Sony VX2100 & Professional Model PD170

[@jeancaceres7670]

I was looking for information about these types of cameras and was a little confuse about the difference until I read this article: "The Sony DCR-VX1000 was a DV tape camcorder released by Sony in 1995, replaced by the DCR-VX2000 in 2000 and the DCR-VX2100 in mid 2003...Sony had a pattern of releasing "professional" upgraded versions of their most popular consumer cameras, with the same chassis shape but made from more durable materials and in a darker color. Extra features included XLR inputs and the ability to record in the higher-grade DVCAM format...its successor, the VX2000 was offered as DSR-PD150, notably used in the production of David Lynch's 2006 feature film Inland Empire, and the VX2100 as DSR-PD170 and later on in slight modification as DSR-PD175. The PD were more expensive than the VX cameras: the price for the DCR-VX2100 was around US$3075, and the price for the DSR-PD170P US$4590 So the DSR-PD150 is the better version of DCR-VX2000 - both from 2000 and the DSR-PD170P is the better version of DCR-VX2100 - both from 2003 And all these cameras were an improved version of the original Sony DCR-VX1000 from 1995. Hope this helps!

[@joshjet2oo]

Hey Chris!! Thanks so much for all your posting in regards to this camera. I just recently acquired one of these but am without the microphone, battery, and power supply. I love the way the footage that you’ve posted looks so I’m scouring the internet in search of the remedies for my missing links! Thanks so much for these🫶🏼

[@epicchris1985]

No problem! Enjoy the epic unit! 👍

[@Horizons2023]

This was the camera used to film jackass the Sony DSR-PD170 And the camera I used in my first video and then sold it

[@rupert6478]

actually for the first movie they used the pd150. for the show they used vx2000 and pd150. pd170 i think was used in the second movie along with the dvx100

[@pat5431]

Thanks for the firewire port/power off tip. That's super important to know. Might pick up a PD170 today

[@epicchris1985]

Glad I could help.. Yes the PD170 is a lovely unit to own :)

[@pat5431]

@@epicchris1985 yeah sadly the pd170 seller wasn't responding but it's all good because I'm about to go checkout a local seller's Canon XL2. Update: Now have a XL2 my first dvcam.

[@johnalioto]

Hey Chris!!! was wondering if you can help me out, I have a Sony vx 2100, I used to do a bunch of public access videos in the early 2000s, I haven't used my Sony vx2100 in super long, was gonna start doing football podcast stuff, was wondering if you can tell me what adapter wire would I need to transfer the footage from my camera to my Mac as the wire I used to have seems ancient. I have a 2020 MacBook. Thanks.

[@epicchris1985]

Hi, yes the VX2100 needs the old FireWire output to be used to get the best picture from it. I also have new Apple hardware now and so USB-C is all I have. Apple sell 2 adaptors and you will need them both to do the job. I did a video showing them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJTamYipj72bapI (the process for Digital 8 and Mini DV capturing is the same so this video is what you need) Hope that helps :)

[@DrCassette]

PD170s can be found for very cheap now, even cheaper than the VX2100s, because they are not as famous as the VX series and because there is no built-in microphone. I got my PD170 complete with microphone and the fancy Sony wide angle adapter in a metal carrying case for only about 120€, and that was a year ago or so.

[@epicchris1985]

That’s another good deal you’ve got on eBay. I paid £170 for mine, Yes the VX units can all go for silly amounts still due to skaters loving them so much. Anytime I post videos recorded on a VX or TRV900 they get much better view within a week of uploading due to there fame. I do love my TRV900, but like yours did the microphone is fading on one side. Clearly a very big known fault and my TRV890’s bring basically the same camera both have same fault 😩

[@DrCassette]

@@epicchris1985 The VX1000s in particular are going for crazy amounts of money. I had one many years ago before the prices were so inflated, I liked it for the very compact design, but the picture quality was rather bad, especially when compared to a VX2100 or so. The videos I made about it back then remain, and they do still get a lot of views. The TRV900 was a very nice camcorder too, one of the best compact MiniDV camcorders, unfortunately I found the picture always looked rather soft and did not upscale very well to HD.

[@epicchris1985]

@@DrCassette funny you say that, I too found the TRV900 footage does not upscale too well for KZbin but when I simply watch the videos back on my TV or copy to my Panasonic DVD recorder the picture looks very sharp and the low light on the TRV900 also I found to be very good. I simply plug a mic in most the time to get round the failing built in ones.

[@rupert6478]

they're beautiful! :) nice work

[@epicchris1985]

They are indeed lovely units! I sold my VX2100 on now as was needing the money at that time.. Still got my PD170 though (the better camera) and will never part with that! Got it at such a good price and these units are so very hard to find in working condition. I will do some more videos on it again soon :)

[@CVProductions]

Hey, I was hoping you could make a video showing a comparison of the video between the two cameras since there’s no direct comparison anywhere on the internet. I was hoping to see if the colours are any different, thanks !

[@epicchris1985]

Hey, I don't sadly own the VX2100 anymore but I have posted video on my chancel from both units a good few times so you should be able to go from one video to the next.. Just simply search the camera followed by my name and you will see them both on here.

[@renguney]

is a mint pd170 with only 30 hours of tape life for 130 usd a good deal? I really want the VX but the footages doesnt look that different and I cannot find the VX where I live...

[@epicchris1985]

@@renguney yes that’s a great price! more so with such low hours! Yes a VX1009 would be great but the price even for ones in bad condition are so costly!

[@renguney]

@@epicchris1985 I just lost a vx2000 deal in good condition for 50 usd 4 weeks ago :/ the seller didnt knew anything about the camera but well it's gone...

[@renguney]

@@epicchris1985 I still have my doubts... I just missed a 40 usd deal of a mint vx2000... The seller had no idea what he had. But it's gone, And I can't say that I like the form factor of the pd series. I already have one PD170P but it's nonworking condition and really beaten up, trying to get it work on my workbench currently but really small chance, I made it work for a little bit but then I think I've blown a fuse...

[@BenJonesVideographer]

Almost mint condition!

[@ungeflamme2741]

hey, i just got my vx2100 in the mail today. but when i open the door for the tape the tape holder wont come out. does it require power to open the internal tape holder, or is mine just broken? i dont have a battery yet btw

[@epicchris1985]

Johannes lervik It requires power to open. The door will latch open but without power it won’t open the door compartment nope.

[@ungeflamme2741]

​@@epicchris1985 ok, thanks! love your channel

[@epicchris1985]

Johannes lervik thank you! Loads more videos coming soon 🤗

[@Cammywell]

How would you rate the PD170 vs the VX1000? The VX is standard for skate filming, but I've been thinking about getting the PD170 instead, as it is less sought after, and seems to be cheaper.

[@epicchris1985]

The PD170 is cheaper but to be honest if you can go for the VX I would defiantly do that. The PD170 was a great camera but due to it being DVCAM I find most of them have many issues with recording now. Mine plays up a lot with strange break up like I've never seen before. I think a lot of it comes down to the DVCAM units being for Pro users so tend to have had many many hours on the drum. All 3 different units I've used now with DVCAM have had this problem. Mini DV normal units seem much more reliable all these years later. Also the VX has built in mic and the PD170 has to use the shotgun so weights a lot more to lug about.. Hope that helps :)

[@Cammywell]

@@epicchris1985 really insightful thank you!

[@lvl3472]

Les stroud used Sony pd150's to shoot some of his survivorman shows

[@pat5431]

Is using a cfr external recorder that plugs into DV to record dangerous then?

[@epicchris1985]

No plugging in of FireWire is a problem but you just need to make sure the camera is turned off when you do so. It can cause a spark and burn out the FireWire port if you have the devices on when you plug in.. Remember to have the camera off when you plug it in and you will never have a problem :)

[@pat5431]

@@epicchris1985 Awesome thanks again. Yeah that would be a mess if people released products that burned out their cameras ports haha.

[@volodymyrusyk7372]

Hi, how do you find a built in zoom lens, different speeds, smoothnes. Is it good? Thanks

[@epicchris1985]

This is a lovely professional unit and yes the zoom is very smooth both via the lens or zoom rocker 👍

[@roydl8536]

Hi Chris, interesting your video, I have a pro DSR PD170, is in perfect shape, in my opinion, the best I camera I have, I am not an expert, I need your opinion, I want to use an external capture devise, maybe a screen so I don’t have to be using the mini tapes, but something affordable, any ideas on what to buy? I need to buy the capture devise with cables and accessories required, with all your experience I am sure you can help me so I can go out after Covid is over, thanks so much

[@epicchris1985]

Hi. I too love my PD170 and it has on off issues with tapes. I personally hook mine up from the FireWire output to my iMac sometimes to record live out of the camera. Now my iMac is fairly new so I have two adapters made by apple to go from FireWire to the much newer usb-c. Now if you want to use it outside without tape you can but sadly not cheap. Sony and few other companies made firewire recorders but they do come up on eBay but typically go for more than the camera cost me so sadly don’t own one as yet. One day I hope too. Search FireWire recorders and you’ll find the units that do it. Hope that information helps 😊

[@volodymyrusyk7372]

@@epicchris1985 does it have composite video out? if so BM mini converters can be used to convert and upscale signal and after can be captured on any recorders, like atomos or similar.

[@epicchris1985]

@@volodymyrusyk7372 It's S-Video out or normal RCA.. I use the FireWire to my computer as it's the best output from a digital camera like this one.

[@gangmember2]

do you need that big mic on the pd170 for sound or no?

[@epicchris1985]

It does sadly yes as no inbuilt microphone on it like the VX units, though you could always get a smaller mic. It uses XLR only

[@gangmember2]

@@epicchris1985 could you send me a link of a cheap mic for this camera??

[@epicchris1985]

@@gangmember2 best place would be just eBay. Search pd170 microphone and it comes with them. Any XLR mic will work 👍

[@yismaelshareef-trudeau8925]

Hey Chris, I own a vx2100. I see that the PD170 is superior in terms of audio. I'm trying to figure out what the difference is between the two in terms of video? it looks like the PD170 has 12x zoom while the vx2100 has 48x zoom? are there any performance differences between the two models video settings?

[@epicchris1985]

Yismael Shareef-Trudeau Hey. Yes audio wise the pd170 has the upper hand due to XLR inputs. Picture wise the PD170 I’d say wins in low light but that’s it really. If you own a vx2100 unit you are all set. You can always plug in a microphone with a 3.5mm jack on that camera still. It’s a lovely unit you have! Also dvcam in my experience is picky with tapes so I’d stick with what you have 👌🏻

[@bansku1137]

I have the possibility to ask a friend in Japan who frequents flea markets, to buy a mini dv recorder( I want to film skateboarding with it). Do you think they are cheaper there? Than let's say on ebay. Local listings are a no go, I'm from finland nobody sells those here.

[@epicchris1985]

If you can get a good deal go for it! However no return if faulty that way unlike eBay if it’s listed as working and not you can return it. They are lovely pro units 😊

[@reubenchampion5727]

Do they take the same fisheye?

[@epicchris1985]

Not sure actually as don’t own a lens for them. Best way to check is check specs on Sony website as the user manual still on website. Check Lens Fred is the same on them 😊

[@reubenchampion5727]

@@epicchris1985 thank you!

[@epicchris1985]

@@reubenchampion5727 no worries 😉

[@Netlife-001]

I think I'm right in saying Sony came up with the god damn i link we know and hate, instead of going with a twin matched end of the four pin original firewire 400. I have so many cameras, and all of them have a ilink problem due to this pathetic (Sony?) design insistence.

[@epicchris1985]

Ilink is Sony's name for FireWire but Apple was the one who actually made FireWire a thing. A lot of Sony units though used the very small 400 size and it was very easy to break if you're not careful. The bigger FireWire port 800 was much better and used on some cameras and mostly hard drives of that time as I recall.

[@Netlife-001]

@@epicchris1985 Hi, yes, Apple came up with the transfer tech and the port adaptors, but instead of going with the mirror image of the 400 (you get on the side of the 06 owards macbook pro, and then the 800, which is a slightly different shape but equally bullet proof, Sony cam up with their own 'camera end connection'. A piece of total utter shyte!

[@epicchris1985]

@@Netlife-001 Ohhh really, I never knew that. Thanks for informing me. It does not shock me at all haha. Sony over the years have made some very odd moves but I still love them... even if they need a kick at times haha.

[@Netlife-001]

@@epicchris1985 👍, I read that a while back... when doing some looking into the 800i link when I updated my old faithful Santa Rose macbook pro to a newer 2012 model. Yeah, seems Sony wanted to go with their own proprietary connection to the camera,/ They got their way, Panasonic got on board with it (the design), and the rest (of the busted camcorders) is (are) history. I like the PD170, and like you, am a Sony fan throu and thru,.... but ... HDV does look so much better image quality. After a bit of research,... also a few months back, I'm leaning towards a Canon XH A1 (an S model if possible). 20 times zoom, memory focus, pull, & obvious build quality. ... still uses the same goddamn two-bit adaptor though. Unbelievable.