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DVX100 opinions
Hello –
Considering getting the DVX100B and am a relative newbie in high-end camera purchasing [can’t go over $3000, would rather be closer to $2000]. It’ll mainly be used to shoot special events [bands, organizational videos, sports, etc.] but eventually would like to transition into indie filmmaking.
Wondering:
1. Opinions on must-have accessories? [budget conscious so can only get what’s “necessary”] Case, battery, light, ext. mic, etc.
2. Suggestions of resources to check out for tips on international travel with camera equipment [going to Africa] How to pack, what to bring, etc.
3. Opinions on getting an SD vs. HD camera -
3 Replies
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Well, to be sure, the DVX/HVX family of products are not “high-end” cameras. Multiply your desired expenditure by 5 and you just barely start to get into that category.
A DVX bought from an authorized (that’s key!) dealer by itself will will set you back at least $2,500. It’s HD brother the HVX is at least twice that much.
On top of that, you’ll want a tripod, mics (wireless?!?), lights, extra camera batteries and a camera/grip bag to carry all your stuff.
You could easily spend another $1000-$2000 just on what I’ve mentioned.
And, if you go the HVX HD route, don’t forget you’re gonna need a couple of 16 gig P2 cards at about $900 a pop.
So, I could spend hours describing all the above, but in the end, it comes down to what you want to do, and how you want to do it. Perhaps others will weigh in, but I think your stated budget precludes the use of the DVX/HVX products in your productions.
As far as going to Africa, I’ve done it, and it really depends on the requirements of the country you are visiting. As for me, I went through extraordinary expense and effort to secure a Letter of Carnet which basically guarantees you’re not going to sell your stuff on the black market and avoid paying taxes on the transaction.
In the end, not a single official asked me for this in the month I was there. I basically told custom officials it was a trip of a lifetime which is why I “rented” a $50,000 camera to record my journies.
Good luck in the immense research you must surely undertake in making an equipment decision that will serve your needs,
Tim Scarpino
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Thanks Tim, I appreciate your thoughts, especially RE. travel [I’m going to Rwanda]. I’ll keep looking for tips on packing/must bring equipment, etc.
Have done fairly extensive research and thought the DVX100 best fit my needs/what I can spend [also considered Canon GL1/GL2 and Sony HVR-A1U], realizing it’ll be closer to the $3000 mark than the $2000 one.
Survived the past two years of self-employment ignoring peers’ go spend lots of money on these “essentials” advice, with a $700 3CCD Panasonic [hence my high-end remark – the DVX is high-end compared to what I have], a $30 wired lav, a $40 tripod, no lights, and using my laptop bag for a camerabag, and have made quality products that clients have been happy with, without amassing debt.
But now that I see I am going to stay in this business and as people approach me to do multi-cam events and more shooting [I do a lot of FCP editing], I’m willing to spend some cash on another camera and the essential accessories to protect it/get the most out of it. So thought I’d see what people thought important accessories.
As far as HD, I know Sony makes a model in my price range. Was just wondering if it’s better to buy HD than SD now? Don’t want to kick myself down the road for getting an SD if HD is the future —
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You can still get gigs with SD equip. I do. I own a dvx100. Also, if you get a client who wants HD you can rent for now and add that into the bill.
Gibb
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