Sony VX-2100 ($2400 new)

[vismaster]

Pro:
Tough camera, good placement of controls, great in low-light conditions (1-Lux).  

Con:
A bit over-saturated, but clients love it.  It's heavier than the GL-2 though and working this on a Glidecam can wear your arms out in a hurry.  No XLR connections. Audio vue meter is for both L & R channels combined, so you can't see what each individual channel is doing.  No separate gain/iris control.

[Forever Endeavor]

I have decided to go ahead and get a couple of these bad boys in the next couple weeks. Yay! I'll report when I do!

Visimaster's post pretty much says it all...pro and con. I love the cam. Have not regretted buying it even once. The only reason I wouldn't buy it again is if I was buying a Sony PD170 or going HD.

[HankCastello]

A Beachtek overcomes the XLR issue.  One thing that nobody has mentioned yet is that these will get 90 minutes out of a mini DV tape at full quality in LP mode.  The PD170 won't do that.

This is important if you're trying to run multiple cameras at a live event.  You need to keep your eye on the action, not on your watch.  Since I usually try to find a break in the action within twenty minutes of running out of tape, this extends the taping time from forty to seventy minutes.  That is an important issue for me when I'm running five cameras!

[osbornes5]

This camera is awesome for SD. Unless you are going to go HD you absolutely cannot go wrong with this guy. It is simple and straightforward enough that a beginner can pick it up quick and advanced enough to give SUPERIOR results. Good clean, crisp picture. Its low-light capability is not surpassed by any camera in this range or way above it making it the premiere wedding cam (IMHO). The only cam to match it is its big brother, the Sony PD-170. Best place to buy it is B&H (bhphotovideo.com). Notice I didn't say the cheapest...just the best. Ignore that advice at your own peril. 

[Cole]

A few questions for those of you using the Vx 2100.

Do you recommend using the Wide Angle Adapter and/or a filter?

If so, what brands give you a suitable image?

Does the included hood still fit with any of these extras?

Thanks,
Cole

[osbornes5]

I rarely use the wide angle adapter only because I rarely need it. I have only used the Sony wide angle adapter that came with my 170 but I have no complaints. Some swear by the Raynox but I have no personal knowledge. The Sony comes with a different lens hood. Some of the others basically work without the hood.