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.

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.

I think I agree with Frank.
Much improved 1chip color, goo d manual controls.
Not great in low light? Sonys not great either.

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.

As far as I'm concerned, the dv953 is THE entry level camcorder, period.
After that, the trv950.
After that, the PDX10.........

Japanese menus sound to be worth braving in the GS100, an improvement on the 953. Accessories more difficult to get?

>Accessories more difficult to get?<

No. Just go through Allan or Tim. I think that Tim is back in Japan now.

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

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. ;-)

Can I be it's favorite uncle and take it motorcycling on weekends? ;-]
Congratulations! Let us know what you think.

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.

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!