which one to choose? at DVinfo.net

Adam Kay · October 27th, 2003, 04:19 AM

not sure if this is in the correct section. anyway i would like to buy a camcorder with the following strenghts:

1) best picture quality in its class
2) best still picture quality in its class
3) and if possible progressive mode and true wide screen

ive been looking at the pany mx500 but have been slighty confused by the recent release of the sony pc330. any ideas.

Frank Granovski · October 27th, 2003, 05:35 AM

Look at the Canon Optura Xi for the best bang for the consumer buck, but no pro-scan. The GS100 is also a great consumer cam, with frame mode, but it is only sold as a Japanese Domestic (NTSC). Both these cams have good 16:9. The next best thing would be a MX500. Of course if you want to spend more, you'll get a better cam. However, you'll have to spend a lot more for both progressive and 16:9, and it won't be miniDV. One option is the DVX100 with a 16:9 adaptor.

Bryan Beasleigh · October 27th, 2003, 05:57 AM

If you're serious about video, cross #2 off the list. They make good video cams and they make good still cams, not both.

Adrian Douglas · October 27th, 2003, 07:24 AM

Bryan is dead on, in fact you will not find any camera with everything you want. True 16:9 doesn't exist in anything less than a Sony DSR500W, and you won't find one of those for pro-sumer prices. If you want progressive and great image quality take a look at the Panasonic AG-DVX100. The NV-MX500 is a great cam but it's certainly not the best in it's class. It's a good compromise of both good image quality: for a video camera and still quality, but you don't get true progressive or true widescreen. If it suits your budget, then it's a good choice based on what your requirements are.

Adam Kay · October 27th, 2003, 08:21 AM

based on a budget of about £800, which is what i can get the mx500 for in Hong Kong, what should i buy instead of this (canon mvx3i?) or is this "the one"? i can go a little higher if needed.

Adrian Douglas · October 27th, 2003, 09:52 PM

If that's your budget and you can get an NV-MX500 for that then I'd go with the MX500. It's a very capable camera, I see quite a few of them being used here in Japan.

October 27th, 2003, 04:19 AM	#1
Adam Kay New Boot Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6	which one to choose? not sure if this is in the correct section. anyway i would like to buy a camcorder with the following strenghts: 1) best picture quality in its class 2) best still picture quality in its class 3) and if possible progressive mode and true wide screen ive been looking at the pany mx500 but have been slighty confused by the recent release of the sony pc330. any ideas.

October 27th, 2003, 07:24 AM	#4
Adrian Douglas Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Chigasaki, Japan. Posts: 1,660	Bryan is dead on, in fact you will not find any camera with everything you want. True 16:9 doesn't exist in anything less than a Sony DSR500W, and you won't find one of those for pro-sumer prices. If you want progressive and great image quality take a look at the Panasonic AG-DVX100. The NV-MX500 is a great cam but it's certainly not the best in it's class. It's a good compromise of both good image quality: for a video camera and still quality, but you don't get true progressive or true widescreen. If it suits your budget, then it's a good choice based on what your requirements are. __________________ Adrian DVInfo.net Search for quick answers Where to buy? From the best in the business...DVInfo.net sponsors

October 27th, 2003, 08:21 AM	#5
Adam Kay New Boot Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6	cheers, one last question then based on a budget of about £800, which is what i can get the mx500 for in Hong Kong, what should i buy instead of this (canon mvx3i?) or is this "the one"? i can go a little higher if needed.

October 27th, 2003, 09:52 PM	#6
Adrian Douglas Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Chigasaki, Japan. Posts: 1,660	If that's your budget and you can get an NV-MX500 for that then I'd go with the MX500. It's a very capable camera, I see quite a few of them being used here in Japan. __________________ Adrian DVInfo.net Search for quick answers Where to buy? From the best in the business...DVInfo.net sponsors

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October 27th, 2003, 05:35 AM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Look at the Canon Optura Xi for the best bang for the consumer buck, but no pro-scan. The GS100 is also a great consumer cam, with frame mode, but it is only sold as a Japanese Domestic (NTSC). Both these cams have good 16:9. The next best thing would be a MX500. Of course if you want to spend more, you'll get a better cam. However, you'll have to spend a lot more for both progressive and 16:9, and it won't be miniDV. One option is the DVX100 with a 16:9 adaptor.

October 27th, 2003, 05:57 AM	#3
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	If you're serious about video, cross #2 off the list. They make good video cams and they make good still cams, not both.