Canon XL2 vs. Panasonic DVX100: Which Camera to Buy?

[seanoop]

I'm looking into finally getting myself a decent camera for independent work (the tiny one I have just isn't getting it done), and I've narrowed the decision to either the Canon XL-2 or the Panasonic DVX-100. From what people have been telling me, both are one of the premiere choices for your first decent camera, and they have decent price points as well. I have about $2,000 to spend, and though the DVX-100 is cheaper, I just wanted to know what the opinions are of people who have actually used them.

 

[Traceless Nik]

I use DVX100 and I love it.

Just having it repaired at the moment though. Had a major breakdown but it is four years old. Not heard much about the Canon though.

 

[DBXMe2]

DVX!!! all the way

 

[StayNuts]

Very easy... the DVX!!!
Hell of a camera and gives you a lot of serious cinema possibilities...
I have one and use it as second static camera... or sometimes when I am just lazy and don't want to bring my HPX with me... then the DVX will do the job...

 

[MarkG]

To be honest, you can't really go wrong with either of them. Personally I prefer the look of the DVX footage, but you lose some features of the XL2 like the interchangeable lenses and the true 16:9 shooting (I may be wrong, but I believe the XL2 has that and the DVX100 doesn't?).

So I'd look at which features you want and pick on that basis... if you want a good semi-pro DV camera you're unlikely to regret buying either of them so long as it does all the things you need it to do.