Canon GL2 and the Panasonic AG-DVC30

Matt Grunau

Matt Grunau

Adobe Demigod
Hi all. Firstly, this is not a pro "either product" or bash "either product" thread.

I have a student who is interested in purchasing a 3CCD camcorder. We helped him order a nice Dell system (when he ordered it by himself over the phone Dell really went overboard packing stuff in it, and he sent them a check for $2900. We canceled that order and made a new order), getting a good basic video setup including 19" dual flat screen monitors for $1700. The other order didn't have dual monitors.

Since he had put aside all that money and now had a grand that he was not going to spend, I suggested he look into a camera. At the school we use GL2's, so he is somewhat familiar with the model, but I am a fan of Panasonic so we looked at their site and found the AG-DVC30. I lowest price I could find for the GL2 is $2230 (from a dealer suggested on this board and trustworthy).

The lowest price I could find for the DVC30 was $1950 (from a VERY reliable dealer).

Canon has a $250 rebate and Panasonic has a $200.

I know he is going to be working with mics, and the DVC30 has onboard XLR ins where the Canon does not, it is separate add on (Adapter MA-300) and is $250.

I am leaning towards the Panasonic as a better deal and in my opinion a superior lens, but I was hoping some of you would weigh in.



Here are the technical specs for each:


http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/co...hSpecsSupportAct&fcategoryid=227&modelid=7512


http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webap...GroupId=14571&surfModel=AG-DVC30&displayTab=F




Thanks
 
I have GL2s and a DVX... all I can say is, the GL2 was a lot more prone to glitches. That was indeed the primary reason I bought the DVX. Back then. Now I have a lot more reasons. I'm actually surprised a school is using GL2s... most seem to use Sony VX's, cause they seem to be pretty reliable in situations of student abuse...

But sure, jusging by the DVX, he panasonic should be good. The XLRs will make life easier; the DVC30 is also a much newer camera and hopefully has gained from experience...? Panasonic seems to make good products in that "hang back, see what the other folks are doing, then pounce" kinda way.
 
thats a good question, i havent heard much about the DVC30... but i almost bought a GL2 at one point. the XLR vs mini-plug is reason enough in my opinion to go with the DVC
 
THanks guys. From the tech specs, I didn't see much of a difference.

ullanta: I didn't order the GL2s, but since that's what we've got . . .

troypod: XLR inputs is a definate plus.

From the actual camera specs, anyone see an advantage of one over the other?
 
There was a time when I was going to buy a DVC30 but I decided to save up more for a DVX100a. I did tons of research on the GL2 and DVC30 - at one point I liked the GL2 A LOT, but the more I found out about the DVC the more I wanted it. It just seemed to have the upperhand on everything. Although, I have no expeirance with either camera I would say the DVC30.
 
Hi there,

I think you should go with the DVC30. But,...bear in mind that what you have on this model it's an ADAPTOR to EVENTUALLY get the XLR box... which cost about 200$ like the beach-tex one...

Still,... the DVC30 is a better bet on my opinion unless he want to shoot "wildlife"(20x vs 16x, not big difference anyway).

Good luck
 
skart82 said:
Hi there,

I think you should go with the DVC30. But,...bear in mind that what you have on this model it's an ADAPTOR to EVENTUALLY get the XLR box... which cost about 200$ like the beach-tex one...

Still,... the DVC30 is a better bet on my opinion unless he want to shoot "wildlife"(20x vs 16x, not big difference anyway).

Good luck
Click to expand...


You're right, it is an adapter. I didn't notice that.

THanks.
 
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