GL2 versus XL2 and Pan. DVX 100a

[KAI-MIKAZEE]

:thumbup: i'm in the market on upgrading my gl2.

anyone with experience with cameras mentioned above, please help out.


1. i want the 24p frame rate.

2. i don't really edit my film in "adobe after effects" or any other high end
softwares, just "CLICK to DVD" from Sony Computers.

3. i thought about the XL2, but that's a little bit too much, i would get it but i
have seen complaints about "auto focus, and low light" is that comparable
to the GL2, or is it even worse.

4. i like the features of the Panasonic, but am a loyal Canon guy.

5. last but not least, i don't do any sort of business. just regular family
get together shooting and family misc. (zoo, birthday, wedding etc. etc.)

30p is good on my GL2, but is 24p worth the upgrade. I seen results and do like the 24p option.

[Flintstone]

In all honesty, from what you said, I find it hard to understand why you would want to change your current Gl2, a very capable camcorder, for a more expensive one where 24p at this point would probably not be very useful for your needs. Then again I may be wrong.

Keep in mind that not all NLEs (video editing applications) support 24p natively, and shooting 24p is not really point and shoot for family type events.

But if you do want to change and try 24p, then I'd suggest the DVX100A. For the money, you get more bang for the buck.

[Loki]

I wouldn't recommend the XL2 or the DVX in this instance...

for your uses it seems like a complete waste of money. The GL2 is a great little camera, and perfect for what you say your needing it for.

I'd recommend waiting until the end of april, after the NAB conference, Canon may have annouced a new GL3 model.

From the sounds of it though, I don't why you would be wanting to get a new prosumer camera if all your shooting is family events.

my two cents.

[MattC]

You say you like the look of 24p footage. Cool, I do too. But you should be aware that most 24p footage that you've seen has had an awful lot of work done to it before you saw it. Work you're not planning to do. I agree with loki, wait till after NAB (the end of April) and then, see what Canon offers. If they have a better GL2 (or three) then get that if you want, but stay away from either the XL2 or the DVX - both require more work than you want to deal with....

Matt

[aidancarr]

Matt, you're in Stamford? I live in New Haven.



And yes, you really don't need a new camera if all you're shooting is family stuff.

[Policar]

Agreed, wait for NAB.

Don't know what you mean by you don't want to use After Effects. It's for compositing work, not editing. What's your NLE? That can matter a lot regarding 24p. You say you want a DVD as your final result, and 24p native DVDs require a high end NLE.

The DVX is a huge pain to use compared with the GL2. I assume the XL2 is better in auto-mode and I know it's less grainy. I'd recommend it depending on your NLE and DVD editing suite's 24p compatibility, though waiting for NAB is always a good idea. I don't know why you'd be Canon loyal; I've heard their video department has terrible support, but I can understand brand loyalty especially since the interface changes are less drastic so I'd say XL2 all the way assuming nothing comes at NAB and you've got a 24p native NLE.

[Policar]

Oh, and despite my "Location" badge I'm living in CT now.

Middletown is pretty close to New Haven....

[MattC]

DUDES!!! We need to do a CT thing. Sport some colors, run some meth....

[TimurCivan]

24p frame rate is hard to make look good as a handheld camera for family events. I tried and failed.... IT looked like 8mm from the 60's and 70's. cause i guess the 24P framerate accentuates shakes and instabilty. you have to work hard to keep it steady.

plus, despite the DVX's relativly light weight, it can get tiring ot hold after a while. But gl2 weigs like what 2 pounds? and has an awesom picture. save yourself some dough, andstick with the Gl2. the picture on the DVx is better, but not by much. All you will really get by upgrading is better color. i dont even think the resolution will increase by much. IS a sore arm and better color worth $3500???

FYI any nle will handle 24p. if hes just using sony direct to DVD it will put it on DVD by using the pulled down footage. I dont think he cares about 24 native anyway.

[TreStylez]

If your a point and shoot guy remember you wont be getting auto focus on 24p and if your shooting family etc you probably dont want want to be playing with the focus. Also your not really going to have much control of light in these situations so your 24p wont be looking like some of the great clips from this site.