XLR and XLR-3m type?

Question

what is the difference between the two and can i use a xlr-3m type with my dvx100b

Answer 1

XLR is the cable system.  XLR connectors come in 3, 4 and 5 pin versions, Male and Female.  The 4 and 5 pin versions are used on intercom headsets and for power distribution. An XLR mic cable is always 3 pin with male on one end (that plugs into the camera) and female on the other (that plugs into the mic).  Larger cameras, like a Sony Betacam use XLR mic connection, small cameras use a miniplug so they would need an adaptor of some ilk. for example I use a miniture 3 XLR input Rolls mixer for that task.

Answer 2

I know of 3-pin and 5-pin XLR.

Read here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XLR

"The convention was that a 2-conductor loudspeaker cable had XLR3F connectors on both ends, to distinguish it from a 3-conductor shielded signal level cable which has an XLR3F at one end and an XLR3M at the other. Either pin 2 or 3 was live, depending on the manufacturer, with pin 1 always the 'earthy' return. This usage is now both obsolete and dangerous to equipment but is still sometimes encountered, especially on older equipment."

I would suggest using proper XLR cables and plugs - and not dealing with obsolete wiring methods.