Hi all, I'm about to make a purchase decision in Australia.

The Sony PDX10(P) is about A$6000 street and the DV953 (500A in Oz) is about A$3000 street. My question to you all is the Sony worth twice the price of the Pana?

I've done back to back testing of both cams, and for my needs, I don't do very low light indoors, and plenty of outdoors. I have very limited need for XLR audio (the extra gear is a hassle).

My primary criteria is rich color and resolution of image.

I'd like to start playing with 16:9, and probably shoot all footage in 16:9 from now on.

Like to hear your feedback.

I like my PDX-10, but have never seen a DV953. The TRV-950 would be closer in price and has many of the same PDX-10 features.

for that much money (6k) i would import my own DVX100, which i did and i would NEVER look back...
I also have the MX500 and both go hand in hand quite beautifully.. cant wait till the GS is released.. THEN we'd have the perfect pair...

In some ways the PDX10 is better, like with its DVCAM format, XLRs and low shutter settings. But is it worth it? No. Also the PV-DV953/MX5 is much better balanced, easier to hold, as is the Pana DVX100.

Thanks Frank, I think I'm persuaded - it seems the DVCAM and XLR audio is really the 'killer' difference - and if you're a semi-pro needing the audio improvements these two gives, then it's something the Pana can't do as it's internals are different.

I'm going to do one last ambient light test with the Pana against the Sony, and also a 16:9 test back to back, and if its negligible, as I expect, I'm going to go for the Pana.

Thanks again for all your feedback.

I've decided to import a PDX10P from www.expandore.com

It works out at A$1000 more than the MX500A - and as every dealer I tried was out of stock of the MX500A anyway - I thought I'd take the plunge and do an import.

Will let you all know how I go with Expandore (there were many positive experiences by folks on the AGX100 forum with them).