DVX100B vs. XL2

KyleProhaska

KyleProhaska

Veteran
I must annoy people with so many vs. topics but its so hard to decide. I read all the articles comparing the two and ive found some problems with both but some good.

DVX:
1) No Native 16:9
2) 12x Optical Zoom
3) No Black Stretch
4) Better 4:3
5) More Rugged
6) Smaller
7) Displayable Focus & Zoom on LCD
8) $2800 after rebate @ newegg.com

XL2:
1) Native 16:9
2) 20x Optical Zoom
3) Interchangable Lens (wont use probably)
4) 680,000pixels in 16:9 but 30k less than DVX in 4:3
5) Small LCD which doubles as eyepiece.
6) Many Custom Presets
7) Doesnt warn for ND
8) $3600 @ newegg.com

Idk its hard to choose, there are pros and cons.

On the 16:9 issue, I dont know anyone with a 16:9 TV so whats it matter? I could crop the DVX footage to any aspect I want basically and it excells in 4:3. It just seems the XL2 is more professional and can do a film look and other things. More features like skin detail and stuff, coring, etc. Can anyone smooth this out so its an easier thing to decide. After comparing all I have finally narrowed it down to these 2.

-Kyle
 
I know im sorry lol, I know its a pain to hear this crap over and over. I just can't afford to sink 3000 into something im not sure about, especially with college coming up.

I plan to use my new camera for these things:

Youth Group Events (stationary or handheld)
Commercial Shoots
Filmmaking (duh)
Documentary Styles possibly

Pretty much everything I can do with it ill probably do. I know that might make the DVX a better choice because of its more SOLID structure. I'm also planning to go to film school in 2 years if that helps any.

-Kyle
 
I don't know

I say get a DVX. You're asking this question on a DVXuser site. You'll get an entirely different answer over at an XL2 user site...

-

Get the DVX
 
On the 16:9 issue, I dont know anyone with a 16:9 TV so whats it matter? I could crop the DVX footage to any aspect I want basically and it excells in 4:3. It just seems the XL2 is more professional and can do a film look and other things. More features like skin detail and stuff, coring, etc. Can anyone smooth this out so its an easier thing to decide. After comparing all I have finally narrowed it down to these 2.
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Well, let me first correct some of the things you have here. First off, the yes the XL2 looks more professional with it's removible lenses. It also is a pain in the butt as far as I'm concerned. Everything is poorly placed and downright counterintuitive and calling that thing on it an LCD is an isult to real LCD screens everywhere. I remember one of the few times I shot with it I actually called a friend of mine and asked him where the LCD was, when he told me this thing was the LCD I seriously thought he was screwing with me. I con't get it. Canon has a patent on flip LCD screens for their digital still cameras so why in God's name is the XL series so bad?

Anyway, your claim about the XL2 being better with the "film look" simply isn't accurate. The XL2 has more affects than the DVX but they are all very simple stuff that can easily be done in post with better results (seriously, why are you adding grain in camera?). The DVX on the other hand, has two things that REALLY make things look more like film: more subtle and natural colors and a more filmish gamma curve. These are MUCH more important and much harder (in my experience) to achieve in post.

You already mentioned that you're probably not gonna change leses so this should be that important.

The real questions should be:

a. Which camera's design do you prefer (I hate the XL2's but some like it).

b. How important is having the XL2's 20x optical zoom to you?

c. How Important is haveing the XL2's higher rez 16x9 to you?

d. How important is having the DVX's higher rez 4x3 to you?

e. How important is having the DVX's more filmish (my opinion) colors and gamma curve to you?
 
interestingly enough, this website was a factor in my decision to get a dvx. i liked knowing that i could come on here and get knowledgeable answers and quality advice from other dvx owners. having that support is reassuring when you're first starting out.
 
ugafan said:
interestingly enough, this website was a factor in my decision to get a dvx. i liked knowing that i could come on here and get knowledgeable answers and quality advice from other dvx owners. having that support is reassuring when you're first starting out.
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You're not alone. This site was a huge reason why I went with the DVX. The specs on the XL2 had just been released and they weren't enough to sway me from my choice, so a DVXuser I became. I haven't regretted it for a second.:beer:
 
The DVX on the other hand, has two things that REALLY make things look more like film: more subtle and natural colors and a more filmish gamma curve. These are MUCH more important and much harder (in my experience) to achieve in post.
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Yes, yes, and yes.

Ok, here's my advice: If you can't tell the difference between the Canon image and the Panasonic image, get the Canon. But if you see a difference, get the Panny.:)
 
HorseFilms said:
You're not alone. This site was a huge reason why I went with the DVX. The specs on the XL2 had just been released and they weren't enough to sway me from my choice, so a DVXuser I became. I haven't regretted it for a second.:beer:
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Ditto!
 
HorseFilms said:
You're not alone. This site was a huge reason why I went with the DVX. The specs on the XL2 had just been released and they weren't enough to sway me from my choice, so a DVXuser I became. I haven't regretted it for a second.:beer:
Click to expand...

Same. I was eighing up my options, found this site, read the shootout, checked other sites etc. Then after a few days I came back here a few more times and thought: If I have a problem these guys are there and can help me. I slept on that and bought my DVX the next morning.
 
My xl2 will be gone in 24 hours...and I'll be sad when it goes. Gorgeous camera, incredible images.

Whoever said its controls weren't well laid out - nonsense.

That said, if I was buying again, I'd get a DVX. Cheaper, nicer colour rendition and a great community.

I will miss that 20x lens though. The DVX has less than half the reach (but it is wider).
 
My workplace only uses the XL2s.

However when i have a really important shoot that I want to look its best I always bring my DVX in that day.

As far as I'm concerned the XL2 is a good camera but the DVX is a great camera.
 
In your situation I would recommend the DVX, it is easy to use, small and has a robust community. The XL2 is certainly sharper and maintains more detail throughout the image and with a skilled operator can look terrific. Most people judging the XL2 on this forum have never touched one and certainly not judging it at its best. That being said, the XL2 is much harder to use, there are no built in looks, the camera comes flat and set for highest detail. It takes much more experience to manipulate the XL2 image than the DVX. I have created a ton of custom looks for people over at DVinfo, including looks that almost perfectly match the DVX.

Still, in your case, I recommend the DVX.


ash =o)
 
I can say I've used both cameras. And I shoot very flat with the DVX, but it still has something about it... the slight grain and the filmlike latitude... it just looks better.
 
Brandon Rice said:
I can say I've used both cameras. And I shoot very flat with the DVX, but it still has something about it... the slight grain and the filmlike latitude... it just looks better.
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i just looked at your website. nice work. it makes me want to buy a DVX100.
 
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