I can see two so far:-

1) DVCAM (as well as standard DV).

2) Bigger (better?) microphone.

But any other differences???

Thanks!

Same differences as between the PD150 and the VX-2000 as far as I know.

Lots of posts on this issue. A search will give you some good reading material.

Sorry I don't know the differences between the predecessors, the VX2000 and PD150.

I tried a search but with no luck....

The answer is closer than you think... http://www.dvinfo.net/sony/skinny.php...

Thank you Boyd! That answers all the questions...

By the way I just noticed one "upgrade" with the PD170, instead of a Stereo Microphone you get a Mono one! What the hell??? I don't get it? I thought that the PD170 was supposed to be better...

Sorry, you may have some wrong info. The PD-150 also has a mono mike (as indicated at the link above). I assume the PD-170 uses the same one. The VX-2000 and 2100 have a stereo mike but it is permanently attached to the handle and you cannot record it on only one channel as you can with the PD-150 and 170. This is a nice feature that allows you to use the on-camera mike on channel 1 and an external mike or soundboard feed on channel 2. On the VX-2000 the mike is "all or nothing", you cannot mix it with an external source.

Besides... Stereo on the VX is hardly useful.

Boyd, I realize now that the PD150 too had a mono mic. Just seems strange too me. I am not a pro and not really into post sound so I prefer Stereo. I do like the ambience captured with stereo camcorders.

BTW I just saw your sig and saw that you work for an Opera company. I love classical music! The greatest pleasure in life, in my opinion. I love operas by Mozart, Wagner and Puccini in particular. Non-opera stuff I like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Mahler amongst others. I saw you are playing Verdi's Don Carlos next. Lucky you...