According to a message I just received from B&H this cam is now in stock. I think the price is way too high for this cam at $2,299. But I am sure it will come down some. Also the site still shows the filter size as 72mm. I know may of us have received comflicting information on this. Whether its 43mm or 72mm might make a big difference for some since tel/wide adaptors are priced way apart based on size. I hope some new owner lets us know for sure and gives us a thorough hands on report.

Regards,

Mark Williams

I think the price is way too high for this cam at $2,299.Is this the price for just the cam or the cam and the XLR adaptor?

Frank,

It's just the cam. I really wanted the 16x lens on the DCV30 for what I do. But I may just go for the vx2100 since its going for $2,226 and appears to be a superior cam.

Mark

Yes, going for the VX2100 is a no brainer, since it costs about the same as the DVC30. But what about the DVC80? It has XLRs and the same chip size as the VX2100. It's also better balanced making it easier to hand-hold.

As discussed elsewhere, Panasonic no longer lists the DVC80 on their website with the Proline (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelList?storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&catGroupId=14571) camcorders, so you'd better act quickly if you want to adopt an orphan. Seems like this model really didn't last long. When did it start shipping? Seems like less than a year ago...

No wonder Pana dropped the DVC80 like a hot potato! For the high price of the DVC30, people would be lining up and using their bording house reach to snatch a DVC80. It's a no brainer and surprisingly Pana saw and acted. Good business but the consumer's friend they're not. (No MX3000, No GS100 and a slightly stripped MX5000.) :-))

id say add an extra 500 and get a DVX if thats the cost..

here in oz its gonn retail for 4500.. 3700 street price.. so jsut undere 3 grand US was what i was expecting...
for 3grand US i can get a stock standard DVX (not the A) ....

I believe the XLR adapter adds $350 to the price.

Ouch. They should have built it into the cam.

Well, I guess the word is out that the DVC80 is being retired. I just noticed a $250.00 price increase at Beach Camera and Buydig both of which formerly had the cam just below 2K. As the stock is depleted I think the price may go up further for this excellent cam which I believe will be judged superior to the DVC30. It may become a collectors item...

Regards,

Mark

...the DVC80 is being retired. I just noticed a $250.00 price increase....Try http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Frank and Mark,
I been thinking of getting the 80 JUST NOW saw your comments. Is the 30 a BETTER/UPDATED cam than the 80 or just getting rid of it so not to compete with 30? Someone called the 80 an orphan. Is that a bad term? Can get it repaired, etc. Thanks, Joseph

A feature they are pushing on the 30 is that it is "the only
3CCD camera with infrared nighttime black and white
mode with built-in transmitter that casts beams 16 feet".

Joseph,

It is hard to say which is the best because no one yet has any experience with the DVC30. However, there are plenty of posts on the DVC80 and users seem to really like it. I tend to be a best product for the least amount of $$$s kind of guy. Thats why the DVC80 really appealled to me at just under $2000.00 and you may still be able to get it near that price if you act quickly. Don't worry about parts etc. Panasonic will stand behind it as it shares most of the parts with its high-end cousin the DVX100.

Regards,

Mark

Dave & Mark,
Thanks for your comments. I downloaded both brochures today and compared them side-by-side and, all things considered, will probably call one of the one of the WWW places tomorrow. Saw it today for as low as $1500.00. Appreciate your thoughts. Joseph

Re: DVC80, "Saw it today for as low as $1500.00."

Where?

Did you check "this" dealer out here:

http://www.resellerratings.com ?

Joseph,

Check resellerrating.com before you buy. I don't think any good retailer would sell it for $1500. I have bought from profeel.com and Ibuydigital before with good results. I would consider a price at $2,000 to be very good.

Regards,

Mark