Posted by Spex on 08/01/07 22:39

samkds@gmail.com wrote:
> On a recent thread, someone disparaged the panasonic HVX200 as shitty
> in low light. I've got the dvx100 (pre A and P) and it isn't so great
> in low light either and I'm getting ready to buy a new camera in the
> coming months. What's the deal? Are some of the manufacturers better
> than others? Are any models particularly good? (I'm not really
> interested in the sony green tinted infrared modes).
>
> Thanks yall.
>

Sony Z1 is the best HD(V) camera in low light. You can ride the gain to
very high levels without noise totally destroying the image.
The Canon XL-H1, XH-A1/G1 come second but have a superior HDV codec to
Sony and produces a much nicer image IMHO.
Then come the JVC HDV thingy.
The Sony V1 and Panasonic HVX200 are the most challenged in low light.

There are more important factors to look at when buying a camera than
low light performance as you can and should use additional lighting
where necessary unless you absolutely cannot for practical reasons.

Don't expect to have the same performance as the PD170 & DVX100 when you
get an HD camera unless you spend a shit load more than $7k. There is a
Sony camera in the works that has either a 1/2" or 2/3" sensor that
should give much better LL performance than the 1/3" cameras that are
around now. Nov/Oct should be the shipping time.

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