XL2 vs DVX 100a

[Max Wilson]

Well in the next month or so i am going to buy a good camera.

So i was wondering what the diference is between the XL2 and the DVX 100a.

The DVX 100a is cheaper and what i have seen from it i like.

The XL2 is more expensive but i also like the reults from it.

Does anyone know the real diferences bettween the two?

Thanks

[Jean-Philippe Archibald]

Interchangable lenses, weight, shoulder mounted style, wide screen mode.

[Mike Teutsch]

See this post and many others.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...t=XL2+DVX+100a

Mike

[Greg Boston]

Originally Posted by Max Wilson

Well in the next month or so i am going to buy a good camera.

So i was wondering what the diference is between the XL2 and the DVX 100a.

The DVX 100a is cheaper and what i have seen from it i like.

The XL2 is more expensive but i also like the reults from it.

Does anyone know the real diferences bettween the two?

Thanks

Max,

That horse has pretty much been beaten to death on this and other forums over the last year. The XL-2 will give you a bit more flexibility in shooting options at a slightly higher cost. The DVX100a will give you a beautiful picture out of the box at a slightly lower cost.

We typically advise trying both cameras and see which one 'feels' best to you while you operate it. The man-machine interface is an important part of the buying decision with other things being roughly equal.

Good luck,

=gb=

[Chris Hurd]

If at all possible, get your hands on both and try before you buy. The right camcorder for you is the one which *feels best* in your hands.

[Max Wilson]

thanks for you help!

I think ill go over to EVS onlines retail shop and see how they feel.

I wish i could get the camera now, but i need a new car first:(

One thing that may be a + is that i already have panasonic long life batteries for my PV-DV103D hand held camera...

[Robert Luke]

i got the xl2 for the true 16:9 mode. Everything is going the way of either HD or 16:9 and it's much better to have a true 16:9 than a fake cropping. You get better resolution basicly. You also get more zoom, which is good for making a deep DoF in a conversation scene. The interchangeable lenses are cool but expensive.

[Stephanie Wilson]

Originally Posted by Robert Luke

i got the xl2 for the true 16:9 mode. Everything is going the way of either HD or 16:9 and it's much better to have a true 16:9 than a fake cropping. You get better resolution basicly. You also get more zoom, which is good for making a deep DoF in a conversation scene. The interchangeable lenses are cool but expensive.

Dear Robert,

Haven't experimented with the 16:9 on my DVX-100A yet, so could you explain why it has what you call "fake cropping"?

Thanks in advance.

Stephanie

[Bill Porter]

Originally Posted by Max Wilson

One thing that may be a + is that i already have panasonic long life batteries for my PV-DV103D hand held camera...

Make sure they actually fit. The footprint is the same but there are little tabs that are in different places between the GS-series and the DVX100A for example. So, I wasn't able to use my GS batteries on my DVX.

A rental house is a great place, they'll no doubt let you try 'em out and just fool around in the store.

[Bill Porter]

it's six of one, half a dozen of the other RE: fake cropping. The res isn't that bad at all in the DVX's squeeze mode, and with the money you save vs. buying an XL2, you can buy the anamorphic lens.

Also check this out, a real live comparison with data (pictures and such):

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/

[Kelly Wilbur]

If you are really trying to get a film look with DOF and you plan on using a M2 adapter (www.redrockmicro.com), it will not work with a DVX100a that has an anamorphic adapter. In other words, if you want 16x9 on the DVX100a and you are using the M2, you will have to use "squeeze mode" and the picture will not be as good as an XL2 in 16x9 mode with the same M2.

This is completely irrelevlant if you aren't planning on getting an M2, but this was one of the reasons why I picked an XL2.

Kelly

[Bill Porter]

Originally Posted by Kelly Wilbur

If you are really trying to get a film look with DOF and you plan on using a M2 adapter (www.redrockmicro.com), it will not work with a DVX100a that has an anamorphic adapter.

Interesting. Why won't it work?

[Michael Maier]

Originally Posted by Bill Porter

it's six of one, half a dozen of the other RE: fake cropping. The res isn't that bad at all in the DVX's squeeze mode, and with the money you save vs. buying an XL2, you can buy the anamorphic lens.

Also check this out, a real live comparison with data (pictures and such):

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/

Honestly, I have never read a more biased article in my life. It's so clear they are madly in love with the DVX100.

[Patrick King]

Originally Posted by Michael Maier

Honestly, I have never read a more biased article in my life. It's so clear they are madly in love with the DVX100.

Michael,
What was the name of that website saying the DVX was the best? ;)

[Michael Maier]

Originally Posted by Patrick King

Michael,
What was the name of that website saying the DVX was the best? ;)

Exactly. Biased to death. :D

I can't give any credit to that review. The very same things he bashes on the XL2, Adam Wilt praises. Now how will I believe? Wilt or some guy who runs a DVX100 site?