Hi guys, im sure this is a regular discussion, but i need some serious advice on the direction of my funds!

I film live music events, typically in clubs, but now more frequently outdoor festivals. Low-light performance is a number one necessity for me so i have been drawn to the VX2100.

My old SD camcorder is on its last legs, and im prepared to spend the £1000-£1300 on a VX2100 to replace it.

However there seems to be a lot of talk about not bothering with an SD camera anymore?

My next event is next month, so i dont have the luxury of waiting for a cheaper HD camera. I have also been told that due to chip-size on HD cameras, they're low light performance is a lot worse than standard SD cameras like the VX2100?

Further background - my films typically end up online or on a dvd...

So, do i fork out the cash for the VX2100? Or is there an HD alternative that will perform just as well in low-light?

Any help is massively appreciated!

You're absolutely right that you have two conflicting forces here. On one hand the vx is the undisputed champ of low-light, but on the other hand, I think anyone would be crazy to buy a new SD cam these days. You may not need HD today, but what about next month, or next year, when HDTV penetration increases exponentially and it gets easier and cheaper to edit/ produce HD video?

No HD cams will perform as well in low light as the VX/PD. But some are close. The FX1/Z1 actually does pretty well, but both are out of your price range.

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Adam
Proud owner of 8 Sony HDV cams. Checking into rehab next week.
"There are no experimental failures. There's only more data."

I’d buy another VX-2100 in a heartbeat… it’s that good. True HD is here and is only going to grow… but there’s so many reasons to still go with a great SD camera… Filming in low light, your footage is largely going to end up on the web anyway, it consumes less disk space and is easier to edit for a computer, etc.

I have a VX2100 and plan on keeping it even after I eventually move to HD. For the very reasons you mentioned (low light / web video), but still, I am using my VX2100 to do professional ads for a marketing agency. I would suggest maybe finding a good used one, rather than getting it new. I see you have a deadline to get one, but if you can maybe a used one won't seem like such an obsolete purchase.

Personally I spent about $1,000 to get the Winter's audio mod, and a Sound Devices MixPre semi permanently attached to my camera including shipping to & from the east coast. That and 400.00 for a century optics WA lens converter. I love this camera and plan on using it for a long time. I feel I've got my money out of it, so I'm not worried about resale later.

Here's my rig: Chad's Rig

You are in a slightly tough spot to have to decide about what you need now, and what you will want soon. Just remember it's only money. If you can get some videographer jobs using the camera it will pay for itself, and allow you to start saving for the camera you really need, which is this:
Sony EX1

Good luck!

Chadfish

Check out my youtube stuff in my signature to see what I have done with the VX2100.

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My Rig:
www.precisionintermedia.com/chadsVX2100pics/

My Work(Except for the 3D animation):
http://www.precisionintermedia.com/video_sample.html

My Music: http://www.humboldtmusic.com/chadjohnson

Fun Video:www.youtube.com/chadfish

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams."

Willy Wonka