Given the choice would you shoot on a Canon GL2 or a Panasonic AG-DVX100B and why?

Question

I am producing a movie, and I am in the process of aquiring cameras. Can anyone offer me some insight?

Answer 1

I have a canon GL2. Its a good camera, but for the film look, you would probably want to go for the dvx100B. It has 24p recording and film look adjustments. It also has 1/3 inch chips vs. 1/4 inch in the gl2. However, the GL2 has the advantage with a longer 20x lens, with helps in getting shorter DOF. Also, the 1/4 inch difference isnt that great, as there is a pixel shift to produce quality even better than that of a vx2100, which has 1/3 inch chips. It probably wont measure up to the DVX100B's chips, but narrows the quality gap. The gl2's also cheaper, so you have more money for other things. So basically if you want a film look, go for the DVX100B. If you want to save money, and still have good quality, choose the GL2. However, there are HD cams coming out now with film looks and 24p recording, so if you have the money for a DVX100B, you might as well spend a little bit more to get an HDV or HD cam. Also, if you have post film look options such as magic bullet (and a really fast computer, unless you want to render for a couple of days), the gl2 will probably offer the better choice for the price. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I favor the Canon, but a tad bit more pricey than the Panasonic.


The Panasonic is professional, but has a few amateur features. From what I understand, that camera is on the edge of being obsolete. And the battery life is only 4 hours, that is, if you opt to buy that longer life battery. Not to say they are bad. I follow my instincts and if it were me, I'd choose the Canon.


All that said and done, I am looking to get a camcorder like the ones you want, probably this summer (if I can talk the wife into dumping a few grand). So in my case, the Canon seems to be fine for "me".

Panasonic Review...
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_DVX100B/4505-6500_7-31568573.html


Canon Review.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=165&modelid=7512


I like Canon, since I am a "film" (not much digital) photographer for over 23 years, and most of Canon's technology comes from experience and the name. I have many Canon products that have lasted that amount of time. Panasonic for some reason reminds me of stereos, phones. TVs and other odd gadgets.



There are a few special camcorders out there. These actually record video (HD-Video) that look very much like real FILM. A lot of low budget/independant people use these. Unfortunately I cannot remember the names or models and they fall in the $4,000.00 range, but I guess if you look hard enough, yuou can find one. They are small too.

Answer 3

I will take a Canon anytime over a panasonic.