PD-170 vs XL2 vs GL2

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kmcgrath

Well-known member
I want to add a 2nd camera which will be used for 60i only. In terms of image quality alone (second most important feature would probably be hardware reliability), can anyone offer any firsthand advice on the three cams in my title? Thanks.
 
If you only need 60i and progressive does not interest youm I would go with the pd-170. But have in mind that with that money you could buy a ag-dvx100 or a FX1.
 
rawfa said:
If you only need 60i and progressive does not interest youm I would go with the pd-170. But have in mind that with that money you could buy a ag-dvx100 or a FX1.
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I have a dvx100, which I am very happy with, but I wouldn't mind the added sensitivity of the pd170. No plans for hd anytime soon. Does the pd 170 sound like the best choice?
 
The pd-170 is a very nice camera but it's it has very different results from the ag-dvx100. I think the Xl2 would have results more similar to the dvx100 for that matter. As for the FX1, if you like the pd-170, it's basicly the same camera using HD (you can choose to use it in SD mode), and the price is very close.
 
Thanks Rafa, this gives me more food for thought. I am a little reluctant to go with the xl2 if only because I won't be using it for anything but 60i. I have heard the image on the pd170 is beautiful and it has very good low light response, but it would concern me if it differed in a negative way from the dvx100, since I will be combining footage from the two.
 
Unless you know you'll NEVER want to use two cams progressive or that you'll be in low light alot, i can't imagine not getting another dvx. Even in 60i you'll never have to worry about footage matching, you can share accessories, and you have so many more imaging options than with the sony or canon.
 
We have a PD150 and a couple DVX100As at work. Sadly, the DVXes (and the rumored HVX we may have just aquired) will never see any other format than 60i minidv. Tragic....

I honestly don't know why they got two DVXes instead of more PD150s if progressive is not an option, but whatever. In interlace mode, the DVX does better in ultra low light than it does in progressive mode so consider that a valid option. The PD150 has less punch to its image, but even with +12db of gain it is very useable and certainly looks better than the DVX, although you lose color saturation. The DVX is a lot more fun, of course.

IMO, get a VX2100. Unless you desperately need XLR inputs, it should be perfect. Very inexpensive and better low light performance than any other consumer cam (except the PD170, which uses the same chips.)
 
Policar said:
In interlace mode, the DVX does better in ultra low light than it does in progressive mode so consider that a valid option. The PD150 has less punch to its image, but even with +12db of gain it is very useable and certainly looks better than the DVX, although you lose color saturation. The DVX is a lot more fun, of course.

IMO, get a VX2100. Unless you desperately need XLR inputs, it should be perfect. Very inexpensive and better low light performance than any other consumer cam (except the PD170, which uses the same chips.)
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Yeah, I really need XLR inputs, but I could get around that with a converter. Then I'm probably back up close to the PD 170 pricewise anyway. (another reason why the GL2 was out of favor). B&H shows a $300 rebate until end of this month on the 170 as well, which puts it less than 3 kilobucks...

re: your other comment about low light and the dvx in interlaced mode. Is it your experience that the PD 170 (or 150) would clearly outperform the dvx under low light conditions (60i mode on the dvx)? This is perhaps my main reason for considering the 170.
 
Kmcgrath, if the big issue here is low light performance at 60i, I would choose the VX2100 and buy a beachtek XLR adapter (150 bucks?). But, once again, the dvx and the vx produce very different footage. If you're a master of CC you'll probably be able to match them, but I would not take the chance.
 
rawfa said:
Kmcgrath, if the big issue here is low light performance at 60i, I would choose the VX2100 and buy a beachtek XLR adapter (150 bucks?). But, once again, the dvx and the vx produce very different footage. If you're a master of CC you'll probably be able to match them, but I would not take the chance.
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I would save $300 on the VX2100 vs. the PD170 (with adapter, today's prices at B/H). As far as I can tell, the major difference is XLR (and dvcam vs. mini dv, probably not significant). My CC is pretty good. Otherwise, do you consider thes units basically the same?
 
I don't know how much VX2100s are going for now, but I own one and an FX1. It sort of seems that the vx is slightly better in low light but I may be mistaken. The VX has 12db of gain and the FX 18db. I never use it that high though since you start adding noise and grain. I try never to go above 6db. I would say, even though the vx is a great little camera ( it's light, very durable, easy to use ) i would go ahead and get an FX1. B&H has the price right now at 2999.00 If asthetics are something your after... the fX1 look more professional to have. Little bit bigger but not any heavier than my VX.

If your just sticking with 60i then that get's my vote.
 
The vx at +12db sees much more light than the fx1 at +18, though.

I guess I'd just go with a pd170 or an old pd150. You could get one really cheap used, probably.
 
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