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Home: Video University Forums: Sony DV and DVCAM Forum:
PD170 vs. VX2100

MLiebergot
Veteran

Feb 11, 2005, 8:48 AM

Post #1 of 7 (1822 views)
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PD170 vs. VX2100	Can't Post

I have a simple question to ask.
How much of a difference is there between the VX2100 and the PD170.

I know that the PD170 has built in XLR's and a slightly better low light performance from what I've heard (but aren't they both rated at 1 lux?).

I am asking because I have a chance to purchase 2 VX2100's for about $300 more than the price of one PD170.

I currently shoot with one GL1 camera and was looking to add a PD170 for my A camera footage at wedding events.
I figure that if I had 2 VX's then I would sell my GL1.
Buut I am hesitating because Sony has a good rebate on the PD170 until March, so I figure I might get the PD170 and add a VX2100 later on.

Thanks,
Michael

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

jds41979
Novice

Feb 11, 2005, 4:13 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1795 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] PD170 vs. VX2100 [In reply to]	Can't Post

As long as you are purchasing from a reputable site and not the "bait and switch" sites....I would probably take the 2 vx2100s. two angles are better than 1....you can always add xlr adapters (just look at the top of VU forums for the advertisement). and you can sell your old one and get a little bit of cash back to get a few extras.

Josh

cudex
Novice

Feb 23, 2005, 12:55 AM

Post #3 of 7 (1651 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] PD170 vs. VX2100 [In reply to]	Can't Post

older discussion on CC of interest:
http://pd170.notlong.com
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PMac G5 DC 2.3Ghz 2.5Gb FCP/DVDSP, 24" LCD, Sony DVCam

RickSp
User

Feb 23, 2005, 4:44 PM

Post #4 of 7 (1608 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] PD170 vs. VX2100 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well the PD170 just looks so much cooler.

OK that is isn't a real reason. Well, not really. (It is true nevertheless.)

I really like the XLR fittings. I hated the adapter that I had to screw on to the bottom of my old VX1000 to get XLR inputs. I believe that the PD170 has better manual controls than the VX2100 for what that is worth. I have also had at least two occassions where being able to shoot in DVCam was important (both times related to shooting with other DVCam shooters.)

For me the effective difference in price minus the rebate, the wide angle lens, and the XLR adapter makes the PD170 a better value. Of course I am not aware where one can get two VX2100s for the price of one PD170. Beware of the bottom feeders. Gray market or foreign warranty cameras are probably not worth it.

I am holding off any camera purchase until I get a better handle on the new HDV cameras.

Rick Spilman
Meridian Multimedia
www.meridianmultimedia.com

cudex
Novice

Feb 23, 2005, 10:35 PM

Post #5 of 7 (1585 views)
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Re: [RickSp] PD170 vs. VX2100 [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I am holding off any camera purchase until I get a better handle on the new HDV cameras.

I'm in the position in that I started 2-3yrs ago having 1 VX2k supplemented by several 1CCD. Long overdue for another 3CCD & great timing to toy around with FX1 (budget does not stretch to the Z1). However after spending this sort of money it seems silly to continue fiddling with XLR adaptor/relying on a single, fragile mini-jack. Also missing the other PD-series advantages and has to match existing VX2k.

Bottom line even at this stage a PD170 is the choice for me. I do worry a little about it's it being 'superceded'...mainly because they're suddenly appearing all around the place "6mths old like new" etc.
..but at the same time do not see my market migrating to HDV in masses. True 16:9 is more important...one kit I'm looking at has a Century Optics 16:9 included, is 6 mths old with balance of warranty - that sort of kit would be productive for 3-4 years I'd imagine, more than enought to pay for itself I hope.
I share your view on image...PD would give me the confidence to deal with small corp/govt jobs that I would just not feel at ease turning up to with a shiny gold VX2k + XLR box for my reasoable sound kit (Samson + Sony ECM77B, Shure, Sennheiser).
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PMac G5 DC 2.3Ghz 2.5Gb FCP/DVDSP, 24" LCD, Sony DVCam

RickSp
User

Feb 23, 2005, 11:33 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1581 views)
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Re: [cudex] PD170 vs. VX2100 [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think you are making a good choice with the PD170.

The only rule I know about buying hardware is to wait until exactly the moment you really need it and then buy what fits your needs best at that moment. The one thing that none of us can reliably predict is the future. I agree that the world is moving to HD but it isn't there yet. One of the first things I will have to do when I the time comes that I buy a HD camera is to go out and buy a TV monitor that I can view it on. And then there is the issue of which DVD burner and so on. Until I actually have someone demanding HD, I'll be happy with SD.

Rick Spilman
Meridian Multimedia
www.meridianmultimedia.com

cudex
Novice

Feb 26, 2005, 10:52 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1470 views)
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Re: [RickSp] PD170 vs. VX2100 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well I'm committed to SD for a while..I just took delivery of my PD170P joining my VX2000E. This is a lot of money for me as P/T and I hope my judgement on HD being slow to filter down is correct. NB: PAL here which I don't think is going to be as rapid as NTSC taking to HD e.g. virtually no HD broadcast ATM.

Kit is 6 mths old with extras:
Century Optics 16:9 convertor
Pelican 1500 case
Portabrace rain cover
NPF-960 batt
AC-VQ800 charger/adaptor
operation 9 x 10, drum run 6 x 10, tape run 3 x 10, threading 12 x 10 (I wonder if this is true or can counters be reset by user? Visual inspection shows clean around capstan/head tape path atleast)

I paid equivalent of USD3500...cams are expensive over here..used PD150P without the extras listed sells for ~USD2700 on ebay.
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PMac G5 DC 2.3Ghz 2.5Gb FCP/DVDSP, 24" LCD, Sony DVCam