Does anyone have any experience with the DVC80? Is it the same as the DVX100 without 24p? I am considering buying cameras around the 2k mark and have been comparing it to the VX2000. I would be using it shoot mainly sports and outdoor events. Thanks in advance.

The quick answer to your second question is Yes.

My recommendation would be to wait just a bit before making your decision.

The DVC80 is a nice camcorder, however, there are a few new camcorders that will be available by April.

The general rule for the ever-forward marching technology bus, is if you really need a camcorder now, then go ahead and get it. But don't buy a camcorder until you really need it, because if you jump the gun now, something better might become available if you had just been patient.

In April, the DVC30 will be out, and I hear it's quite a nice camcorder for around the same price. Possible a contender for the GL2 even.

This week, the CES show in Las Vegas is going on, and by the end of the week, you're going to hear about all kinds of new camcorder and tech goodies coming out.

Yes, it is true that there are always new products just around the corner, however in this field (3 ccd SD/minidv camcorders), we are likely seeing a technologic plateau and saturation point now. The next leap is going to be HD, and it is already begun. As you may have noticed, many models are getting tweaks (vx2100, pd170, dvx100A, XL1s, to mention a few) as opposed to new replacement models. I can't guarantee this, but I think it is a fairly safe bet that nothing shocking is right around the corner (except for HD). Maybe we will see some dramatic price reductions though.

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Lou Bruno
MODERATOR

Very nice package.....way to go Panasonic. It is still the little sibling to the DVX100 with smaller ccd chip size (1/4).

What is the price?

I have yet to find a published online review of this camera by someone other than a consumer, but at least a few seem to think this camera is BETTER than a Sony PD-150.

Certainly purchasing additional equipment can be irritating. With the Panasonic DVC-80, it seems like everything's there to compete.

The Panasonic DVC-80 is also cheaper than a PD-150. It's amazing and frustrating how little the price has gone done since the PD-170 came out.

Since this is a DVX-100 board, I'm hoping a moderator or user can tell me if you would choose a DVC-80 over a PD-150 if you didnt need 24p. And does anyone know if the DVC-80 is not a TC (timecode)-based correction camera?

That is a good question. They are both top notch, so here is my recommendation; if price is a big factor, go with the Panasonic (cheaper). If not, for absolute quality and features, I lean towards the PD170 (upgrade of the PD150). If low light performance is vital, again, the PD170 wins.

Wolfman,

I've had a DVC80 for over a month, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I chose it over the VX2000/2100 for a few reasons:
* I already owned compatible batteries from a Panasonic consumer camcorder.
* Pro audio connector and phantom power. (You'll never need a $200 adapter box to plug professional microphones or audio mixers into the Panasonic.) The built-in stereo microphone is better than average and doesn't pick up much -- and I mean barely audible "whir" sound -- camera noise. I've improved that even more by switching the zoom from Servo to Manual and trying to avoid zooming while shooting.
* Mechanical manual zoom and focus rings for precise control versus the Sony's rings which are actually switches for servo motors.
* 3 lux min. illumination meets my needs.
* Wide-angle lens is built in.
* More manual control flexibility.
* Larger 3.5" LCD.
* B&H included a $100 gift card, so the deal was too good to pass up! (I used the gift card for lighting.)

Room to Improve
* 10x zoom. If the DVC80 had the GL-2's 20x, it would be a perfect camera. It's very well balanced and works great on a tripod.
* It's a power hog. You'll need to invest in AT LEAST one 2800mAh Li-Ion battery. The included 1600 is good for no more than 90 real-world minutes (less if you use the LCD instead of viewfinder). I've considered buying a 5400mAh battery, but only after a few of my 1600's wear out. I currently own (3) 1600s and (1) 3000.

Let me see if I understand this......you based your decision of which camera to buy based on:
1. You had some old compatible batteries that you could use.
2. Absence of advanced audio connection options.
3. Imperceptable (on tape) servo noise for focus and zoom controls.
4. Low light performance that is "good enough".
5. "Wide angle lens" built in??? (not by my definition).
6. More manual control (again, not by my intepretation/assessment).
7. A larger LCD.
8. A 100 dollar gift certificate.
Mind you, these are both excellent cameras, and nobody would fault your decision either way if for legitimate reasons (cost, availability, size, quality, features). But those are some of the flimsiest reasons that I could imagine.

"Flimsy"? Perhaps, but with everything else about the VX2K and DVC80 equal (in my mind, at least), strong enough for me to favor the DVC80. I guess if one considers all the cheesy "features" thrown into the VX2K, that camera's the better value. I define "value" by getting as many things as I actually want and need for the lowest price. I could care less about bells and whistles. Bottom line: For the way I shoot, I'm less likely to outgrow the DVC80.

That is a fair response. Again, you can't lose with either choice.

Don't you mean 1/3" chip ? I read the only difference between the DVC80 and the DVX100 is the 24p.

Maybe the camera is being confused with the new SONY 1/4 " chip camera.

__________________
Lou Bruno
MODERATOR