Hah, you beat me to it Tom :-)

Actually there is an add-on XLR adaptor for the DVC-30:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=316100&is=REG

If you order from B&H it is included for $1,750 which is comparable to the PDX-10 price (to further complicate your choice ;-)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

But the PDX-10 also includes Sony's short shotgun mike which isn't included with the DVC-30.

Philadelphian versus Philadelphian I guess. :-P

Yeah, I heard somewhere that that XLR adaptor is a little sub-par though, so it might be better off to go with a Beachtek.

Well I was looking on the B&H website and it shows the bigger type of tape for sale:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...Type=accessory

Maybe I am just seeing that wrong (because when I see that type of package I see the type of tape that Beta's use... or cameras like it) But that doesnt look like a MiniDV tape.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search
Thats the site that I came from to get the 1st link.

Thanks for the clarification though, it did help me understand things I didn't otherwise.

-Max

There are large DVCAM tapes as well - these fit in the big ENG shoulder cameras. They don't fit in the PDX-10 or PD-170.

However your first link does indeed show the Mini DVCAM tape which would fit the PDX-10. In fact that's what it says "Sony PDVM-40N 40 Minutes DVCAM Video Cassette - Mini". True, the boxes they come in look like the packaging for bigger tapes. I think they do this so you feel you're really getting something special for your $13.39 ;-)

But the PDX-10, HVR-Z1, HVR-A1 and PD-150 can all use any regular MiniDV tape. I use the regular "Sony Premium" tapes in all my Sony cameras. They can be purchased at just about anywhere... WalMart, Best Buy, CompUSA, Target, Sears, etc.

I was pointed to this thread from another...

I'm also looking for the right camera as a filmmaker..but right now the ones in question is simply out of my budget. What's the mass opinion on the GL1? Just sifting around google and reading opinions from various sources seems like a good option. Specifically I would like pros/cons from people with experience with it.

My range is around $1,000

Ok, well I feel better about knowing that it is MiniDV. Thanks for your help, I'll have to start shopping around a lot more... and find my best deal.

I have used the Gl-1 and I was happy with it, however, I have never seen it perform in low light levels, but from what I did see, I liked, which is why I think my opinion is biased towards canon brands ie XL2, GL2 etc.

For your budget it is probably a good choice.

Of course you wont get everything you want... (as I have noticed) with a tight budget.

If you can find one used on eBay or something, you might save a few more $

-Max

These threads might be of interest:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=54465
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=50539
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=54779

Where Tom, where did you hear that XLR connectors are "sub-par?"

Oh brother!