My friend and I are down to these two cameras. He is looking to spend no more than 3,000 on the camera alone. We think the 100A is probably the better of the two, however, the more money he saves the more he can spend on the toys along with it.

Can you tell me the Pros and Cons of these two cameras? Is the Panasonic 100A just slightly better than the GL2 to where the money difference is a strong decision maker?

Thanks.

The 100A is definitely the better choice. It is not just slightly better than the GL2, it is A LOT better in terms of color-rendition (because of its superior leica lens), and wider range of manual functions. The 100A will give such a better film-like image than the GL2 because of the Cine-gamma features it has built in, and of course the ability to shoot in 24 frames per second. Trust me, go w/ the DVX100a - they are practically selling new for around 3000, if not you can get a used one for cheaper.

^^ summed it up pretty well. No comparison between the two. The DVX, hands down winner.

EDIT - also dont forget the DVX has XLR audio inputs as well as phantom power. If you're spending money on mocs dont short change that part of the equation either. The GL2 has an 1/8" input only.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jeff,

These guys are absolutely right. I have used a GL2 and I currently own a DVX100A. Its no question that the DVX is far to superior to the GL2 in image quality, along with far more audio options including pp XLR inputs.

Thanks guys. I think we are going to go get the camera this weekend.

I found these online stores and from checking at some consumer sites some of the cheapest prices on this list seem to be legit stores. Anyone know anything about these stores?

http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_DVX100A/4014-6500_7-30790135.html?tag=tab

PLEASE PLEASE order from B&H. they're almost never the cheapest, but they're one of the oldest, most reliable and reputable places in existance. i have bought every piece of equipment i own from them.

i had a bad experience at Beach Camera a while back. they aren't a bad company, but if you ever need a refund or something breaks, they aren't very supportive. i bought an XL1 from them a few years ago. i sent it back because it came with a different lens than advertised. they said it was my mistake, and charged me a 15% restocking fee. 15% of an XL1 back then was might big. that's my experience, though, and others have had better ones.

but i know of nobody who's had a truly bad experience from B&H. they provide equipment to amateurs, professionals, studios, Hollywood.... they're probably the most reputable place out tehre.

I understand what you are saying, but if the place is $300 cheaper and a legit store, than why not go with them?

With the money we save on the camera we can put it into the audio, lens', filters, tripods or whatever.

I understand B&H are good and reputable, but they can't be the only good store out there.

find out what you actually GET with that $300. for example, a while back when an older camera i bought from B&H broke, not only did they repair it, but they lent us a camera to use in the meantime.

sure, using a legit store would still be fine if you want. i'm just giving you personal experience. #1 on that link you sent us is Willoughby's. i have no experience with them, but have heard good things. Beach Camera, as i believe i stated before, will give you crap if you ever need to send anything back or if they misdvertised something. but they're great if you're careful.

i can vouch for willoughbys. theyre on par with B and H IMO. I bought my digital rebel there, but generally their prices tend to be right on par with B and H...generally.

quote:

Originally posted by Trespasser:
The 100A will give such a better film-like image than the GL2 because of the Cine-gamma features it has built in, and of course the ability to shoot in 24 frames per second. Trust me, go w/ the DVX100a - they are practically selling new for around 3000, if not you can get a used one for cheaper.

has no one heard of the frame mode on the cannon cameras?????? on the XL1 and both the GLs, there is a mode called "frame mode" that will record at 24fps, which also will give you the "film look" plus there is an adaptor you can buy for fairly cheap that has XLR hookups that you just slide onto the top. ive never used the DVX, but i can personally vouch for the GL, its never let me down.

quote:

has no one heard of the frame mode on the cannon [sic] cameras?????? on the XL1 and both the GLs, there is a mode called "frame mode" that will record at 24fps

I own an XL1s, and in the past I have used a GL2. Neither shoot in 24p; the frame mode to which you refer records in 30p. Out of all the prosumer Canons, only the XL2 offers a choice of 30p and 24p.

quote:

ive [sic] never used the DVX, but i can personally vouch for the GL, its [sic] never let me down.

The GL2 never let me down either, but it's outgunned, far outgunned, by the DVX (which does record at 24p).

like i said in the other thread, i could have sworn the cannon website said frame mode was 24fps, again, ill look into it

quote:

With Normal Movie Mode, video is captured using interlaced frames. In Frame Movie Mode, video is captured by the XL1S in a non-interlaced form at the rate of 30 frames per second.

i stand corrected, but it still looks good and i still could have sworn i read it somewhere...