Is there anything I need to know about the Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 before bying it?

Question

Is there anything I need to know about the Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 before bying it?

Answer 1

I have a VX2100 and am completely satisfied. However, keep in mind that it is technically a consumer camera (Sony even lists it so). This doesn't mean its not good; on the contrary it is excellent, and a top seller. It is a low light wonder and the picture is outstanding. Here are a few of its quirks that I found annoying:

1) Gain and Aperture share a dial. When you are turning up the aperture, and when the iris is completely open, the gain starts to go up. I would like it better if they had separate dials

2) I would also appreciate more increments of aperture. Its range is from F2 to F11; I would like more!

3) the manual controls are electronic, as opposed to mechanical, meaning, you are not really manually controlling anything. This really isn't something to worry about, I do not know of any camcorder within a reasonable price range that has this. The Canon XL-H1 and JVC GY-HD200U supposedly have it, but it is not truly mechanical

Here are some features I think would make the VX2100 better. Some are worth considering in other cameras.

1) NO XLR JACKS!!! The XLR input is the mic input used on all pro cameras, therefore the VX cannot use pro mics. It does have a mini-stereo jack though. The VX2100 upgrade the PD170 has XLR inputs, however, apart from that, they are pretty much the same exact camera. I have found that I am not missing the XLR jacks, I am fine with the mini-stereo mics (the RODE VideoMic shotgun for $150 is a mini-stereo mic and is excellent). Of course, you could always upgrade to XLR inputs later on with the Beachtek DXA-4 adapter for $180, but I hear they break easily.

2) HD. Of course, HD would of been nice, but it costs much more, and the VX2100 still has excellent picture. The cheapest pro HD camcorder is the Canon XH-A1 and that goes for $3,300.

3) 24p. 24 Progressive Scan is a feature that simulates the ideal look of film on digital. This is ideal for indie filmmakers, looking for the filmish look without the extra costs. Some camcorders with 24p are the Panasonic AG-DVX100B, and the Canon XL2

4) Interchangeable lenses. Not many cameras have them, but it would be nice to have that capability on the VX. It would allow more flexibility in zoom capabilities as well as manipulating depth of field. the Canon XL2 as well as the Canon XL-H1 as well as the JVC GY-HD110U/ GY-HD200U have it

5) A larger CCD chip. This is if you want to be really picky. Most camcorders have a 1/3" CCD chip like the VX2100. However, the larger chips such as the 1/2" and 2/3" chips are much better in manipulating depth of field. However, you can only find this on the expensive shoulder-mounted cameras or the Sony PMW-EX1 ($6,000).

In conclusion, I believe the Sony DCR-VX2100 is the perfect camera for the beginning professional; it is very easy to use! The VX2100 is also well suited for news gathering work, as well as for videography businesses such as wedding videography. It may be a bit overqualified, and bulky for the family vacation or home movie projects, in which, I would recommmend a cheaper consumer HDV camcorder. In addition, I do NOT recommend this for independant filmmakers due to the lack of a 24p mode and XLR inputs. Camcorders better suited for this purpose are the Canon XL2 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100B.

Don't let this discourage you from the VX2100. I am totally happy with it!!! It produces excellent picture, despite being standard def, and if you ask anyone else, they'll rave about its low light performance. Its a tough little camera (compared to the GL2 at least), and I can't get enough of the built-in lens cap. Keep in mind that there are many other upsides to this camera, that I did not discuss. Other camcorders, I recommend you to look at are the Sony PD170, Canon XL2 and the Panasonic DVX100B. All are just a little bit more expensive.

Hope this helps... I will update it if I think of anything else. GOOD LUCK!