Panasonic AG-DVX100 3CCD v Canon XL1S

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WendyAGoss

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I've been looking for a prosumer camera that produces a decent image, but is relatively inexpensive used, and narrowed it down to the DVX100 3CCD and the Canon XL1S.

Right now, I am leaning toward the Panasonic. I've read they are comparable to high end Sony cameras, in its ability to film in low light. The 24p sounds cool, I like the idea of my digital video looking more like film. I also don't have to buy a XLR adaptor for the DVX100. However, the main drawback to the DVX100, as far as I have read, you can't use manual focus when shooting in 24p.

My questions are as follows: Would you agree the DVX100 3CCD is a better choice than the XL1S? Are there other decent used cameras in the $600-700 that I am overlooking?

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A DVX is a vastly superior option vs XL1, in image quality and looks. After all, this camera started the "panny mojo" trend. And you can use manual focus with 24p. If you can, try to get the last of the dvxs, the 100b. I got the 100a and it can produce shocking beautiful images
 
I would say dvx100b.
Also I would say the XL2 is more comparable to the DVX100.
yes manual focus works in 24p as answered above
 
+1

I was making the same decision 2-3 years ago so some of the pricing comparisons I make may be obsolete. I ended up spending a bit more to get the HVX to get away from tape but that won't suit you if low light is an issue. HVX is terrible at low light. You get more for your dollar with the DVX. Some prefer the canon look but I found footage from the canon to have even more red saturation than usual for a canon and the image to be comparatively soft. Also the propriotory lenses remain expensive even as the body drops in price. As firehawk points out the XL2 is a better comparison. The XL2 probably edges out the DVX but costs a lot more.

If you can't afford to leave tape behind, definitely the DVX. They are cheap, accessories are cheap, lightweight and discrete, professional features. Other major difference that was a clincher for me is that the panny has profession numbers based settings that are easily repeatable. Many of the canon's settings display a slider that makes similar repeatability difficult and labour intensive.
 
I had an xl1s, and kept it even when dvx cams came out (mosty cause i didnt want to deal with selling and buying another cam). I would say for most the dvx is objectively better, except in maybe a few ways: xl series has interchangeable lenses, if thats important to you, and a little longer zoom range (on stock lens) than dvx, 16x vs 13x, i believe. In most other ways, dvx wins. Gorgeous colors/contrast, sharpness, low light, and 24p for your film look. Also noted for its high quality sound components, especially given that it was a prosumer/minidv cam
 
I would recommend the DVX100B for color, 24p and because I have one for sale! Comes with Century .7 wide angle, too.
PM me if interested.
 
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