Hi, I see that on ebay I can get a GL1 in used but good condition for about $1,000. I have about $1250 saved up. Do you think I should go for a used GL1, PV-DV953, or save for something else?
I will will be creating independent shorts to short features for output to DVD.

Thanks

Either cam should be okay for your needs (DVDs).

Riley,
You have enough right now for a brand new Panasonic GS400 (they should be hitting the market this coming July). You can read more about this cam here under GS400. This sounds like a very interesting 3 CCD camcorder for under $1,500 (and some sites showing under $1,200 .... but I would only suggest dealing with the sponsors of this site).

Or, how long would it take you to save another $750 and could you wait that long to get a cam? If you could wait, then you could get a brand new DVC80.

I'm not a big fan of buying used equipment, and least of all from auction sites. Some people do well, others get taken. But with new, you can always return it if something is wrong.

Good luck, Nick

Now there's an idea. I guess it all boils down to how much you want to spend.

One question: 4:3 or 16:9 DVDs? If it's 16:9, perhaps look at the GS100, or for more money, the PDX10.

There's no available specs yet for the GS400.

I think I've decided to go ahead and get the Pv-dv953 and then I can also get a glidecam2000 for just a few more bones.

B&H has been selling the PV-DV953 below $1250 these last couple of weeks.

i know ! :-)

And as you probably know, the PV-DV953 has 80 more playback lines, meaning sharper video. I can't say that I dislike the GL1, though. It created quite a buzz. :-))

BH has it for $ 879.95, I have this cam too and love it

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=SBENY0611&image.x=8&image.y=14