Hello everyone, this is my first post (first of many to come!) and I'm very happy to be part of the community.
I know this question was probably asked a thousand times...but please bare with me, id really appreciate it. I would like to know what you all believe is the best camera for me. I shoot short films, music videos and commercials, so im looking for a camera with great picture quality. My choices are the panasonic dvx100a, canon xl2 and sony fx1. I know these cameras differ greatly with use, but the prices of each are similar...so i was wondering what you all believe would be my best option. RIght now im leaning more towards the dvx100a, but if im going to spend 4gs, i might as well spend another grand for the sony fx1 (or am i totally clueless??). Any help is greatly appcreciated

XL2. Wow, what a camera. ^_^

so are you saying i should get the xl2?
why the xl2 over the dvx100a?

'sup, good xlt :cool:

I have no idea which one you should get, but I think you might find this a good read.

Sony HDV FX1 vs. DVX100a vs. Canon XL2 (http://dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/)

...and welcome to IndieTalk. :abduct:

wow, those are exactly the same 3 im looking at....what luck. Thank you very much for that link

I have many issues with that review. I'd like to note that this is a review on dvxuser.com in which the reviewer concludes that the DVX is the best choice.

I'm a big fan of the DVX. I own one because it was the first video camera I thought was worth owning (that I could afford. I'd love to hav a Varicam or Sony Cine Alta, but I don't have $80,000 plus) I like the the control I can get with it. I should say I've only played with the XL2 at a demo and found it nice, but still lean toward the DVX.

Scott
LA base DP
www.scottspears.net

Naturally =D

All three cameras can produce great footage. Your choice should depend on your output medium and post production capabilities.

thank you everyone for your input, i have a tough decision ahead of me

Id be asking myself what kind of output do you need to place your product on and determine which is best for you with those considerations in mind.

Well there. About the camera dillema. I would go for the dvx100a. I actually use the dvx100 so am biased. however - have also used the canon camera and prefered the dvx100. Anyway - you can see exampled of dvx100 work at:

www.saltzmanproductions.com

thank you, i appreciate all the help i can get. I got a really good deal on the sony fx1, here in canada it is selling for about $4999.99. One guy is willing to sell me the camera for $4000 plus tax (roughly $4600), plus he will throw in a tripod.
However, editing poses a problem so im sticking to either the xl2 or dvx100a....leaning more towards the dvx100a though.