VX2000($1799) vs. GL2($1699) at DVinfo.net

Tim Frank · October 18th, 2003, 06:57 PM

Yes, I know and I've researched everybody's opionions and reviews on this but here's my question. For the prices...which would YOU go with?

VX2000 - $1799, used once and has extra NP-F750 battery with it

GL2 - $1699, brand new in box, original accessories

I'm debating which to go with. What's your opinion?

Bryan Beasleigh · October 18th, 2003, 07:49 PM

What will you be using it for? I'd still go with a VX2000/2100 or a PD150/170. I know what this camera will do. It's a rock solid tool.

Frank Granovski · October 18th, 2003, 08:03 PM

I would go with either, though I lean slightly toward the VX2000. But then again, what will you be doing with it? If you want to capture some nice cheeks, while hiding behind a little distance, the GL2's 20X zoom will come in handy. If low light is a major concern, then you can't beat the VX2000, unless you want to go for a used DV500.

Tim Frank · October 18th, 2003, 09:22 PM

The main thing I will be using it for is probably more "gureilla" type shooting if that can describe it accurately. If you look at the post in the GL2 forum you can see 2 of the music video's I've made, or you can go here

mike.acunett.com/movies

Low light would probably be the only reason i'd go with it over the Canon along with that I've owned Sony Handycam's for the past 14 years (I still have one of the early 8mm handycam's...doesn't record but I have it!). I've had a TRV67, TRV530 and a PC100 since, not to mention the DSC-S70 digital camera and the F717 camera I have from them now.

One quick question is there one camera that you'd ahve to reccomend the optical stabilizer on? I've only had electronic stabilizers up until this upcoming purchase.

I know the VX2000 doesn't have manual controls for audio but which mic would you say is better, being that I'll probably be carrying the mic around I'd like to have a relitavely good onboard one.

The only reason I woulnd't get the VX2000 is I know the VX2100 is coming out in December and I'm worried that the VX2000 will drop in price so much after it comes out that it will be better just to wait until then or get the GL2 now. $1799 is a pretty good price though and I was thinking that this would probably the average going price then. Any other suggestions/comments? Thanks for you help so far.

Bryan Beasleigh · October 18th, 2003, 10:05 PM

The VX2K does have a manual audio control. The gain is ganged and not independant for each channel though.

The GL2 is smaller and lighter than the VX2000. You do say it's a guerilla cam.

Tim Frank · October 18th, 2003, 10:16 PM

I know, there are 4 main cam's I've been looking at, each has its own selling point to me.

VX2000
Pro - Low Light
Con - Size, No Movie Mode (Although I'm not sure I'd use one anyways)

TRV950
Pro - Price, a little, Don't have to buy new batteries, I have 3 NP-50's right now, I can use my 100ft Nightshot/Video Light combo, fast auto focus
Con - Everybody says GL2 is better quality for just about $200 more, no movie mode, but I'm not sure I'd use it if I had it.

GL2
Pro - Zoom, Smaller Size, Movie Mode
Con - I have to buy new batteries

GL1
Pro - PRICE$$$, Movie Mode
Con - Older Cam, HAve to buy used, everybody says GL2 is a night and day difference over this one.

Everytime I look at one cam, I remember what another has and keep thinking I might use that sometime. I just can't seem to decide in my head what I'd use and what I woulnd't, and what feature is really worth $700,$300, or $200 more!!!

Frank Granovski · October 18th, 2003, 10:39 PM

Hmmm. Look for a used PD100A/TRV900.

GL1/GL2 frame mode is just a little extra icing.

For price, look at the Canon Optura Xi and Panasonic PV-DV953. But if "low light" is a major concern, go with the VX2000.

(The PV-DV953 also has frame mode.)

Tim Frank · October 18th, 2003, 10:46 PM

That's what I've been thinking. I think I will go with a TRV950 now, even though I had originally ruled it out. I'll buy a new one, and its a Sony...and I like sony...:). But anyways it will save me on batteries, and lens accessories...etc. I'd buy a TRV900 but it goes back to I already have 3 batteries for the TRV950 which is more than enough and If I bought a TRV900 I'd end up spending $100 on one or two other batteries for it. Any reasons you can think of why you wouldn't go with it. I can get a GL2 for $1699 plus ship new, or a TRV950 for $1400-$1500 plus shipping new. I just don't think the GL2 has $200-$300 worth of features that I WOULD USE!!! It may have more but now that I think about it I've narrowed everything down to features I'd use, movie mode may be cool but in reality, I don't think it would make much of any difference for the type of filming I will be doing.

Tim Frank · October 18th, 2003, 10:50 PM

BTW, I'd looked at the DV953 and just from its 14lux low light I've ruled it out!! Anyways I looked on eBay (I konw you hear horror stories but thats where I'd buy onw). I could probably get a TRV900 for around $700-$1000!!! Which seems like SUCH a better deal. For that price I don't think the TRV950 has $400-$500 worth of features I'd use. That bluetooth on it is one of the most worthless features I've seen myself on a video camera, I don't know about anybody else but thats my $.02 on bluetooth.

Frank Granovski · October 18th, 2003, 10:57 PM

I agree about the bluetooth.

Tim Frank · October 19th, 2003, 12:30 AM

I worked the VX2000 down to $1499 plus $29 shipping, what would be your choice out of all of these? I'm leaning HEAVILY towards buying the VX now, just because of this awesome price and it was how much I was going to spend on the TRV950, the only downside is the size...thats it.

Bryan Beasleigh · October 19th, 2003, 01:23 AM

Tim
I have the means to buy what i want and i'm happy with my VX2K. I've looked at the DVX100 and the JVC Streamcorder, even the GL2 and the PDX10.

The VX2K is a rock solid performer. It's a proven tool and it's very user friendly.
JMO

Mark Goodsell · October 19th, 2003, 09:15 AM

For that price, what are you waiting for? Get the VX2000 while you can. But are you sure this is a "legit" deal? You're not going to get soaked on this are you? It's not Broadway photo, Royal camera or any of those scam magazine outfits?

I compared the Vx against the TRV950 and VX was clearly better in low light. Beat the GL2 also (but not by that much). If you wait for the VX2100, it'll cost you at least $1,000 more. There aren't enough improvments in my mind to make that transition. As for batteries, I bought my big 960 off Ebay brand new and saved $50 over retail.

Beware that that the VX2000 is noticably heavier than the GL2. It's also more than an inch longer. The GL2 is better balanced than the vx2000 (which is front heavy). You don't shoot with the VX2000 one-handed like you could with the GL2. That said, I like how the VX feels very solid and well-built. The plastic on the GL2 is part of what makes it lighter, and that's ok. It's a great cam too, just that there's a trade-off. On the plus side, a lot of your Sony accessories (not batteries) will probably work with with the VX (charger, etc). The footage will more closely match your PC100 (that's the small handheald, right?) than the default GL2 will.

Tim Frank · October 19th, 2003, 09:23 AM

Its a private deal, but its legit and I'm using escrow.com Not a fake escrow...the real one. He also has actual pictures and describes the minor scratches along with pictures to go along with it. His description is not copied and pasted and it comes with 2 extra batteries, that 960 battery and the 740 or 750 battery(the 7 one lol). I figure if I get it and decide its too big I can always re-sell it for a small profit and buy the GL2 or something else.

Tim

Dave Largent · October 20th, 2003, 01:21 AM

Tim,
Don't get the 950. It's terrible in low light. There are some (used) 1 CCD cams that are better in low light than the 950. Not saying that the picture is sharper or more saturated with the 1CCD, but the picture is lighter. The GL2 is much better in low light than the 950. If you're gonna be shooting anything indoors under natural lighting, don't get the 950. If you were to try to lighten a 950 pic in post to match the GL2, all you'd end up with is a pic with not-much color and little contrast. Been there.
P.S. I'm down on ebay. Last camcorder I got from there was "perfect" -- except for the ($400-to-repair) hot/dead pixels. Other than that ... And then there was the "perfect" collectors item phone I bought ... that didn't work. (In trash can 5 minutes after opening the box.) And then that "perfect" $500 VCR that worked for six hours ... before needing $450 in repairs. Sad but true. I have people telling me to buy minidisc recorders on there for $75. Ya, I need a MD. But I'm spending $375 for new rather than getting into a bidding war over some 5-year-old piece of junk that some scammer picked out of some dumpster.

October 18th, 2003, 06:57 PM	#1
Tim Frank Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TN Posts: 166	VX2000($1799) vs. GL2($1699) Yes, I know and I've researched everybody's opionions and reviews on this but here's my question. For the prices...which would YOU go with? VX2000 - $1799, used once and has extra NP-F750 battery with it GL2 - $1699, brand new in box, original accessories I'm debating which to go with. What's your opinion?

October 19th, 2003, 09:15 AM	#13
Mark Goodsell Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: WI Posts: 367	For that price, what are you waiting for? Get the VX2000 while you can. But are you sure this is a "legit" deal? You're not going to get soaked on this are you? It's not Broadway photo, Royal camera or any of those scam magazine outfits? I compared the Vx against the TRV950 and VX was clearly better in low light. Beat the GL2 also (but not by that much). If you wait for the VX2100, it'll cost you at least $1,000 more. There aren't enough improvments in my mind to make that transition. As for batteries, I bought my big 960 off Ebay brand new and saved $50 over retail. Beware that that the VX2000 is noticably heavier than the GL2. It's also more than an inch longer. The GL2 is better balanced than the vx2000 (which is front heavy). You don't shoot with the VX2000 one-handed like you could with the GL2. That said, I like how the VX feels very solid and well-built. The plastic on the GL2 is part of what makes it lighter, and that's ok. It's a great cam too, just that there's a trade-off. On the plus side, a lot of your Sony accessories (not batteries) will probably work with with the VX (charger, etc). The footage will more closely match your PC100 (that's the small handheald, right?) than the default GL2 will. __________________ Mark Goodsell

October 18th, 2003, 07:49 PM	#2
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	What will you be using it for? I'd still go with a VX2000/2100 or a PD150/170. I know what this camera will do. It's a rock solid tool.

October 18th, 2003, 08:03 PM	#3
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I would go with either, though I lean slightly toward the VX2000. But then again, what will you be doing with it? If you want to capture some nice cheeks, while hiding behind a little distance, the GL2's 20X zoom will come in handy. If low light is a major concern, then you can't beat the VX2000, unless you want to go for a used DV500.

October 18th, 2003, 09:22 PM	#4
Tim Frank Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TN Posts: 166	The main thing I will be using it for is probably more "gureilla" type shooting if that can describe it accurately. If you look at the post in the GL2 forum you can see 2 of the music video's I've made, or you can go here mike.acunett.com/movies Low light would probably be the only reason i'd go with it over the Canon along with that I've owned Sony Handycam's for the past 14 years (I still have one of the early 8mm handycam's...doesn't record but I have it!). I've had a TRV67, TRV530 and a PC100 since, not to mention the DSC-S70 digital camera and the F717 camera I have from them now. One quick question is there one camera that you'd ahve to reccomend the optical stabilizer on? I've only had electronic stabilizers up until this upcoming purchase. I know the VX2000 doesn't have manual controls for audio but which mic would you say is better, being that I'll probably be carrying the mic around I'd like to have a relitavely good onboard one. The only reason I woulnd't get the VX2000 is I know the VX2100 is coming out in December and I'm worried that the VX2000 will drop in price so much after it comes out that it will be better just to wait until then or get the GL2 now. $1799 is a pretty good price though and I was thinking that this would probably the average going price then. Any other suggestions/comments? Thanks for you help so far.

October 18th, 2003, 10:05 PM	#5
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The VX2K does have a manual audio control. The gain is ganged and not independant for each channel though. The GL2 is smaller and lighter than the VX2000. You do say it's a guerilla cam.

October 18th, 2003, 10:16 PM	#6
Tim Frank Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TN Posts: 166	I know, there are 4 main cam's I've been looking at, each has its own selling point to me. VX2000 Pro - Low Light Con - Size, No Movie Mode (Although I'm not sure I'd use one anyways) TRV950 Pro - Price, a little, Don't have to buy new batteries, I have 3 NP-50's right now, I can use my 100ft Nightshot/Video Light combo, fast auto focus Con - Everybody says GL2 is better quality for just about $200 more, no movie mode, but I'm not sure I'd use it if I had it. GL2 Pro - Zoom, Smaller Size, Movie Mode Con - I have to buy new batteries GL1 Pro - PRICE$$$, Movie Mode Con - Older Cam, HAve to buy used, everybody says GL2 is a night and day difference over this one. Everytime I look at one cam, I remember what another has and keep thinking I might use that sometime. I just can't seem to decide in my head what I'd use and what I woulnd't, and what feature is really worth $700,$300, or $200 more!!!

October 18th, 2003, 10:39 PM	#7
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Hmmm. Look for a used PD100A/TRV900. GL1/GL2 frame mode is just a little extra icing. For price, look at the Canon Optura Xi and Panasonic PV-DV953. But if "low light" is a major concern, go with the VX2000. (The PV-DV953 also has frame mode.)

October 18th, 2003, 10:46 PM	#8
Tim Frank Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TN Posts: 166	That's what I've been thinking. I think I will go with a TRV950 now, even though I had originally ruled it out. I'll buy a new one, and its a Sony...and I like sony...:). But anyways it will save me on batteries, and lens accessories...etc. I'd buy a TRV900 but it goes back to I already have 3 batteries for the TRV950 which is more than enough and If I bought a TRV900 I'd end up spending $100 on one or two other batteries for it. Any reasons you can think of why you wouldn't go with it. I can get a GL2 for $1699 plus ship new, or a TRV950 for $1400-$1500 plus shipping new. I just don't think the GL2 has $200-$300 worth of features that I WOULD USE!!! It may have more but now that I think about it I've narrowed everything down to features I'd use, movie mode may be cool but in reality, I don't think it would make much of any difference for the type of filming I will be doing.

October 18th, 2003, 10:50 PM	#9
Tim Frank Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TN Posts: 166	BTW, I'd looked at the DV953 and just from its 14lux low light I've ruled it out!! Anyways I looked on eBay (I konw you hear horror stories but thats where I'd buy onw). I could probably get a TRV900 for around $700-$1000!!! Which seems like SUCH a better deal. For that price I don't think the TRV950 has $400-$500 worth of features I'd use. That bluetooth on it is one of the most worthless features I've seen myself on a video camera, I don't know about anybody else but thats my $.02 on bluetooth.

October 18th, 2003, 10:57 PM	#10
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I agree about the bluetooth.

October 19th, 2003, 12:30 AM	#11
Tim Frank Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TN Posts: 166	I worked the VX2000 down to $1499 plus $29 shipping, what would be your choice out of all of these? I'm leaning HEAVILY towards buying the VX now, just because of this awesome price and it was how much I was going to spend on the TRV950, the only downside is the size...thats it.

October 19th, 2003, 01:23 AM	#12
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Tim I have the means to buy what i want and i'm happy with my VX2K. I've looked at the DVX100 and the JVC Streamcorder, even the GL2 and the PDX10. The VX2K is a rock solid performer. It's a proven tool and it's very user friendly. JMO

October 19th, 2003, 09:23 AM	#14
Tim Frank Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TN Posts: 166	Its a private deal, but its legit and I'm using escrow.com Not a fake escrow...the real one. He also has actual pictures and describes the minor scratches along with pictures to go along with it. His description is not copied and pasted and it comes with 2 extra batteries, that 960 battery and the 740 or 750 battery(the 7 one lol). I figure if I get it and decide its too big I can always re-sell it for a small profit and buy the GL2 or something else. Tim

October 20th, 2003, 01:21 AM	#15
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	Tim, Don't get the 950. It's terrible in low light. There are some (used) 1 CCD cams that are better in low light than the 950. Not saying that the picture is sharper or more saturated with the 1CCD, but the picture is lighter. The GL2 is much better in low light than the 950. If you're gonna be shooting anything indoors under natural lighting, don't get the 950. If you were to try to lighten a 950 pic in post to match the GL2, all you'd end up with is a pic with not-much color and little contrast. Been there. P.S. I'm down on ebay. Last camcorder I got from there was "perfect" -- except for the ($400-to-repair) hot/dead pixels. Other than that ... And then there was the "perfect" collectors item phone I bought ... that didn't work. (In trash can 5 minutes after opening the box.) And then that "perfect" $500 VCR that worked for six hours ... before needing $450 in repairs. Sad but true. I have people telling me to buy minidisc recorders on there for $75. Ya, I need a MD. But I'm spending $375 for new rather than getting into a bidding war over some 5-year-old piece of junk that some scammer picked out of some dumpster.