Hello, I need some advise from users of the Canon xl1 or xl2. Im looking to buy a much better Camcorder than i have now (JVC GRD-94) I've tried filming a short with this a few times and there's just too many problems with it so im looking to spending a little money on something more proffesional. I had a few questions and hope some of you may be able to help.

-I'll be shooting a Horror short at the end of Summer and wanted to know how good the low light is with these cameras.

-Being that I have never worked with a 3CCD camera before or any type of proffesional camera, do you think it'll be hard to get used to making a step from my camcorder to one of these camera's (Im pretty quick at learning)

-What are some diffrences between both camera's.

-I wish i could get a good camera like this for around 2k any advice on any other cameras I may be able to look at.

If you can answer any of those questions for me it would help me out a whole lot and I thank anyone for taking the time to check this out. Also I may not even need a Canon xl1 or 2. I'm really just looking for a proffesional camcorder that performs good in low lighting and is below 3k dollars and has good picture quality...Thanks again.

Well it's been a while that I let this post just sit here without replies.

Now I have a new question that hopefully someone can help me out with. Being that the XL2 is a little over my budget to spend, BestBuy is having a sale on two big semi-pro camcorders, the Canon GL2 for $2519.99 and the Sony DCR-VX2100 for $2499.99. I was really interested in getting the XL2 because I hear its low light capability was excellent for shooting a short horror film (which i am shooting this summer). Now my question is are any of these cameras as good as the XL2 and what are some diffrences? thanks everyone for any help on this.

The VX2100 is better than both in low light. It may be the way to go for you if low light is that important.

The XL2 shoots in true 16:9, has an interchangeable lens and shoots in 24fps. It also has XLR audio. The other two do not have these features.

You can add a 16:9 lens adapter to the other two, but those cost about $600. You can add an XLR audio adapter, those are around $200.

You can get a better price on the GL2 and the VX if you shop online.
B & H has the GL2 for $2000, the VX for $2300. Plus if you don't live in New York you don't have to pay tax. (That will save you a couple hundred right there)

Ah! I see. So basically when all's said and done, I'd have to spend about another grand on XLR Inputs, Lenses, Filters etc. for the sony...Well how much worse is the XL2 in low light than the Sony. I also really like the sony because it is a shoulder cam as well. I wanna get that feeling when using the camera. Could you reccomend any other camcorder in the same leauge around the price range. Thanks so much.

It's not a lot worse, but the VX is the "king of low light".
The VX is not a shoulder cam. It is quite a bit smaller than the XL2 also.
You may also want to consider the Sony FX1. Its HD so I don't know if you want to mess with that or not.

Now a friend is telling me maybe I should go with the Panasonic DVX100B...What's your insite with that cam? By the way thanks so much for helping out.

Thats a good one too. Not as good as the XL2. It does not have interchangeable lens and no quality 16:9.

You mean it doesn't shoot true 16:9? Thats not such a big deal more the "low light" is the only thing. Hows the quality on the Panasonic compared to the canon? They both shoot 24P though right?

You are correct. The Panasonic does not shoot 16:9. Both shoot 24fps.
The low light is very similar between the two.

I own a bunch of Canon XL1S and XL2. They are GREAT camcorders! Let me know if you need one. I can help. Thanks, John

__________________
John Williams
Canon Video Dealer
www.canonxl.com
615-429-8200 11 AM - 11 PM Central Time

I am looking for an XL1, what do I need to do for you to part with one of these?

If it were me, I'd look strongly at the less expensive GL-2 instead and get a Lowel DVcreator light kit or a good mic with the money saved. You'll see a ton of difference between well lit footage rather than just a slightly larger CCD.

__________________
Guy Cochran

DVcreators.net Training and Resources for DV creators - Producer - DV Gear Talk

Hi,
is worth it to sell my Canon xl1s to buy the new Canon xl2?
And how much i can ask on my old one , was use it max 15 hours.
I wait your opinions

I'd say the XL2 is a much, much better camera. The lens is crisper and you have a variety of customizable presets, plus a whole lot more.
Check out this video we did on the XL2 http://www.dvcreators.net/canon-xl2/

To figure out how much a used camera goes for, do a search for the item on eBay, then check "completed listings" on the Left side and hit the Search button below. The items that sold will light up green with the final price.

__________________
Guy Cochran

DVcreators.net Training and Resources for DV creators - Producer - DV Gear Talk