which camcorder would you guys suggest the sony vx2000/2100 or the canon xl1. All of the things being shot are action sports and i am looking into getting one of them,if you have good or bad experiences with them it would help

For wakeboarding I like the Canon GL-2 because of the 20x optical zoom and the quality of the Canon glass. The XL-1s has some cool features and interchangeable lens is sweet but impractical and expensive. <BR> <BR>The other cam that I'm considering right now is the Panasonic VXD100. It has some very cool features including 30p mode and CineGamma for a more film-like look. <BR>

actually i was just going to mention that camera - it's gotten good reviews and im looking at it myself. it also has interchangeable lenses.

I would hold off on the XL1s until NAB in april. Canon may announce a new model (XL2?) <BR> <BR>Stack: Are you talking about the DVX100? because it doesn't have interchangable lenses. <BR>

that's bizarre. what's the wide angle lens they sell for it then? <BR> <BR>check out the accessories list: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat/Products/cams_ccorders/acc/a_ag-dvx100.html" target="_blank">http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat/Products/cams_ccorders/acc/a_ag-dvx100.html</a>

Most likely just a screw-on wide angle lens, similar to what you can get for most camcorders - which work pretty well actually. <BR> <BR>

ya looks like it - there's also an anamorphic attachment. and i've read elsewhere that it's not an interchangeable lens.

I see what you're saying, when I hear interchangable lenses I think of the XL1 or like our digi SLR's which take different base lenses. You're talking about adaptors of which there is a pretty good selection available for the DVX. The DVX base lens is fairly wide to begin with so I'm probably only going to get a fisheye to compliment mine. Again I can't say enough about what a great cam the DVX is. that's the one to get!

you're right rich - that's what i think of too. didn't realize these were adapaters. i think i'd definitely need the wide angle as i want to shoot dramatic scenes as well as wakeboarding, so i'd need it for those 2-shots, etc.

I've used the Canon GL-2, Sony VX2000, and "own" a GL-1 and XL-1 (my dad technically owns them, but I have access to them whenever...). I honestly prefer the XL-1 because it is a larger camera with more weight on the lense side so it is easier to maintain a steady shot when shooting from a moving boat. The XL-1 is pretty expensive but when the XL-2 arrives you can assume that both the XL-1 and XL-1s will drop in price. Also you have the (rather expensive) option of using interchangable lenses. There are several lenses including an $800ish wide angle lense (not 100% sure on the price though) available, and I was able to use this lense when shooting footage at the Malibu Open. I'm almost done w/ the vid and it should be on this site hopefully in the next few weeks if you are curious about the optics or what not... <BR> <BR>comments on the GL-1: great camera, but no manual audio controls. This really isn't a big deal but it bugs me after using the rest of the aformentioned cameras that DO have manual audio controls... <BR> <BR>GL-2: got to use this when the GL-1 was in for service for ALL of last summer (thanks Fry's Electronics <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0> ). Manual audio controls have been added, the camera is a bit longer, and the color sensitivity is a bit different (cooler colors). <BR> <BR>VX2000: If memory serves me correctly, the CCD's on this camera are larger than any of Canon's cameras (well the ones mentioned here), but the optics arent as great (again, I could be wrong, this is from an article I read awhile back). I don't know if there is any truth to this but the XL-1's standard glass is pretty much as large as the VX2000 itself. Nonetheless the VX2000 is a great camera and would be my second choice behind the XL-1 (though that may be because I'm more used to the XL-1). Also remember that this camera has been replaced with the VX2100 so it should be cheaper than the $3000 price tag it had when it was the latest and greatest. <BR> <BR>so my opinion: go with the XL-1, then VX2000, then GL-2, then GL-1.

thanks for the input

Since we are talking about the XL1 I'll throw out the new Sony PD170 (since the price is comparable.) <BR> <BR>From a purely wakeboarding stand point the low lux capabilities of the PD170 would not be a major selling point, but if you ever use your camera to video tape parties or scenes with low lighting then the Sony PD170 is a model to consider. <BR> <BR> <BR>Here are some reviews at SimplyDV.com I think you might find useful; <BR>Sony PD170 <BR><a href="http://www.simplydv.com/Reviews/sony_dsr_pd170.html" target="_blank">http://www.simplydv.com/Reviews/sony_dsr_pd170.html</a> <BR> <BR>Sony VX2100 <BR><a href="http://www.simplydv.com/Reviews/sony_dcr_vx2100.html" target="_blank">http://www.simplydv.com/Reviews/sony_dcr_vx2100.html</a> <BR> <BR>Just for reference I own a Sony TRV900 and have used the GL2 a few times. <BR>