Sony DCR-VX2000

I bought my VX2000 in October 01' after months of HARD research. I wanted a very solid cam that was the perfect mix of performance and price. The VX2000 pumps out an insane amount of bang for your buck.

I got mine from B&H for $2400. If I had the extra money to burn, I would have gotten a PD150, but I couldn't spend that much. I highly reccomend this cam. I checked reviews on countless sites, and the VX always ranked very high. To get best audio results you will need to buy a Beachtek XLR adapter ($160).

The only negatives I have ever heard about this cam is that the case is not magnesium like the VX1000, the audio chip may have some small problems (causing low hissing?), and some say the silver makes it look cheesy. I have not experienced any problems with mine thus far, and don't mind the other aesthetic issues (if they are issues anyway).

It is a powerful camera that is perfect for someone without a huge budget. You may want to examine the smaller 3 chip miniDV cams Sony makes. They are around $2,000, and may be all you need. I still say the VX2000 is your best bet though. Insane quality, manual controls, good size. Have fun shooting and good luck=)

I suggest you buy from B&H if you buy online. Not the cheapest listed, but you can sleep easy knowing you will get what you paid for.

http://www.bhphoto.com
This is a fantastic place to order pro video stuff from. They are not the cheapest around (they still have low prices though), but you can sleep easy knowing you will get the brand new stuff you ordered. Many online vendors are scam artists and will try send you used or wrong gear for a restock fee profit. B&H is top notch and very honest.


Here's the direct uri

http://www03.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___136397___BEDXA4___REG___CatID=2152___SID=ECEDCC80F20

If you plan to use condenser mics you may need to get the phantom power version of the Beachtek adapter. It is around $259 I think and can be found in the same section of the site as the normal XLR adapter.

As for mounting the mics, I believe it all depends on what type of mic you will be using. I will let someone more experienced with a variety of mics handle that one...

Good luck,

R

I purchased my vx2k from B&H and the one I recieved brand new in a factory box had a bad microphone. I called Sony support and got nowhere with them.
I phoned B&H and they gave me a return authorization number and I sent it back. Recieved a replacement 4 or 5 days later. Top notch service!!
I use the Studio One and really like it. They claim their unit is sheilded better than most to allieviate hum.

In that price range, the VX-2000 is a fine instrument. However, the onboard mic is very limited and you would be wise to buy a Studio One or Beachtek XLR adapter so you can add higher quality mics. You might also take a look at the GL-1 by Canon---cheaper then the VX-2000 it too is a fine instrument that needs the XLR adapter.