The DVC30 has a 1/4 CCD censors vs. a 1/3 on the DVX. At one time I was considering getting the DVC30, but ended up with the DVX100a.. If I had to do it all over again I would probably save myself the $1200 and go with the DVC30. First off the DVC30 comes with a 16x optical zoom.. The DVX100a only has a 10x (which is crap when shooting from the shore). Sure the DVX100a has 24p (film like) mode, but I can count on 1 hand how many times I've used it.. I feel that if you want to film look then shoot with film. Plus for action sports (my opinion) I think the 24p look like poop.. If you are an audio buff then the DVC30 does not have XLR inputs and that would be a BIG minus. Depending on how you like to shoot the DVC30 does not have a top handle which is great for shooting chase on a skateboard, snowboard, etc.. Another cool feature of the DVC30 is the night-time shooting capabilities using an IR light. To top it off it's not the military green that you get with the sony's, but instead it shoots in black and white.. No matter which cam you get I think you will find that the color saturation of the Panasonic cams will impress you! If you have the budget. Check into renting a DVC30 from a local studio for the weekend and try it out first hand.
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