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SONY DCR-VX-2100 Video Review

Review of my Sony VX-2100 Camera which I had up for sale on ebay. Camera has since been sold but I will leave the review up for the benefit of ...

What's a better camera to film skateboarding with, the DCR-VX2100 or the HDR-FX1?

Jun 18, 2008 by ridewestside | Posted in Camcorders

I'm debating on which one to get. I can get either one of them for the same price too.

If you can get both for the same price, why not film in high definition with the HDR-FX1?

Let's look at it in a more important way ...
- The skateboarding culture has gear, clothing, environments, and personal appearances that are filled with lots and lots of wild intensive graphics, color, and personality. Yes, you can film people on a skateboard just fine with the VX2100 and play it back on a normal 20" standard definition tv that we all grew up with. It would work just fine, but you would not be able to recreate what makes skateboarders unique. It would be a bit of an injustice.
- Now imagine what it would be like to be able to record that same action in detail and play it on a 50" digital HD television or send it through a projector in a larger than life display. Not only could you show your boarders in actual life-size height, but you can also show all the jewelry, street art, and expressions of your favorite boarder as he sticks that landing or realizes he is in for a hard fall. Isn't that the real reason you want to film skateboarding?

Regardless of which camcorder you choose, be sure to get a shotgun microphone http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH4OEQ?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FH4OEQ , wireless microphones http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006HO3R?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006HO3R , and rechargeable batteries for the mic system http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ALYPPY?ie=UTF8&tag=motionpicturecentral-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001ALYPPY - you're gonna need them

visit http://motionpicturecentral.com/forums/filmmaking-equipment/camcorders for more camcorder advice

Is Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 a good camcorder for my needs?

Jan 25, 2008 by C.C | Posted in Camcorders

It's a gift for an amateur film maker who wants to make his own movies. I know it's not top of line but that's about what I could afford.

sony is overpriced and quality is not superior, try panasonic

sony dcr-vx2100 phantom power?

Dec 01, 2008 by wozas | Posted in Camcorders

this will probably be a dumb question but. I have a Sony dcr-vx2100 and im looking at buying an xlr adapter, shotgun mic, and boom pole and I dont know if the vx2100 has phantom power.
does the vx2100 have phantom power?
any help is much appreciated

The VX2100 does not provide phantom power.

But the XLR adapter you get might. The BeachTek DXA-6, DXA-6HD and juicedLink CX-231 are suggested and all can provide phantom power to mics that can use it.

What is your budget for the mic set up? bhphotovideo has a good Sennheiser "kit" (shotgun mic, boom pole, universal shock mount, Rykote softie) for about $800... You will want an additional XLR mic cable...

is there anything I need to know about the Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 before bying it?

Apr 28, 2008 by big12aggie87 | Posted in Camcorders

I have a VX2100 and am completely satisfied. However, keep in mind that it is technically a consumer camera (Sony even lists it so). This doesn't mean its not good; on the contrary it is excellent, and a top seller. It is a low light wonder and the picture is outstanding. Here are a few of its quirks that I found annoying:

1) Gain and Aperture share a dial. When you are turning up the aperture, and when the iris is completely open, the gain starts to go up. I would like it better if they had separate dials
2) I would also appreciate more increments of aperture. Its range is from F2 to F11; I would like more!

3) the manual controls are electronic, as opposed to mechanical, meaning, you are not really manually controlling anything. This really isn't something to worry about, I do not know of any camcorder within a reasonable price range that has this. The Canon XL-H1 and JVC GY-HD200U supposedly have it, but it is not truly mechanical
Here are some features I think would make the VX2100 better. Some are worth considering in other cameras.

1) NO XLR JACKS!!! The XLR input is the mic input used on all pro cameras, therefore the VX cannot use pro mics. It does have a mini-stereo jack though. The VX2100 upgrade the PD170 has XLR inputs, however, apart from that, they are pretty much the same exact camera. I have found that I am not missing the XLR jacks, I am fine with the mini-stereo mics (the RODE VideoMic shotgun for $150 is a mini-stereo mic and is excellent). Of course, you could always upgrade to XLR inputs later on with the Beachtek DXA-4 adapter for $180, but I hear they break easily.

2) HD. Of course, HD would of been nice, but it costs much more, and the VX2100 still has excellent picture. The cheapest pro HD camcorder is the Canon XH-A1 and that goes for $3,300.

3) 24p. 24 Progressive Scan is a feature that simulates the ideal look of film on digital. This is ideal for indie filmmakers, looking for the filmish look without the extra costs. Some camcorders with 24p are the Panasonic AG-DVX100B, and the Canon XL2

4) Interchangeable lenses. Not many cameras have them, but it would be nice to have that capability on the VX. It would allow more flexibility in zoom capabilities as well as manipulating depth of field. the Canon XL2 as well as the Canon XL-H1 as well as the JVC GY-HD110U/ GY-HD200U have it

5) A larger CCD chip. This is if you want to be really picky. Most camcorders have a 1/3" CCD chip like the VX2100. However, the larger chips such as the 1/2" and 2/3" chips are much better in manipulating depth of field. However, you can only find this on the expensive shoulder-mounted cameras or the Sony PMW-EX1 ($6,000).

In conclusion, I believe the Sony DCR-VX2100 is the perfect camera for the beginning professional; it is very easy to use! The VX2100 is also well suited for news gathering work, as well as for videography businesses such as wedding videography. It may be a bit overqualified, and bulky for the family vacation or home movie projects, in which, I would recommmend a cheaper consumer HDV camcorder. In addition, I do NOT recommend this for independant filmmakers due to the lack of a 24p mode and XLR inputs. Camcorders better suited for this purpose are the Canon XL2 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100B.

Don't let this discourage you from the VX2100. I am totally happy with it!!! It produces excellent picture, despite being standard def, and if you ask anyone else, they'll rave about its low light performance. Its a tough little camera (compared to the GL2 at least), and I can't get enough of the built-in lens cap. Keep in mind that there are many other upsides to this camera, that I did not discuss. Other camcorders, I recommend you to look at are the Sony PD170, Canon XL2 and the Panasonic DVX100B. All are just a little bit more expensive.

Hope this helps... I will update it if I think of anything else. GOOD LUCK!

Which one is better camera, the Sony DCR-VX2100 or the Cannon GL-2 Mini DV.?

Feb 14, 2006 by Rider | Posted in Camcorders

Sony DCR-VX2100 product review:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_DCR_VX2100/4505-6500_7-30567263.html

Canon GL-2 Mini DV product review:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_GL2/4505-6500_7-20224838.html

Should I get A Cannon Gl2 Or A Sony DCR-VX2100?

Dec 02, 2007 by los ANGELES | Posted in Camcorders

Im getting a new camera and don't know either I should get the gl or the vx....

Is the Sony DCR-VX2100 a good camera??

Aug 13, 2008 by Anne | Posted in Camcorders

Is it a good camera to film weddings?? Does is shoot HD??

No. The VX2100 is a standard definition camera. However, that does not mean it is not a good camera.

I have a VX2100, and have not yet upgraded to HD. Overall, I like it very much. It produces excellent interlaced video, making it a good choice for businness of wedding videographers. However, it's not the best camera for short films, indie films, documentaries, or any theatrical work for the following reasons:

-It does not shoot in true progressive scan. It is good in interlaced mode, but it's progressive mode isn't 30p, but rather 15p. It's pretty blurry and almost unuseable. Put simply, Progressive scan helps digital video look like professional film
-It does not have 24p. 24p makes digital look more expensive, like it was shot on film
-No XLR terminals...only 1/8" mini-stereo. XLR mics are industry standards for professionals. Better quality. XLR connectors is a must for filmmakers, and news broadcasters. You can find decent mini-stereo mics, so you'll have to decide if you need XLRs.

Here are some recommendations:

If you plan on shooting only nontheatrical work (weddings, coporate videos, blah blah blah):

standard definition:
Sony PD170

HD:
Canon XH-A1
Sony Z1U

If you are interested in exploring videography outside the world of nontheatrical work (short films, indie films, etc):
Standard def:
Panasonic DVX100B
Canon XL2

HD:
Red Scarlet
Sony EX1
Panasonic HVX200
JVC GY-HD110U or HD200U or HD250
Sony V1U

The VX2100 is probably fine. It's about as good as interlaced SD cameras get.

Hope that helps.

Whats a good wireless mic system for receiving audio when filming weddings. I have 2 sony dcr-vx2100 cameras.?

Feb 09, 2008 by Phil P | Posted in Camcorders

I am relatively new to videography and trying to get more serious into the business. I see that there are a ton of options for lavalier mic systems but I want something that is good quality and will last. I don't want to spend $100 on something and not be happy with the product. I also need to know if I can somehow have multiple mics on people that can be picked up by one receiver. Thanks a lot.

If you need to be portable,
http://www.amazon.com/Camcorder-Wireless-Body-pack-System-Lavaliere/dp/B0002EXLIW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1202603880&sr=8-1
The base station is battery powered, so you can mount it to the camcorder or your belt. This sennheiser also uses 1/8" jacks, so you don't need an XLR adapter (like a BeachTek)

If you are staying in pne place, the a base station that uses AC power is fine... Shure makes good ones. VHF is best. UHF is next best. Get diversity receivers. http://shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WirelessMicrophones/us_pro_pg14-pg185

There are not too many multiple Lav, single base station systems that are any good. There are a couple of Lav + handheld mis systems that are passable. Shure and Audio Technica make some - I cannot recommend Nady or Samson. Do not get anything in the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz frequency range - those are "shared" frequncies and you will be asking for radio interference.

how to record dv in on vx2100?

Aug 17, 2006 by JOHN L | Posted in Camcorders

i am trying to print edited video back to dv tape using the dv in command on my sony dcr-vx2100, question is how?

See pages 81, 91, and 147 or your owner's manual about making DV input recordings on the VX2100. Make sure that the Input Selector is set to "DV" and the VCR menu is set to "ETC> Edit Set> Control> i.LINK". Most editing software will remotely control the function buttons of the camcorder while you have the i.LINK (IEE1394, Firewire) cable connected between the camcorder and computer.

See the link for an owner's manual.

WK

What is the best camcorder buy for good amateur documentary?

Jan 08, 2007 by Rodrigo N | Posted in Camcorders

If I buy the AG-DVC30 with the equipament, it will go almost $3000.

If I buy the DVX100b, with the same equipament (subtract the XLR adapter) it will cost $4500 with shipping.

The Sony DSR-PD170 with all equipaments (less the XLR adapter) goes $3900

All the equipament with the JVC GR-HD1, goes 2700, but somesay this camera sucks.

The sony DCR-VX2100, goes $3500 with all too.

The GL2 goes with all equipament almost $3300.


The acessories is UV filter, NTG-2 mic, XlR adapter if needs it, good XLR cable, extra better battery, cleaning cassete.

You know the better option?

Like I said, go with the GL2 or DVX100b (or actually the dvx100a or dvx100's are cheaper, but the B revision is newer, and overall better). And dont go with any internal HD cams (like the above mentioned JVC cam). Unless they are HDV mpeg-2 compression (which i doubt), theres a new type of technology called avchd which allows HD recording on DVD cams and HDD cams, but from what I've heard, they suck (compared to HDV), so stick with that. Hope this helps!