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The Sony DCR-VX2100, a upgrade of the DCR-VX2000?
Date of Review: Apr 5, 2004
The Bottom Line: The Sony VX-2100 is a camera which breathtaking video quality and unsurpassed capability is ideal for a professional videographer or an individual who desires for nothing but the best.
The Sony DCR-VX2100, is simply an upgrade from its once popular 2nd generation Sony DCR-VX2000. The Sony DCR-VX2000 was introduced in summer of 2000, and was a dramatic improvement from the 1st generation Sony DCR-VX1000. Sony improved the VX-2000 with professional looks, video quality, ease of shooting, low light capability, and a host of new features. Four years later, Sony sought to further improve it again with the DCR-VX2100. If you were expecting a Sony HD Camcorder compared to the likes of the JVC HD camcorder, this is not the one for you!
Is the Sony DCR-VX2100 worth the $3,000.00 in comparison to its competitors and its 2nd generation brother that is now discontinued and therefore discounted?
I have a VX-2000 and recently purchased the VX-2100 (4/04/04)from a good guys outlet, having intentions to use it for business & professional productions.
Out of the Box:
Once I opened the box, I was marveled to see the new camcorder with an entirely new body color, compared to the silver color used in the VX-2000. The Camcorder seemed like it was the same weight with the VX-2000. Quite heavy when used for long periods. (Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz (1.5kg)Dimensions were the same and Sony durability was definitely there in the VX-2100.
Accessories:
Expect little from Sony and other manufacturers as they want you to buy the accessories. Like the VX-2000, the VX-2100 has the same battery (InfoLITHIUM L). Sony says you can get 16hrs of battery life, but that is with a OPTIONAL battery (NP-F960). Therefore, the camera comes with these basic accessories...
AC Power/ On Camera Charger (AC-L15)
-This charger is not a rapid charger
Battery Pack (NP-F330)
-This battery lasts about 45 min
Remote Control (RMT-811)
2 AA Batteries
4MB Memory Stick Media
-unsubstantial media for a camera worth $3000
Audio/Video Cable
Lens Hood
-Built in lens cover
Shoulder Strap
...Basically these are the same accessories as the DCR-VX2000...
Now to the camera details...
Imaging Device:
The 3-1/3" 380K Pixel Advanced HAD CCD gives viewers a professional camera quality of video that is unsurpassed. The warm colors achieve beautiful video anywhere, especially used in automatic mode.
Low Light Capability:
The Sony VX-2100 improved from 2 Lux of the VX-2000 to 1 Lux...in comparison of the two cameras, the difference is not noticeable.
Still Images:
340K Pixels...simply meager for a camcorder of this quality. If you want to take digital pictures buy a stand alone decent digital camera, anywhere from 2 to 5 megapixels. This will get you clear and vivid 5X7 and 8X10 pictures. The VX-2100 simply cannot do the job as a digital camera as this camera is actually a camcorder and should be dedicated for that operation.
OPTICS:
Sony uses the same optical zoom and filter/lens diameter found in its 2nd generation VX-2000
Filter Diameter: 58mm
Optical Zoom: 12X
Digital Zoom: 48X
Shutter Speed: 1/4 - 1/10,000 (Manually Adjustable)
Focusing: Full Range Auto/Manual Ring
White Balance: Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, Hold
Exposure: Manual Dial (19 Steps)
The only update in controlling optics is the 2nd zoom and record capability located on the handle. This proves quite helpful in shooting at different angles and positions.
LCD/VIEWFINDER:
The VX-2100 uses the same viewfiender as the VX-2000 and LCD screen except it is now easier to see in brighter conditions where light is intense...
Viewfinder: Precision Color (180K)
LCD: 2.5" (211K) Precision Hybrid Color
HOOKUPS
The VX-2100 has the same connections with the VX-2000. THe accessory shoe is the same, so as the video input, audio input, and i.Link DV Firewire interference.
Accessory Shoe: (Intelligent)
Video Input/Output: (Phone Jack and S-Video)
Audio Input/Output: (Stereo, Special)
i.LINK? DV Interface (IEEE1394
Unfortunately, Sony did not put a USB terminal.
MICROPHONE
Sony did not change the microphone except for decible pickup. Although this change is minimal, the microphone is the same with the VX-2000. It is still OMNIDIRECTIONAL. I would buy a sennheiser microphone to go along with this sony unit to pick up much better audio.
TO SUM IT UP...
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VX2000 AND THE VX2100
Sony VX-2100 improvements
Low Light capability reduced from 2 Lux to 1 Lux
Zoom and Record functions on handle
Built in Lens Cover
Color Change...From silver to gray
That is about it...other than that, the Sony VX-2100 is an excellent camera that should last consumers many years in high video quality and durability, but is strikingly similar in features and where almost all the key features of the VX-2100 are derived.
FINAL THOUGHT
If you have the money and see that these upgrades are at upmost necessary, then buy the VX-2100. This camera is "VERY SATISFACTORY" in its video quality. Otherwise, if you don't have the money or trying to spend as little as possible with achieving pro results, I recommend buying the VX-2000, as it is now discontinued at stores, but is available for purchase online and on ebay.com for a larger discounted price than the VX-2100 and you cant go wrong with that camera also!
