Two SONYs...the DSR-250 & the PD-150. Great low light, they're affordable and they're not delicate. The PD-150 goes up front for the angle shot and since it's small it's unobtrusive.
Both have the same lense diameter and therefore use the same lens filters, etc. Both have the same basic features so they are easy to learn and use.
Suggest you use same beand for both cams as the images and coloring need to be as similar as possible...saves time in the edit bay.

pd-150's great low light, unbelievable battery life.

VX2000 & VX2100 (the 2000's replacement). Highly recommended.

Canon XL-1 (x3)

Worked with XL-1s, GL-1s, Panasonic DVX100's, DVC-80's...and finally settled with Sony.

Sony PD-170 and a Sony VX2100. Unsurpassed low-light quality (for receptions/dark churches) and beautiful neutral color response. Plus ONE NP-960 battery will last all day from Bridal Prep to the very end of the Reception when the "time to get out" lights come on.

So..two inudstry leading aspects....1lux lowlight performance, and unsurpassed battery endurance. Plus it's got a decent zoom (12x) and the PD170 even comes with a complimentary wide-angle lense adapter.

There's a reason why the Sony's are considered the normal Wedding Videographer work horses.

I use the sony vx-2000 and like other have said, great color and low light usage. I would highly recommend these cameras, plus they are small, no need for bright lights and people don't freak out seeing you holding one, because they are pretty small:)

Panasonic DVX-100 x 2. great cams, have only done weddings in 60i so far; nothing in 24p/30p

For users of XL1 - XL2 and PD-150/170/vx2000....which do you find better for handheld use. I would think the shoulder supported cameras would be better. What is your experience?

I'm trying to decide between xl2 and pd170...pd for awesome image and low light....xl for great mobility and native 16:9

I'm considering the Canon GL2 cameras based on a lot of good feedback I've read on them being used in wedding videos, and price. It's interesting that's no one's said they were using them yet. Is there a reason for this?

I use the gl2 but it hates low light. Considering the sony.

Jimmy

I had an xl-1, not so good in low light. If wedding was to be my thing I would go w/ sony vx2100 or pd170, for low light and ease of use. Or FX1/ Z1 and be ready for HDTV when distro become avaliable.

zon:

I'm not a wedding guy but I think the low light capability is one of the main reasons those folks go with the 170 etc.

I personally went with the 170 for many reasons (low light being one) but I also found that by the time I tricked out the GL2 in order to get it where I wanted it (XLR, WA lense etc), the price was pretty close to the 170 which has the XLR onboard, comes with the WA and has the low light etc etc. After the rebate it made even more sense to go with the 170.

I'm using my 170 for docu work etc but can see why the wedding folks like it.

KB

Thanks for the feedback. I was just running the numbers, and the 170 looks like the better deal, especially if you factor in the lower light capabilities.

How is the shotgun mic that comes with the 170? Is that comparable to say the $150 Azden's I've been reading about, or will it need to be replaced?