[cgreer00]

I have a Sony PC9 consumer DV camera right now, but I have been contemplating going up to a 3 CCD model like the VX1000 or the GL1. I have found a great price on the VX1000, and like Sony's reliability, so I wanted to hear your thoughts. How big of a difference in quality will I see from my 1 CCD PC9 Sony when going to the VX1000 or GL1? I want to film, edit, and then burn DVDs so I am looking for good quality. thanks for the opinions!

[direktor]

Get a GL-1.

The VX-1000 is going on 8 years old now, and it's image quality has been greatly surpassed by many other cameras.

The GL-1 on the other hand, shares the same image quality as an XL-1, and is a much better value for the money. Plainly put, the image quality is much better on the GL-1

Also, any quality advantage Sony has would probably be negated by the age any VX-1000 would be.

Now, a VX-2000 on the other hand...

[ericwass]

I've had a VX-1000 for five years now and I still love it and make a solid income with it. I've had two repairs on it: both a faulty video cable leading to the viewfinder. The image quality is fantastic and you will definitely notice a difference from a 1-chip camera.

That having been said, there are more evolved cameras on the market. Things I miss on my VX-1000: a REAL (i.e. not arbitrary) focus ring, a flip-out screen and balanced XLR inputs.

I have to disagree with the previous poster, however. While there have definitely been improvements in DV image quality (especially low light capabilities) over the years, I don't think they've been all that dramatic in the prosumer category. The camera you choose should be based on a number of factors: image quality, accessory availability, features, dependability, ease of use. You say you're shooting for DVD which means your video will eventually be compressed. And if you're not going to D1 or DigiBeta for broadcast you may not notice a difference in image quality between a VX-1000 and another camera.

In any case, I'm not advocating you buy any particular camera. Just be aware the newest, fanciest, most expensive camera is not always the most appropriate choice for every shooter. The VX-1000 is a very solid piece of equipment that has some annoying shortcomings. But if you can get the right deal and you decide you can live without certain things, it may be for you.

[Lordx_]

I own both the Gl1 and the vx2000 and the vx2000, by far is the best camcorder I have ever owned. I suggest you look at that model, it's quite amazing.

[direktor]

Yes, the VX2000 is a better choice than the GL-1...but a little more used than the GL-1 and a fair chunk more than a used VX1000.

In the under $4K category, I've used almost all the major choices (for paid, national broadcast gigs that matter). I'd rate them like this:

Panasonic DVX-100
Sony VX2000/PD150
Canon XL-1s
Canon XL-1
Canon GL-2
Canon GL-1
Sony TRV900/PD100
Sony VX1000

And I'm sure I'm forgetting one, but those are most of them.

Ericwass is right, though...your eyes might not be as picky as some. I'd pick up a VX1000 if it was $1K or less, which would be a good deal. Around the $1500 mark, you can step up a little.

Don't settle for less though because you're using DVD. DVD format is 720x480 just like DV, and at the highest bitrates it's really hard to spot compression artifacts; unlike your average movie DVD. Encoding at 3 or 4mbit will make any camera look like poop, however.