Canon XL2

[Lee M]

I'm currently saving my pennies for a camera to actually start shooting something (anything! lol). I've heardsome good things about the Canon XL2 - anybody here know anything about them? Are they any good?
If not can anybody make any recommendations?

[Matty2phatty]

I shoot using the XL2 a fair bit, they're good.. about as good as you'll get with DV.

You really need to give some idea of your price range, there are HDV cameras for the same price as an XL2, though that's not the same as true HD.

It really all depends, do you want the film look? or does the DV look not bother you? And what's your price range?

[TJ_the_director]

a sony dvx2100 will do all the things an XL2 can do for nearly half the price . . . $2400 USD @ bhphotovideo.com -- if the "cool" factor is important, get the Canon.

[Lee M]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll look into the other recommendations too. Price wise, I maybe able to get my grubby little hands on about ?3000, so thats roughly the price bracket. I'm aware that the DV doesnt look all that great, but that may work for the movie I have planned (still just working an the script at the moment). Having said that, just because it works for my first movie, doesnt mean it will work for others.
Thanks again for the advise, you've given me food for thought.

[Nigel]

The other thing to think about is renting for your movie. You could rent one hell of a set up for ?3000.

Good Luck

[GingeUK]

Don't know much on camera's sadly but the new Canon XM2 comes out in the next few weeks for half the price of the XL2.

Link to camera info

[Matty2phatty]

I've heard similar things about the Sony myself, it really does come down to what you're after.

Any hints about what you're hoping to achieve?

[Nigel]

I like the XL2 for the only reason that you can put a fully manual lens on it. The stock lens is shit. It is all servo controlled and you can't ever isolate moves in a consistant manner.

Not only that but DV will always look like crap. HDV looks even worse.

You should look into getting the new full HD Mini-Cam from Panasonic.

Good Luck

[Matty2phatty]

Have you got access to a Panavision Genesis for rental over there? It's about $3000 a day here, apparently, but one of the places are pretty kickass and they do it for heaps cheaper, it's a great camera if you want to consider it.

It's HD but looks 35mm, depending on your setup ofcourse.

[Nigel]

Hahahahahahahahahahahah....

That was a good one--HD looking like 35. DO you have any other jokes??

?3000 will get you a lot of gear for your shoot. I can't say that it will get you a CineAlta or a Viper but it will get you an SDX900 or maybe an HDW750.

It will also get you a Super16 package and cover film. Then you will have a better picture than The Genesis.

Good Luck