I'm not so sure the VX/PD body is metal. I heard
it's some sort of composite. Surprising no one
seems to know the truth. Heard it's magnesium
something-or-other.

I'm not sure it matters much. My experience in still cameras and in other areas almost makes makes me prefer a good polycarbonate body over metal. It seems to give more when roughed up, whereas metal often has no give.

A composite body on a metal frame is my preferred body, although magnesium still has its appeal.

Some retailers receive sales promotions or incentives unkown to the consumer. When this is the case, a certain camera manufacturer is the ITEM OF THE WEEK. Not only will the retailer reap a profit from the initial sale but will receive a hefty rebate check from the camera company.

So be careful if a sales person steers you towards another camera.

With that said, I would get the PD 170 if you are not making movies and if low light capability is an issue.

Ok, Lastly... Steady shot and handling
 

Ok, lastly, a big concern of mine is how easy it is to use either the PD170 VS. DVX100a for Handheld use

Also, I have read about sony super steady shot. Keep in mind most of my shots will have to be tripod free (Filiming concerts up on stage)
So the HAND HELD Stability factor is huge. Tell me what you think



John

Well, with a wide angle on the PD, steadyshot is not that
effective. Are you going to be using a wide angle?

Dave,
Actually, to be more specific, the effects of optical image stabilization are less pronounced as the field of view becomes wider. So, indeed, if you use a wide-angle adapter -and- shoot wide your handheld shots will be a bit less rocky. The closer-in you zoom, the shakier the handheld shot will become, and the greater the need for ois, irrespective of the use of a w-a accessory lens.

I thought there was something more to it than
that, seeing as the manual warns that attachment
of a wide angle lens "may influence the SteadyShot
function".

The good news is that as the shot gets wider, the steadyshot is less necessary.

I haven't really compared around, and I always shoot
with my wide on, but I haven't been terrifically impressed
with the VX/PD OIS.

Hey, what about that steady stick?
 

I saw some "Steady Stick" contraption where you put a rod onto your belt, and it supposedly makes the camera alot more stable. Does anyone else know of this? Also Mike, your making it like theres a reason and/or disadvantage to using the OIS at times, I thought you would always keep this on?



john

Actually, some say to turn OIS off when the cam is on a tripod.
Or if you are doing "floating camera" shots, as the
OIS will fight what you are doing.
I have noticed a jerkiness on panning with OIS on.
Anyone else had this experience?

really?
 

So lets get back to the first question. What is a better camera to hold the dvx100a or the SonyPD170?

I, too, am deciding between a GL2, a 170, or 2100. Use will always be hand held, primarily outdoor (travel / animal / zoo / vacation). I already own an XL-1S, so I would not have to buy a couple of spare batteries, and the menu should be pretty familiar.

The OIS works GREAT on the XL-1S, so I presume it also would on the GL2...(?) The big decision maker for me is the 20x zoom on the GL2. I find the XL-1S' 16x short at full zoom, so I bought the 1.6 teleconverter.

I'd appreciate everyone's comments about the GL2 as you compare the 170 and 2100. Also, what are the differences between the 170 and 2100?

Mainly, the PD170 has DVCAM and XLRs.

And the 170 doesn't do that annoying constant
shutting itself off every couple minutes.