DVX100A vs. DVC30 vs. Sony VX2100? Input Please.

[markpsf@sbcglobal.ne]

I know this is a no brainer in terms of overall quality but it is a tough choice for me because of the money and weight difference.

My primary uses: travel videography (no tripod usually), classroom taping of teachers and children

Possible use: to make a documentary about schools.

Primary needs: excellent viewfinder (for composition), good image stabilization (I have a slight hand tremor and also need to use it without a tripod usually), decent low light shooting.

I get mixed reports re each of these camcorders. More and more I think I need the DVX100A but hear that the viewfinder image isn't sharp and that the image stabilization and low light shooting aren't as good as the 2100. And it is also borderline in terms of it's weight re traveling.

I would love to hear your recommendations.

Thanks,

MP

 

[MrSleep]

I have done extensive research on the models you have mentioned.

what makes me prostrate towards the DVX100 always after looking for a cheaper alternative, is its combination of 24p "progressive" shooting mode (to get the film look) and "Cinegamma"!

this is most crucial. why is this important?

the contrast ratio of video, (digital or not) is 100:1.
contrast ratio of film stock is at least 10 times greater 1000:1!!
and just to keep it all in perspective the human eye's contrast ratio (the spectrum we see and compute them into colors) is about 30.000:1.. (maybe thats why we cant see ghosts and angels!)
(please note that the numbers are not always the exact figures and im still learning), however we can use them as examples to figure out why the DVX has a vibrant community.

if you were to use a DVCam without the gamma curves option and you wanted to shoot some wildlife footage of birds flying across the sky, the cam will probably not see all the shape of the clouds and the color of the blue sky and it will probably (depending on weather condition) render that as clipped image that looks all white.

for what you want to do, the DVX100 might be a bit of an overkill since you wont be needing the "progressive" feature but the gamma curves IMO is a cucial feature so the DVC30 with its lower price point and decent low light shooting is a good deal.
(keep in mind some people dont like the cinegamma effect, so it could be a taste thing for some, but for me its not.)
but if you want the best low light performance, the VX2100 wins hands down.

others might fill in my gaps, thats the best i could do.

take care.