Not everyone needs HD

If you’re in the market for a camera but you’re thinking the new HD models are just not what you’re looking for, then this post is for you. While everyone is going gaga over HD, we know that not everyone can afford the latest Hi-Def models.

So if you’re not going HD what are the options you have for buying or renting a top notch prosumer digital video camera?

Today we will look at two of the more recent MiniDv prosumer cameras on the market, the Canon XL2 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100A.

Canon XL2 – MSRP $3599.10
From C-Net: The Canon XL series is the Porsche 911 of DV camcorders. Through continual technological upgrading, that Porsche has remained a state-of-the-art sports car for more than 40 years. And love it or hate it, no other car looks or drives like a 911.

The XL2 is about twice as big and, at a solid 7.8 pounds, twice as heavy as the alternatives. It's hardly discreet, but that can be asset for those needing to look like a pro.

The XL2 continues the XL1's legacy of providing nonstandard but easily accessed mechanical controls over all major camera functions: iris, shutter, gain, white balance, and so forth. Most obviously, the XL2 retains the large rotary selector on the camera's left side, through which the camera is turned on and placed in one of its many exposure modes. Perhaps to show off the camera's new capabilities, a couple of conspicuous controls have been added to select frame rate and aspect ratio. Also new to the control layout are a couple of handy custom keys, which give you easy access to your favorite functions.

Perhaps the most noteworthy additions to the Canon XL2 are its three great progressive video modes: 30P and two types of 24P, in addition to standard 60I interlaced video. Without getting too technical, the important thing to know is that progressive video goes a long way toward giving digital productions a cinematic look (as opposed to the look of a soap opera) and can also make for a superior transfer to film. These are particularly important issues for those shooting narrative projects on DV. Until the XL2 came along, Panasonic's AG-DVX100A was the only prosumer camera offering the progressive modes.

Panasonic AG-DVX100A – C-Net Editors Choice Award Winner – MSRP $3,499
From C-Net: The Panasonic AG-DVX100A is the kind of camera that sends shivers down the spines of pro videographers and serious amateurs with modest budgets. If you relish the rare pieces of gear that are both affordable and designed for professional use, you're probably already familiar with this MiniDV model's predecessor, the AG-DVX100. That version made news by being the only 24P camera available for less than $25,000, and its successor competes with only one other 24p model in the current prosumer market, Canon's XL2. While the DVX100A makes only modest improvements over its predecessor, they're very well thought out, and they demonstrate that Panasonic is listening to what its serious customers want.

The DVX100A's external controls are almost identical to those found on cameras that cost 10 times as much. Discrete and logically positioned buttons, switches, and wheels control the iris, shutter speed, white balance, two built-in neutral-density filters, gain, zoom, focus, the left and right audio levels, the audio monitor level, phantom power, image stabilization, zebra stripes, frame rate, and other functions. You can adjust each of them quickly and directly, without having to waste time exploring menus or fiddling with automated features.

The Panasonic AG-DVX100A retains the progressive-video modes and the audio and image controls that made its predecessor so revolutionary. Two types of 24P capture are available, along with 30P and standard 60i. We won't get too technical about 24P video here. Just know that it goes a long way toward making digital productions look cinematic as opposed to soap operatic. The 24P setting also results in superior transfer to film. These issues are particularly important if you're shooting narrative projects in DV, and the only other cameras offering this functionality cost at least $25,000.

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