From what I hear probably the best one for audio is the DVX 100A but I low light isn't it's strong point.
But why sweat it out over the cameras audio, have you thought about a separate audio recorder. You can get units that'll do 2 or 4 channels at 24/96 that'll blow anything a cameras audio system can do out of the water.
PD170 is OK in the audio dept but if you want something better there's some guys in Canada who'll rework the 170s audio to get rid of the noise (think use shielded cables and decent chips) and remove the AGC for good.
Seems with that combo you've got everything you're after.
But if I was you I'd be looking for something that does 16:9.
Bob.

Farss - can you provide more info on this company that will
defeat the AGC. Inside the case they use shielded cables instead of ribbon
cables? I haven't even tried to open the case to see what is inside.

As far as external recorders... I have a Tascam 2488 but not as
portable as most would call portable. Audio is fantastic.

The Canon XL2 is excellent for manual audio control! I don't think it can be beat in that regard.

I would recommend the Sony VX2100. It is even better in low light than my VX2000 which I love and built just as well. It has three 1/3 CCDs and has improved audio over the VX2000. I use it with a mixer via the Line input. XLR inputs would be nice, but I don't think the PD170 is worth the extra cost any more than I thought the PD150 was worth the extra cost over the VX2000.

Here are some reviews:

Camcorder Info

CNet

Sony-Digital-Camcorders.com

SimplyDV.UK

ZDNet

Epinions

John

I have a VX2000 package for sale for a pretty good price if you happen to settle on that model. I didn't think the pro audio features of its professional sibling justied the price increase either. XLR to minijack mixors/adaptors are reasonably priced. If 24p is important, you probably want the Panny 100a or the Cannon XL2. The Cannon is widescreen and 24p. Its audio is supposed to be very good. Most Sonys have excellent low light performance. I upgraded to the Sony FX1. Others don't feel its audio is its strong suit but the video in HDV mode on an HDTV is simply unbeatable for any new camera anywhere near its price. Its a great DV camera as well.
Good luck,
Greg

Sorry I don't have the details, I think I heard about them from DSE.
Problem with the 170 is the ribbon cable that runs from the mic/lin input module runs past the head motor electronics and hence picks up a lot of noise. Also the preamp ICs aren't the best. It would seem that the guys replace the ribbon with real shielded wire and change the preamp chips, maybe they do the ADC chips as well.
Anyone that thinks the PD 170 / VX /2100 is OK in the audio dept has never tried them in manual gain, even switched to 'line' the noise level is really bad as soon as you dial in a bit of gain. The odd thing is, the noise performance seems better with the AGC on but thats got it's own problems.
Bob.

I'd be getting one of those Sony HDVs becasue they apparently can laso record DVCAM. Had a chance to use one a bit at a recent trade show in Edmonton and, while it is too flimsy for our work, it would be a great camcorder for people who don't shoot in extreme cold or high humidity or in clouds of dust on construction sites. Myslef, I'm not buying any more camcorders until the XDCAM HD/DV comes outlater this year or early next year.

One of the main reasons I picked the Sennheiser ME 66 was because of it's hot output. A hot mic minimizes this noise problem.

I have a pd-150 for sale here in Toronto, It has been used for abot 10 hours.
NOT A SCRATCH ON IT!

$3000 (CAN)

email me at amorias@sympatico.ca