Video Cameras

[PadawanGeek]

Hey guys. I was wondering what video cameras you all are using. I am currently using just a regular Sony, but I would like to get a Canon XL2. All of the features are great.

[soundlight]

My friend has GL2 which he likes, and our campus library here also has GL2's and XL1's for checking out to students to do film projects (after proper training, of course, and with the 'pain of death' style contract which you must sign before checking one out. I'm planning on using a GL2 to film dance concerts this coming school year.

[soundman1024]

The Canon XL1 is a great camera. The stabilizer on its stock lens is absolutely incredible. You could kick the camera and the image wouldn't budge. I haven't really used the XL1s or the XL2, but I would imagine they're great as well.

The Sony VX2100 is alright. I find the optics aren't as good as the image processing system. At the telephoto end (a mild 12x optical) the stabilizer can't keep up no matter how steady you are, and the image never quite looks in focus. I was out filming some football, holding the viewfinder against my cheek with a wide stance and my hands spread as far on the frame as I could have them and I still couldn't quite keep it smooth. It wasn't earthquaking, but it wasn't spectacular.

Those are the only professional level cameras I have experience with.

[tomed101]

My school wants a camera that works well in both very low and very high light. AT the moment, in low light the colors appear as sort of patch/blobs. We want to spend around $3000AUD so about $2200USD

[PadawanGeek]

Originally Posted by tomed101

My school wants a camera that works well in both very low and very high light. AT the moment, in low light the colors appear as sort of patch/blobs. We want to spend around $3000AUD so about $2200USD

I think you can get a used Canon XL2 for that much.

[soundman1024]

I would focus on getting a good low light performer, you can always get a neutral density filter to put on the front of the lens. Doing this you can effectively loose 1-4 stops of light, or more if you stack filters. Do be warned though that stacking filters can cause vignetting, or darker corners.

In my experience Canon's XL1 did a good job in low light, so I imagine the XL2 would as well. These cameras have a lens with a neutral density filter in it already. Turn it on when you're outside in the sun.

[tomed101]

Originally Posted by soundman1024

I would focus on getting a good low light performer, you can always get a neutral density filter to put on the front of the lens. Doing this you can effectively loose 1-4 stops of light, or more if you stack filters. Do be warned though that stacking filters can cause vignetting, or darker corners.
In my experience Canon's XL1 did a good job in low light, so I imagine the XL2 would as well. These cameras have a lens with a neutral density filter in it already. Turn it on when you're outside in the sun.

Sounds good. I might look into it, and rent one for a while to try it out before we buy.

[astrotechie]

I use a Canon GL2. Also in studio work at a local access station, I use JVC Studio Camera. The same camera I have used in robotic purposes. I love the GL2.

[fosstech]

Canon GL1 for me at the moment. I've been looking at the XH-A1 as an HD replacement, but I just don't have the cash right now. Hopefully the price will come down a bit soon as HD takes more of a hold on the video market.

[PadawanGeek]

Originally Posted by fosstech

Canon GL1 for me at the moment. I've been looking at the XH-A1 as an HD replacement, but I just don't have the cash right now. Hopefully the price will come down a bit soon as HD takes more of a hold on the video market.

Exactly my situation now... Except for no current good video camera.