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Cutting-edge camcorders
Aimee Baldridge
Aimee Baldridge,
senior editor

Serious videographers have some tough choices to make these days. Desirable features such as high-def capture, interchangeable lenses, and 24p shooting have filtered down to the prosumer camcorder price range--but not in the same camera. Whoever comes along with a camera offering all three of those high-end options at a price less than $4,000 can expect to be served the prosumer camcorder market on a platter with caviar on top. Until that happens, however, you'll have to take a long, hard look at these cutting-edge camcorders before you make your selection.

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Product name XL2 Camcorder
XL2 Camcorder
Panasonic AG-DVX100A
Panasonic AG-DVX100A  
Sony HDR-FX1
Sony HDR-FX1




Review date April 18, 2005 March 22, 2004 May 2, 2005




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Review summary Canon returns to the state of the art in DV but doesn't set a new standard. If you're looking for a MiniDV camera for pro-level videography with a film-like look, this 24P model is a top contender. Though it lacks some audio flexibility and isn't recommended for 24fps shooting, the HDR-FX1 provides advanced consumers with professional-level video controls and entry-level pros with an affordable starting camcorder.




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Basic Specs
Video input type Camcorder  
Camcorder  
Camcorder  




Optical zoom 20 x 
10 x 
12 x 




Effective sensor resolution Info unavailable 
Info unavailable 
921600 pixels 




Optical sensor size 1/3"  
1/3"  
1/3"  




Optical sensor type 3CCD  
3CCD  
Super HAD 3CCD  




Min illumination 5.5 lux 
3 lux 
3 lux 




Image stabilizer Optical  
Optical  
Optical (Super Steady Shot)  




Flash type None  
None  
No  




Lens aperture F/1.6-3.5  
F/1.6  
F/1.6-2.8  




Manual focus Automatic , Manual  
Automatic , Manual  
Automatic , Manual  




Media type Mini DV  
Mini DV  
Mini DV (HDV)  




Wireless connectivity Info unavailable 
Info unavailable 
Yes (IrDA)  




Battery included qty 1  
1  
1  




Battery technology Lithium ion  
Lithium ion  
Lithium ion  




Weight 7.7 lbs 
3.7 lbs 
4.4 lbs 




 
 
 
 
Product name XL2 Camcorder Panasonic AG-DVX100A   Sony HDR-FX1




Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications




Price range   Check latest prices
$2849-$3575
from 5 stores
 
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  Check latest prices
$4898
from 1 store