Discussion: XM2 vs XL1 at DVinfo.net

Jurgen Geevels · January 25th, 2008, 12:22 PM

hello everyone!

I'm a very proud XM2/GM2 owner, but offcourse I could've bought a second hands XL1.
Now I had some discussions about that with my classmates.
So I'd like to ask some real pro's from the business, what is better/worse compared to a (second hands) XL1?

there main argument is that the lens must be "waay" better because its bigger -_-

Don Palomaki · January 25th, 2008, 02:44 PM

Rating a camcorder as better/worse implies specific uses/capabilities are being evaluated, and a specific alternative camcorder to be compared to for the same capabilities.

A used XL1 is a good camcorder, but it is a more-than-10 year old design, and has corresponding limitations, which may or may not impact specific users and uses.

But some generalities:
The skill of the videographer is generally much more important than the specific camcorder used as far as producing a quality end product.
Used camcorders are usually less costly for a similar capability.
New is usually overall better than used, it has warranty for starters, and will usually reflect current technologies.
Bigger is better for some purposes, but not for others.
Having an interchangeable lens can be a better option than a fixed lens - if you use the capability, but it may be a wasted costly capability if you only use the stock lens.
The XL1 family models have about the best audio capability in its price class.

Jurgen Geevels · January 26th, 2008, 05:27 AM

thanks Don,
but what would you say -overall- is the best, I mean Image quality, ect :)

Don Palomaki · January 26th, 2008, 10:10 AM

Not easy to say, because they are different camcorders with different strengths and weaknesses.

But if forced to make a choice, i would say that for typical amateur use, the GL2 is arguably the better choice.

Dale Guthormsen · January 26th, 2008, 10:51 PM

Jurgen,

don's notes are first rate.

I shoot and xl2 and a gl2. I still love my gl2 and I learned a huge amount from it. I use it for any run and gun stuff, but I also use it as a second camera on event shoots.
As Don said the xl1/xl2 require a lot more knowledge and skill. There have been times where my gl2 gave me nicer video. Now I have a much better grasp of the xl2 and it gives me amazing footage. My main reason for the xl2 is the ability to change lenses!!

Jurgen Geevels · January 27th, 2008, 04:25 AM

Well fact is, in school we use xl1's in the first year, but I got mysefl a xm2 to practice a bit outside and do some small jobs, like weddings.

January 25th, 2008, 12:22 PM	#1
Jurgen Geevels Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 57	Discussion: XM2 vs XL1 hello everyone! I'm a very proud XM2/GM2 owner, but offcourse I could've bought a second hands XL1. Now I had some discussions about that with my classmates. So I'd like to ask some real pro's from the business, what is better/worse compared to a (second hands) XL1? there main argument is that the lens must be "waay" better because its bigger -_- __________________ XM2, Manfrotto 055XDB 128Lp _Student Film_

January 25th, 2008, 02:44 PM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Rating a camcorder as better/worse implies specific uses/capabilities are being evaluated, and a specific alternative camcorder to be compared to for the same capabilities. A used XL1 is a good camcorder, but it is a more-than-10 year old design, and has corresponding limitations, which may or may not impact specific users and uses. But some generalities: The skill of the videographer is generally much more important than the specific camcorder used as far as producing a quality end product. Used camcorders are usually less costly for a similar capability. New is usually overall better than used, it has warranty for starters, and will usually reflect current technologies. Bigger is better for some purposes, but not for others. Having an interchangeable lens can be a better option than a fixed lens - if you use the capability, but it may be a wasted costly capability if you only use the stock lens. The XL1 family models have about the best audio capability in its price class. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

January 26th, 2008, 05:27 AM	#3
Jurgen Geevels Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 57	thanks Don, but what would you say -overall- is the best, I mean Image quality, ect :) __________________ XM2, Manfrotto 055XDB 128Lp _Student Film_

January 26th, 2008, 10:10 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Not easy to say, because they are different camcorders with different strengths and weaknesses. But if forced to make a choice, i would say that for typical amateur use, the GL2 is arguably the better choice. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

January 26th, 2008, 10:51 PM	#5
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	Jurgen, don's notes are first rate. I shoot and xl2 and a gl2. I still love my gl2 and I learned a huge amount from it. I use it for any run and gun stuff, but I also use it as a second camera on event shoots. As Don said the xl1/xl2 require a lot more knowledge and skill. There have been times where my gl2 gave me nicer video. Now I have a much better grasp of the xl2 and it gives me amazing footage. My main reason for the xl2 is the ability to change lenses!! __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen

January 27th, 2008, 04:25 AM	#6
Jurgen Geevels Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 57	Well fact is, in school we use xl1's in the first year, but I got mysefl a xm2 to practice a bit outside and do some small jobs, like weddings. __________________ XM2, Manfrotto 055XDB 128Lp _Student Film_