i'm planning to buy PDX10P, but i've seen in many reviews that there is some problem with appearing vertical smear when bright light sources are encountered... how it looks? is it possible somehow (with some filter maybe?) to get rid of it?

It's more like AVOIDING the circumstances in which VS occurs rather than "getting rid of".

In or above-frame light sources. Be aware of them. These can include

candles
stadium lights
head lights
chandelier lights
stage lights
street lamps

Note the similarities between these light sources. They're sharp, or, relatively intensely focussed, and usually occur in high contrast situations (ie, in an otherwise dark space). Figure out where they are and how to shoot accordingly. In my 9 month experience with the PDX10, dealing with this issue has been less of a hassle than it might seem to you right now, but then my shoots have been rather controlled and not wildly run 'n' gun.

Exposure levels and shutterspeeds affect VS. The faster the shutterspeed, the greater the likelyhood of VS. Do what you should be doing anyway: control the contrast range in your shots. Consider overhead lights and camera angles and hot spots in the frame (white objects/clothing, light sources).

I'm not saying you can't shoot sporting or theatrical events. I do both.
It's just that you're somewhat forced to take more seriously some of the parameters of good shooting. No problem if you're shooting fiction or otherwise taking time to set up shots, and, for more "casual", well, just be careful.

Hope this helps.

Shawn

__________________
Breakthrough In Grey Room


DSR PD170
DSR PDX10
PowerMac G5
Final Cut Express

I have only had my PDX10 for about a week. I noticed the VS when shooting in sport mode (I was taping a tennis lesson). When I switched to full auto mode (presumbly slowed the shutter speed), the VS disappeared.

Hope this helps. I love the the true 16:9 mode and the XLR inputs.

I agree, avoid shooting into a light source is the best medicine.

the thing is - i want to do a lots of nature shots, which include time-lapsed sunsets... and i saw this video and im getting scared that i can't do any sunset withou this artifact. i just can't avoid shooting sunsets because i want to... so, the question is - is it possible to manually setup the camera so i can shot the sunset?

That's Boyd Ostroff's link. He's the moderator for the PDX10 forum over at dvinfo.net. Go there and ask him about that footage and his experience with shooting sunsets in general. His input might surprise you. Your concerns are certainly valid, though.

__________________
Breakthrough In Grey Room


DSR PD170
DSR PDX10
PowerMac G5
Final Cut Express

IMO, for what you are doing, this is not the best tool. I would look elsewhere (the pd170/vx2100) in particular.

but i would like to create 16:9 footage only... are they (the pd170/vx2100) capable of that?
besides i'm thinking about panasonic dvc30, but im from central europe and its not available here yet

__________________
Breakthrough In Grey Room


DSR PD170
DSR PDX10
PowerMac G5
Final Cut Express

Yes, the pd170 with the Century Optics 16:9 adapter is the top of the line and suits your needs perfectly.

well yeah, that should be ideal, but it's too expensive solution for me

does vx2100 have same full-res 16:9 like pdx10????

It sounds like a bit of a Catch 22 to me. The smear with the PDX10 shooting sunsets is a probable deal breaker, and the cost is prohibitive for the vx2100 option. I don't have any brilliant solutions to this dilemna. BTW, the 16:9 lens adapter will give you full res video as with the PDX10.

ok, i've solved this... i'll sacrifice hi-q 16:9 and im going to buy canon xm2 with wide angle adapter... it has also much better manual so i think its much better for outside shooting than let's say sony 950...

I am not so sure about the assertion of performance with the Canon superior to the 950. THe most noticable (and important) difference will be easily seen in the color rendition....far better on the 950 (a 3 CCD) camera than any 1 ccd camcorder that I have seen (most of them).

Sorry, but I believe XM2 is Euro-speak for the Canon GL2, with very good color, they say. Good manual control too. A little too plastic for my taste, but popular in it's run.

__________________
Breakthrough In Grey Room


DSR PD170
DSR PDX10
PowerMac G5
Final Cut Express