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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
XL1 vs DSR pd150 quandry

X-Kyle_Swim
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Feb 4, 2001, 2:07 AM

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XL1 vs DSR pd150 quandry	Can't Post

I live and die with my sony cd1000 digital camera. However, have decided to venture into videography. I have spent countless hours reviewing both camcorders. I'm not sure which one is best overall for a serious wannabe event guy. Any advice would be most appreciated. Kyle

X-Don
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Feb 4, 2001, 8:50 AM

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Re: XL1 vs DSR pd150 quandry	Can't Post

: I live and die with my sony cd1000 digital camera. However, have decided to venture into videography. I have spent countless hours reviewing both camcorders. I'm not sure which one is best overall for a serious wannabe event guy.
Both can do a great job. It tends to be a matter of personal preference. If sound control, a platform for accessories, a impressive look, and lens selection are important, it is the XL1. If the last dB of low light gain, DVCAM format, or small size is more important then the PD150. The PD150 is 2.5 years newer, an update to the XL1 is due out later this year.
Folks here tend to prefer the XL1. You might want to get involved with WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers Assocaition), read what their membrs hav to say.

X-Nathan
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Feb 4, 2001, 1:45 PM

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Re: XL1 vs DSR pd150 quandry [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think if you are comparing to something like the DSR250 most would say that is the way to go.
The XL-1 and PD150 are both great cams. The biggest ding against both of these are their fly-by-wire stock lenses. A number of people complain about focusing problems with the XL-1 lens, but its hard to judge if most of these complaints are because there are a lot of XL-1 users out there. I haven't had the level of focusing problems that some people have complained about with the XL-1.
If you have your choice, you may want to look at getting a XL-1 if an aftermarket lens. A number of companies make manual lenses for the XL-1 and some vendors offer packages with these (try http://www.zotzdigital.com).
Later this year it is expected that Canon will roll out the new XL-2 that may overcome some of these complaints.
As far as I am concerned...I still like my XL-1.
Nathan Gifford

X-David_Israel
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Feb 4, 2001, 10:58 PM

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Re: XL1 vs DSR pd150 quandry [In reply to]	Can't Post

Kyle, I use the Canon GL1 and might have a bit of a Canon bias. But for a "serious event guy," mention might also be made of the Sony DSR-250, which runs DV and DVCAM (in the larger cassettes, not just miniDV) -- so you can have a couple hours at one go, not just 62 minutes maximum as with the XL1 and PD150. Just a thought. d.i.