Canon Xl2 or Panasonic Ag-dvx100ae

[Guest]

Hello everybody,


I’m looking for a camcorder that can film in 16/9 (wide screen) at a 24fps frame rate.

So I’m interested in two models: the Canon XL2 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100AE…

I’m coming from digital photography, so I’m a bit worried not having the possibility to change the lenses on the camcorder… Last thing, the Panasonic is 2000CHF less than the new Canon… So is the Canon XL2 worth the price?

What’s your advice on this?

Best Regards,
Yves G

[alpi69]

nobody can aswer this yet cos there are no real tests made with the XL2.

FYI: the DVX100ae does 25fps as does the PAL version of the XL2. there is no 24fps in pal-land.

if you got the money and or lots of canon lenses go for the XL2. otherwise i would wait to see what the first real tests bring.

[Yves_G]

Ok.

I don't have a lot of Canon lenses, neither a lot of money. But I’m ready to invest in something really good.

FYI, I am planning to apply in a school to follow directing courses for three years. But before, I want to do some short films, commercials, and get some knowledge.

I think filming is the same as photography… starting at a certain tech. level, whatever which camcorder you’re using; it’s the person behind who makes the difference…

So, is the Panasonic Ag-dvx100ae a good camera, which I would be happy with, or will I regret having it 6 month after purchasing it?

Best Regards,
Yves G

[alpi69]

well from what i hear from you i am absolutely certain that the DVX is sufficient. it has everything you need to make great films.
the canon adds a longer lens but for a rather high price. for that extra money you can get great extras for the DVX and beat the XL2.

[Aaron Koolen]

If you don't have lots of spare $$, get the DVX. It seems like a great camera and stuff I've seen with it is really nice (BTW I do not own one). You get a few more things for your $$ over the Canon too. For instance

Barrel markings for repeatable follow focus and zooms.

LCD screen so you can watch it and not have to look through the viewfinder, or buy a monitor. Canon has a puss 2" LCD which is really under the EVF hood. So if the camera person has their eye up to it, then you're buggered.

Wide angle lens for your indoor, tight space shooting - quite a bit wider than the Xl2. You would probably want to buy a wide angle for the Canon.

Good audio, probably best of any camera in this class that we know of - Xl2 hasn't been tested with this, but it's probably not too shabby in comparision. Have to wait and see.

Now you can always film widescreen on anything, but for I guess "real" widescreen you'll need an adapter for the DVX to take full advantage of the res.

If you envisage you having more $$ in the future that you want to spend on lenses to get the best quality then you have no choice but the Xl2.

Remember though, any money you saved will go toward the other gear that you will probably need like tripod etc. And if you are making films and don't rent, you will *HAVE* to buy a decent mic. It's heartbreaking to see people make a movie with on board crappy sound. Invest in a half decent mic if you have the $$.

Will you regret it? Who knows? I mean who knows if any of the HDV cameras will come out in 6 months? If they do, will they really be that good or is that just hype?

If you want to start making stuff, buy something soon. If you're really rushed then get the DVX cause it might take a couple of months to really see what the XL2 is like.

Aaron