Replying to My thoughts on my DVX100b vs VX2100

I just picked up a used Panasonic DVX100b with about 100 hours on it.  I am coming off a Sony PD170 (professional version of a VX2100), so I know what a high level camera is like.  I loved the Sony but coming from a still photography background, and shooting both film and digital, I couldnt deal with not having control over what the "filmstock" looked like.  Plus 30 and 24p were attractive to me, which the Sony didnt do..So I got the DVX.  After playing with it for about 2 weeks, here is what I think.

Compared to the Sony, the actual camera feels like a toy.  Lots of plastic and nothing seems very over built.  It just plain feels extremely light.  The Sony had a full weather sealed chassis and mostly metal exterior.  It could take a beating, while the Panasonic feels kind of chintzy.

Footage wise?  The ability to shoot progressive is awesome.  The ability to shoot anamorphic 16:9 is awesome.  The tons of settings and scene files rock.  For getting digital footage that looks like film, this camera is the balls.

But after running through post, both images look pretty good.  I was lucky to pay for the DVX what I sold the PD170 for.  Had I paid more for the DVX, I dont know if it would have been worth the upgrade.

Bottom line, yes, I am happy with the DVX.  But it wasn't the "end all be all" of DV that I have heard it was, and If you have a VX2100 already, be happy with it.

DVX test footage:
[vimeo]4434377[/vimeo]

Sony PD170 Footage:
[vimeo]3583106[/vimeo]