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Old December 27th, 2003, 01:09 AM   #1
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Please help me out

I know the old salts get sick of this question, but I am wondering if you can help me out. I am trying to decide between the Canon Optura Xi and the Sony DCR-TRV 80. They are priced about the same, and their features only vary a little bit. I am not crazy about the bottom loading but I just can't justify the money on a GL2 right now. Mostly I am going to be using it for home videos, with the possiblities of making some short films of my own. Digital stills are not a concern, as I already have another digital camera. Any help you can offer would be great. Thanks in advance!

Jeremy

BTW I did read through the other threads talking about the Optura.
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Old December 27th, 2003, 02:04 AM   #2
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Why the TRV80? Why not the TRV70? (bluetooth-free)

I think the Xi overall is the better cam. Read Tom's and Allan's reviews.
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Old December 27th, 2003, 04:11 AM   #3
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I think I agree with Frank.
Much improved 1chip color, goo d manual controls.
Not great in low light? Sonys not great either.
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Old December 27th, 2003, 06:41 AM   #4
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Thanks for the start guys. After reading those reviews, the Panasonic 953 is a real player. Hmmmm. I guess it is between the Xi and the 953.
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Old December 27th, 2003, 02:20 PM   #5
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As far as I'm concerned, the dv953 is THE entry level camcorder, period.
After that, the trv950.
After that, the PDX10.........
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Old December 27th, 2003, 03:21 PM   #6
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Japanese menus sound to be worth braving in the GS100, an improvement on the 953. Accessories more difficult to get?
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Old December 27th, 2003, 04:19 PM   #7
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>Accessories more difficult to get?<

No. Just go through Allan or Tim. I think that Tim is back in Japan now.
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Old December 28th, 2003, 10:23 AM   #8
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IF you want to use on a tripod it would be better to get a camcorder with Lanc control for variable speed zoom. That sort of limits you to the Sony's or high end Canon. Also on a tripod you are better with a top load cam. TRV950 , Gl2. The Panasonic 953 has a wired remote but I don't believe it has a variable speed controller.

Ron
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Old December 28th, 2003, 10:08 PM   #9
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Well the Panasonic DV953 is on the way. I know it is tradition to hand out cigars when you are a new father, but you guys will have to understand it is tough on the net. ;-)
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Old December 28th, 2003, 10:56 PM   #10
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Can I be it's favorite uncle and take it motorcycling on weekends? ;-]
Congratulations! Let us know what you think.
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Old January 1st, 2004, 04:42 PM   #11
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MY CAMERA CAME! Actually, it was here yesterday. I haven't really had a chance to play with it yet. I just put everything together, loaded up the software on my computer and starting reading the manual. Dang work. Hopefully I will get some time in the next few days.
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Old January 1st, 2004, 07:48 PM   #12
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Cool!,

be sure to checkout the Panasonic DV / MX series Assistant forums. and for an NLE I recommend Vegas- it works very well with the DV953.

Have fun!
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