I was torn between Sony and Panasonic (the Canons seemed to have many recurring complaints especially with the decks), and after reading several reviews became gradually partial to the Panasonic, before ever having used one, based on customer loyalty and consistently glowing testimonials.
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br /Well I've never used the comparable Sony's, JVC's, or the Canon XL2 (some limited experience with the GL2), but as best I can tell without personal comparison this camera does in fact deserve all the great reviews.
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br /The image quality is excellent and in many cases looks about as good as broadcast TV video (nonHD), and the camera allows a tremendous amount of image control--manual focus ring, aperture (iris), gain adjustment, shutter speed, zebra control for overexposure, white AND black balance adjusting, daylight filters, etc. The electronic viewfinder can even be focused via simple diopter. There are six preprogrammed, but customizable, settings for image control so the user can simply dial in whatever setting they need based on the shooting/lighting conditions. So, for example, you shoot occasionally under weak flourescents lights--you adjust the white balance and the gain and the detail level accordingly, save it as a particular "scene file"; whenever you return to that same location or a similar shooting environment, you can click over to the saved settings in an instant and start recording. The first four are factory set for video 60 frames; the last two are 24 fps for a more film-like quality, which this camera handles beautifully.
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br /What actually sold me on the camera, in terms of hardware, were the two XLR jacks--comparably priced models didn't seem to offer this. The XLR jacks allow the user to attach professional shotgun mics and bypass the mediocre factory one, taking fuller advantage of 16bit 48khz stereo recording. I use a fairly inexpensive AZDEN mic and the improvement in sound quality is tremendous. If you were willing to invest in finer mics the audio quality would be better still. Having two XLR inputs means that in addition to recording live audio (like a mic) you can also mix in input from another pre-recorded source--all in the camera!
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br /The lens by Leica is also impressive--it is a bit wide and is not interchangeable (although I believe there is an adaptive telephoto for $$$). I prefer shooting wide but if you have need a wide selection of lenses or don't enjoy the look of wide angle look to Canon.
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br /The drawbacks are minor--the camera is rather cumbersome--and would certainly be tiresome for handheld use as it isn't designed for shoulder-mounted use. I shoot almost exclusively indoors with a tripod and so neither of these issues are relevant for me. Also irrelevant for me are reviews I've read which have indicated lackluster battery performance--again shooting indoors I always have it plugged in and thus haven't noticed any battery problems. The little menu joystick control button used to toggle the menu screens, as well as the VCR playback options, can be frustrating when you're tired, but that is an extremely trivial concern really.
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br /This camera is expensive, even in the $1500+ prosumer class it tends more to professional range, but I feel it is a great value considering what a fine piece of equipment it is and the wealth of features it offers. It is much much more than enough camera for the consumer and probably a little more than I need actually--I've used mine for a few months and I'm still learning how to wring better and better shooting from it. Once you've used it for a while it becomes clear why this particular model maintains a devoted following. If I have to replace this camera--provided I can afford to--the next camera would definitely be a Panasonic and probably be its big HD brother the HVX.

The DVX 100b is cheaper than the XL2 but you get more features. Aside from the compact and built in XLR ports, you get an optional flip out view finder which the XL2 doesn't offer. If you are looking for a non HD camera i would suggest going with a camera that has an optional 24p because you'll be getting your money's worth and it is a awesome feature to have...

I bought my first DVX100b around May-June 07, and my second this April of 08. Impressed enough to buy a second one.
br /But really this camera is a well rounded DV camera. Its about as good as you can get with out going HD.
br /The shots are solid as well as the quality of image. It does not take much to learn the controls, yet in no way is it consumer level technology. Between the white balance controls, the light gain levels, and the 3 filter settings this camera can adapt to a wide range of settings. The color and clarity of the image is brilliant but where the DVX100 really impressed me was in low light conditions. I am a wedding videographer and I was terrified of the reception because theres usually very little lighting and the footage looks black. The DVX100b can keep a good quality image while in very low lighted settings.
br /The only problem I really had was when I first used it, it was difficult to keep a steady shot. Still with practice over time it becomes easy to hold and have a steady shot.
br /Above all this camera is freindly for those who have never used a pro camera before, and customizable enough to fit even the best of professional videographers. I recommend this camera to any videographer out there, I especially recommend this camera for those that are beginning and need a camera that can hold you together until you get your style down.

This is my 4th DVX100 (all still in operation BTW) and I like the updated features and the new tape loading mechanism. The quality is superb and the handling balance is what I've become accustom to with this camera. This camera is still viable for any work performed today and should be a very usable camera even when HD penetrates more i the market, If you are making a decision on a dependable pro video camera with durable features, this is the one to choose hands down!

Lit and shot properly, the footage from this camera in 24P mode can come very close to 16mm film. This is a fantastic camera for the price, and this new B model has worked out a lot of the kinks from the earlier models. For those of you looking at the XL2, it's true this camera does not have an interchangeable lens (although wide-angle and telephoto adapters are available) but the camera feels more compact and robust, with more features (like XLR) built right into the camera body vs. external attachments.

This is the camera you need to shoot videos, movies, commercials, shorts, weddings, sporting events, family gatherings, and just about everything else in between. I own several formats of movie cameras both video and film and have worked with just about every brand and type of Prosumer and normal grade camcorders around and this is by far the best thing since film. It can look any way you want it to, if you know what your doing, and have a few extra bucks for attachments and learning booklets and or dvd's. Nobody said making movies was easy, but its the greatest job a person could ever have or dream for. This camera records 16:9 similar to but less than HD quality but with a great film look. If you buy the panasonic anamorphic adapter it adds the ever so famous dof look that every movie has. Over all this is the best digital 24p film quality movie camera for under $5000.

I'm not going to rant on on about all the features how they compare to ALL the other models, you will go NUTS trying to keep each models pros cons straight in your head get dizzy after a while!! LOL I know I did!
br / After TOO much research, I broke down finally bought this camera let me tell you, we have been nothing but pleased in that decision! One of the key deciding factors, besides the most 'BANG" for the buck, was ALL the online user help groups with very active forums myriads of artcles info to ANY question that a new user could EVER need! We have had it for a year we have yet to call Panasonic with ANY questions, as they are readily answered by a quick post or search on the dvx user forums! I am currently looking for a good fluid head for our camera as my son wants to film hunts this year bought a tree arm, but the 503 Mafrotto, is proving to be elusive,as it has been discontinued , but happens to be the one my son "NEEDS" wouldn't you know!! LOL
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br /Anyways, I highly recommend this for the new (or experienced!)
br /"PRO" filmaker, It's been a 100% POSITIVE experience for us! Hope this helps...
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br / BTW, I know HD is the new wave of the future the ultimate way we will eventually switch over to, but not until the prices come WAAAAYYY down!

this camera suprised me with how good it was, i knew it had been used in tv before, and in a few films, but i had no idea what i had gotten myself into. the image quality on this is beyond anything else. and the built in microphone does wonders. only flaw i have about it is the zoom. this camera comes with a 10x optical zoom. which is still nice, and i dont know how much more zoom i really need, but it would be nice to have 20x. but for the price you pay. you cant go wrong

Did I mention this is a great camera. With HD being available to prosumers makeing dvds... wait, that won't happen for a few years yet. So, without HD available to prosumers makeing dvds this is the camera to go with today. It is very sweet. It will give you the look of film especially with the Magic Bullet software you can send off to get for free upon purchase of the camera from Amazon. Also a free DVX user book to send off for. The progressive scan on this camera put interlaced video to shame. Clear picture. Compact compared to the Canon XL cameras.
br /Look pro, both its picture and its structure, feels pro, and is pro. From the Panasonic web site you can see that out of all of the cameras they sell this one is #3 on the list. The next one up is basically this camera with an HD option and costs twice as much. The next one up from this costs about 10 times as much. Everything else falls by the way side. Did I mention this is a great camera? Get it if your serious about videography.

I am a complete newbie to video and I love this camera. I had a tough choice to make when it came to spending this kind of $$ for a camera purchase. This one was reviewed very well on all the websites I checked (and I checked quite alot). The positives were echoed so often that I went with it over the others. I am quite pleased even though my learning curve still goes on. The picture qualitiy is excellent and I am learning to shoot better. The downside is I still have not received the DVD that came along with my purchase. The said it would take up to 8 weeks and I guess they intend on making it 8. Overall I am very happy with my purchase and can only say good things about the camera and the support and information about the camera and how to use it available on the net.

It really doesn't need much review.. everyone would tell you is a great camera.
br /I use for tv channel material as well as training videos, etc.
br /Is the best you can get without spending $4000+

The Canon XL2 has been showing up in alot of complaining reviews, complaints realted to it's less than perfect imagery. From what Ive seen, the fact that the DVX100B is hard as heck to find says alot about which one is better. I find it very odd that a great number of these cameras are being sold by numerous retailers in Brooklyn who go by names like express, photosweep, Camera City....seems like one dealer is using multiple names and varied prices. If you need a DVX100B, its best to buy from an established dealer. BUT no one can beat the 24p quality of this camerta. Better deal than the new HD cameras which don't even have the 24p adjustment!

I bought this camera on Amazon with $[...] Panasonic rebate. the item quality build is top notch. Look very professional.
br / -Pro : Image quality is excelent with Leica lense, sound quality with XLR connector built in -48V , no external -48V needed, 24P is main buy of this camera, I used to have GS400 this is big upgrade for me, thanks for the DVXUSER.COM that offers a lot of information you can learn from that.
br / -Con : personally I think not good for travel due to the weight of the camera if you have a strong arm then will be OK. Because during traveling you do not carry tripot and carry camera long time that make your arm get tired. I use the GS400 for travel.
br / Conclusion : excellent image quality , quality of sound, decent zoom, only minor problem is the weight factor for me.

From the description, it is "Well balanced and highly portable: 4.4 pounds in full operating condition", not 10 pounds, which is the *shipping* weight.
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br /Just wanted to say that. It's lighter than the XL2

Can't seem to decide between the two, will try to rent each out for a day and see the difference. DVX is cheaper with same features but can't help notice (i) XL2 has a 20x optical zoom compared to DVX's 10x and (ii) the DVX weighs twice (10 pounds) the XL2 (5 pounds).