Hi Stephen,

"I don't expect to be stunned by the difference in 16:9 off the XL2 vs. 16:9 squeeze in the DVX100a. I'm still reeling a little for what a XL2 with 3X and Manual Lens would set me back."

Well from what I've seen of the PAL tests so far I would think the XL2 16:9 quality should be appreciably better than the 16:9 squeeze mode on the DVX100a; the DVX100a with the anamorphic adaptor should be comparable but there are some limitations with it - not least of which for me it's a fixed arrangement.

With respect Stephen you seem to be hammering this point about marketing. The 'indie' is not the greates users sector of DV camcorders by a long chalk. Broadcast, corporate and wedding etc. usage far outweighs indies in the market.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say: You bought a DVX100a because it was cheaper than the XL2, very good quality and is around now; great but that doesn't mean the XL2 isn't going to sell well. Just becuse the XL2 is a lot more than the DVX100 does not mean it is priced out of the market - it has a things that the DVX100 does not, like interchangeable lenses and true 16:9, and as I say it is not expensive when you consider that it is impossible to get any similar featured camera at anywhere near this price - it's a slightly different market.

It might have a different kind of buyer but it is not priced out of the market - $4999 is list price in any case - wait 12 months and then fairly judge the more realistic prices against others. For the feature set I think it a very good price.

Best regards,
John

Jeff perhaps I misstated what I was trying to say, I completely agree with your sentiment, however myself being one of the less "prudent" ones I don't know how much my opinion counts.

Everybody's opinion counts at DV Info Net.

Any news on a new 3X wide angle from Canon to complement the 16x manual would be most welcome. I'm planning to buy both the Canon 16x manual zoom and the Canon 3X wide lens immediately upon purchasing the XL2 body. I may decide on not getting the 20X L IS lens at all, unless the body-less-standard-lens price is only minimally discounted. I'll then be selling my non-'A' DVX100 package.

There has no word yet from Canon if there will by *ANY* new
lenses at all, let alone something specific as the 3x. A lot of
people seem to WANT a new one (I say test it first) but there
might not ever be coming a new one! Don't take all this talk
about something that people want as a product actually getting
on the market!

doesn't canon know that everyone wants a new 3x?

I want a 5x!
A manual 5x!

Wow, that would be great.