I have very difficult approach to both these cameras. I want to purchase, but I also don't want to rush things. Which Camera is better for 24fps "FILM LOOK" ?

Probably the XL2 with a 35mm lens.

its really hard to tell at this point since the XL2 is so new. i Have seen only a small amount of footage from that camera, however the DVX has proven itself. I just bought a dvx less then a week again. Why a dvx over the Xl2? well first off money, even know the xl2 has a few upgrades over the DVX, i didnt think those upgrades were worth the 1500. Second i needed a camera that was compact and one that i could throw in my camera back bag and take around the city with me. ALso i needed a camera somewhat quickly becasue i am shooting a feature documanty which will start production in a few weeks. However i'm sure the XL2 with a 35mm will give you the most "film look" but dont be fooled by that becasue setting up a XL2 with a decent 35mm lenses is goign to cost another grand or two. So far i have been really happy with my DVX. Check out www.dvxuser.com for a lot of useful info on both cameras.

in terms of color, oddly enough, the DVX's cinegamme settings and color reproduction seem a bit superior to the XL2.

raw widescreen image quality LEANS towards the XL2, thanks to its native 16:9 vs. the cropping on the DVX. but keep in mind i said LEANS. oddly enough, it's NOT THAT MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE. not worth any amount of money. if you stick an anamorphic lens on the DVX, it's better.

what IS amount of money is the switchable lenses. right out of the box, the XL2 has an automatic 20x lens. you'd be better off buying the XL2 body only and then buying the manual lens from the XL1 elsewhere. you'll save money that way and have a manual lens instead of an automatic servo lens.

obviously, if you have the money, the XL2 is much more expandable than the DVX. but right out of the box, they are about the same. so because of the price difference i have to say that the DVX is a much better deal right out of the box.

i'm telling you, the quality difference is so miniscule, it doesn't even matter. nobody cares what camera you use, they just care about your movie. and the two cameras will provide about the same featureset and quality right out of the box, so unless you have thousands of dollars to spend on extra lenses, i'd just go the route of the DVX.

Uhhh, setting up the XL2 with a decent 35mm lens is going to cost a lot more than a "grand or two" if we're talking buying.

The mini35 adapter is around 6 or 7 grand. And then there's the cost of the lens itself- be prepared for a few more zeros.

The EOS adapter is not really an option due to the 7.2x magnification of any lens you put on.

If you meant renting will cost a grand or two, then you're on to something. An XL2 package with mini35 adapter and a set of super-speed primes and accessories will probably run in the $750-$1000/day range, depending on the package.

I am currently on a shoot with the xl2, and have to say it's pretty cool- although if you are looking for just a shooting camera then save your money and get a DVX100A. Rent the XL2 and its glorious universe of accessories when you really need them.

yes, of course going the 35mm lens route would cost you much more than a grand or two - yet another reason to not buy the XL2 unless you have that kind of cash. however, i was referring to the interchangable lenses, not a mini35 rig, but rather going to Canon prime and such. there's a lot of options besides just going 35. some extra canon lenses can be bought for... a grand or two. of course, they won't be much better than just using what you have.

yeah, i just personally think the XL2 is only good if you have the money to utilize its features. otherwise you've just thrown away $1500. i think the standard lens on the XL2 isnt the best either - it isnt prime, and its servo.

but Eric01 is damn right - utilizing 35mm lenses will cost you an arm and a leg. it is my humble opinion that if you have the money for an XL2, Mini35 rig, and lenses, then you might as well just rent a Varicam or something that would completely knock the socks off your XL2 setup.

keep in mind the differences between the canon and the DVX lens. the DVX lense is arounda 32.5mm (35mm photography lens) and the XL2 is around a 50mm (i think, dont quote me). One reason i decided to go with the DVX is becasue i know i would rather have a wider lense then one with more zoom.

also when i said "a grand or two" i meant going with the EOS adapter and a canon EOS lenses, of course primes lenses are going to cost a whole lot more.

yeah I figured you meant the EOS adapter. I just thought it was important to mention that the EOS adapter, while an option, is not really a solution. I mean a 25mm lens is now 180mm? Not very effective for most shooting. So really if you want to gain the benefits of using a 35mm film lens, p+s technik is the only option that I know of. I really would like to see it on an XL2 in 16:9 mode.

as far as the XL2 goes, it's really nice. I was a skeptic about the 16:9 mode, but after using it, I gotta say it's great. I mean, by far the best widescreen solution of any DV camera thus far- it's really is native 16:9! (For some reason I still have a hard time believing it. But it's true!)

I also the liked the simplicity of the placement of the aspect ratio and frame rate toggle switches (or whatever you call them). Much more intuitive than the DVX. The same goes for the rest of the imaging controls(not much changed from earlier XL's, although I don't like the rocker switch iris control. The viewfinder/lcd is cool, but it's still nice to have that DVX lcd...

-Eric

Actually all i wanted to say was how surprised i am that I have'nt chimmed in on this topic... and continue NOT to do so... yeah, thats it. Worthless post.
R. Michael

I don't think the post is worthless. The camera just came out. Or maybe you were saying your addition is worthless. Not sure.

Go with the dvx100a, its worth it. Its definetly sexier than the xl2

haha, i think i agree with Tizzy. its a big pissing match and no cameras going to come out "the winner." just buy what you want, i just figured i'd add in my personal opinion on the cams regardless.

And your personal opinion was quite valid and appreciated. Due to the XL2's recent debut, this is a very relevant post and does not need to be put down for the sake of posting something.

If this were a PD150 vs XL1s post, I too would glaze over it. However, the camera just arrived and I think it's interesting to hear what people are saying about it.

if you want a film look, just rent a film camera.

otherwise, out of the two cameras you're considering, go with the one tha that has the best video look, or you're just going to spend the rest of your life trying to get it to look like film instead of looking like really good video.

Yes although it will be difficult to stuff the miniDV tape into the film camera.