set of similar cameras, and it would easier to match

[VIDEOMIKE]

Thank for the acknowagement on the progressive Vladi. I agree that it's better to have cameras that match