Please somebody inform me

[Debonaire]

Okay I'm new to film production. I'm trying to start a business where I do videos for local rappers where I'm from? And also short fims and feature films. I'm going to spend most of my Income tax money on it I'm going to have around 2000 dollars. I was looking on ebay and seen a couple of deals I could afford. here we go

THe canon gl2
Canon xl1s
or the panasonic dvx100
and panasonic dvx 100a.

I like the panasonic dvx100a so far mainly because of the lcd screen, the canon xl1 don't have it and that hurts it to me.(what do you think)

I'm going to do video for local rappers and save up till I can get a Sony HVR-v1U. The canon gl2 is very cheap but I'm scared that it shows a little bit better than a regular camera the dvx shoots in 24p. What are the difference between the dvx100 and the dvx100a. and then what's the difference in the b than the a.

I really want to at least have good quaility in my videos. But if the dvx 100 real good i'll go with that and save alot of money. i'm just ready to get started.

Somebody who knows what I'm trying to learn please help me I really would love that. Right now I'm going with the panasonic dvx100a. but if somebody can proved to me the gl2 is better for me than I guess i'll go with that.

Key word( i wanna be able to hook up a boom mic and do feaure film so It be semi-professional. and I think you need an xlr or phantom mic power and I don't think gl2 has it.


I need advice a.s.a.p

because I'll be getting my income tax check soon.

[ProfessorU]

I assume you're talking about buying used? You're not going to find these cams within your budget new, plus you should figure you'll spend $1000 at a minimum just to equip your cam with a tripod, real mic, case, batts, filters, and the other basics.

You can add XLR input to the GL2 through the hot shoe. I own one, it's a great cam. Doesn't do 24p, true, but if you're not outputting to film, it shouldn't be that big a deal, right? It's a great cam to learn on.

You can make a $2000 GL2 sing like a $6000 cam with the right skills. If you don't know what you're doing, you might as well shoot on your cell phone.

Edit: The XL series cams are designed to have a monitor added if you need it.
http://www.zgc.com/zgc.nsf/product/1F4288E7AA79046185256CAF005B6375
Then you can move your monitor to your stabilizer or somewhere else more convienient when needed.

[tmnt]

Here's an article that might interest you. http://dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/
Most people love the 24p film look the dvx puts out and also the manual controls. I've read the dvx also has nice sound (xlr inputs too). So if you're looking to go ultra low budget without a mixer, the dvx may help you there too.

I don't really know much at all about the diff between the DVXa and b models other than the B has an updated lcd.

You might be best to try and pick up a low hours second hand cam.

Good luck dude.

EDIT: more links about dvxB. http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/100b/ and http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=94944&catGroupId=14571&modelNo=AG-DVX100B&surfModel=AG-DVX100B