Advice on buying a 2nd Camcorder at DVinfo.net

Richard Zlamany · May 12th, 2006, 12:20 AM

Hi, I have a pd170 and I've been thinking about buying a vx2100 to use as a 2nd camera for wedding ceremonies. Is this a good idea? Before I decide I was wondering:

Are there cheaper cameras to buy as an alternative to the vx2100?
Is a HDV camera a better choice than the vx2100?
Is another pd170 a more logical choice?

Most of all I would like to know is there a cheaper camera than the vx2100 that will pair well with the 170, since I will primarily only use it for wedding ceremonies as an unmanned 2nd camera?

Any help or advice is much appreciated.

Georg Liigand · May 12th, 2006, 10:01 AM

Why not get a VX2000? It's very similar and will work out perfectly for you I think.

The need for HDV depends on your audience. Do you think most of them are today able to watch HD content? I really doubt.

Chris Barcellos · May 12th, 2006, 10:27 AM

Richard:

VX2100 would be a near exact match, and you would have virtually no problem in matching the two cameras.

I have VX2000, and I bought the FX1 to pair with it when needed. VX/PDs have better low light capability, but with FX1 I shoot in HDV, then downcovert, either out of camera, or while editing. I think the FX1 actually gives you better quality DV, and you would probably be making it your main camera, with the PD becoming your second camera. However, FX1 will require a Beachtech XLR adapter.

Richard Zlamany · May 12th, 2006, 12:35 PM

Thanks.

I wonder how the HCR-HDR 1 or 3 would pair with pd170. Does anyone have any thoughts, insight, or advice on how this pair would fair? Is this camcorder worth considering?

Chris Barcellos · May 12th, 2006, 12:39 PM

Well, there are those who say the single chip Cmos chip type camera will replace the 3 chip cameras. There have been a lot of discussion on in the HDV section about these issues. Browse that area for more on it.

Richard Zlamany · May 19th, 2006, 12:25 PM

Thanks. I'll let you all know what I end up getting. But I unfortunately I have to wait. I am leaning towards the Sony HDV HDR 3 because the price is good and would like to try HD.

Chris Barcellos · May 19th, 2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Zlam

Thanks. I'll let you all know what I end up getting. But I unfortunately I have to wait. I am leaning towards the Sony HDV HDR 3 because the price is good and would like to try HD.

Richard:

Check this thread out for some shots by the HC1:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=67425

May 12th, 2006, 12:20 AM	#1
Richard Zlamany Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hamden CT Posts: 470	Advice on buying a 2nd Camcorder Hi, I have a pd170 and I've been thinking about buying a vx2100 to use as a 2nd camera for wedding ceremonies. Is this a good idea? Before I decide I was wondering: Are there cheaper cameras to buy as an alternative to the vx2100? Is a HDV camera a better choice than the vx2100? Is another pd170 a more logical choice? Most of all I would like to know is there a cheaper camera than the vx2100 that will pair well with the 170, since I will primarily only use it for wedding ceremonies as an unmanned 2nd camera? Any help or advice is much appreciated.

May 12th, 2006, 10:01 AM	#2
Georg Liigand Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Estonia Posts: 214	Why not get a VX2000? It's very similar and will work out perfectly for you I think. The need for HDV depends on your audience. Do you think most of them are today able to watch HD content? I really doubt. __________________ Panasonic GH5 V-Log L + Metabones 0.64x + Sigma Art 18-35 F1.8; DMW-XLR1; Panasonic HC-X1 camcorder; DJI Ronin MX - CINEFILM Estonia http://www.cinefilm.ee

May 12th, 2006, 10:27 AM	#3
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Richard: VX2100 would be a near exact match, and you would have virtually no problem in matching the two cameras. I have VX2000, and I bought the FX1 to pair with it when needed. VX/PDs have better low light capability, but with FX1 I shoot in HDV, then downcovert, either out of camera, or while editing. I think the FX1 actually gives you better quality DV, and you would probably be making it your main camera, with the PD becoming your second camera. However, FX1 will require a Beachtech XLR adapter. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

May 12th, 2006, 12:39 PM	#5
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Well, there are those who say the single chip Cmos chip type camera will replace the 3 chip cameras. There have been a lot of discussion on in the HDV section about these issues. Browse that area for more on it. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

May 12th, 2006, 12:35 PM	#4
Richard Zlamany Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hamden CT Posts: 470	Thanks. I wonder how the HCR-HDR 1 or 3 would pair with pd170. Does anyone have any thoughts, insight, or advice on how this pair would fair? Is this camcorder worth considering?

May 19th, 2006, 12:25 PM	#6
Richard Zlamany Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hamden CT Posts: 470	Thanks. I'll let you all know what I end up getting. But I unfortunately I have to wait. I am leaning towards the Sony HDV HDR 3 because the price is good and would like to try HD.