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What would you buy?
The dilema, a $4500 dollar budget for a dv camera. I want 24p and have only seen that in the AG-DVX100a for under that price. Chances are I may not be looking in the right spot or am such a newbie to this prosumer level that I am missing other cameras that could meet my needs.
I also would like to have the camera in hand within 2 weeks.
What would you buy with this dilema that shoots 24p and is under $4500? The AG-DVX100B? A Sony?
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3 Replies
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What Sony? There isn’t one that gives you 24p at this price range. Only other option would be an XL2. You asked in the DVX100 forum. It’s a great cam- you can’t go wrong…
Noah
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I was in your position earlier this year and tried to do my homework. Having been in this “business” for 20 years, I struggled to throw away my notion of having to have a big camera, 2/3″ chips and nice glass, all with a Beta back, to make good pictures. And my experience with 1st generation MII REALLY soured me on Panasonic.
Nonetheless, I settled on the DVX-100A
Am I Satisfied?
I’m not sure I could be more so. I’ve been shooting with the DVX since October and remain stunned at the quality of pictures in both 30i and ESPECIALLY 24p. I’m shooting a nature documentary with 24p for on-camera interviews and 30i for B-Roll. Simply put, looks great.
I played with the JVC HDVcam that’s coming out, and I really like the Fujinon lens on it. Who wouldn’t? Do I wish the DVX had such a lens, sure, but then it wouldn’t be a $3200 – $3900 camera. And as for HD, I don’t need to be the first-one on the block with it, ESPECIALLY since market penetration for TV’s is simply too small at this point (and in my mind, for the next couple of years)to even bother.
I will say, I use all my experties in videography to insure I’ve got correct lighting, color balance, and some filters to insure I get the images I want. Too often, folks want to simply turn the camera on make good pictures, while the DVX is capable of that, you got give is something extra to work with.
Good luck in your search, and hope you enjoy the results. I know I have.
Tim Scarpino
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I just got mine, haven’t had too much chance to test it, but first impressions are fantastic. One strong standout is 2 XLR inputs, you don’t see that on a lot of mini dv cams in that price range.
You said budget of $4500. You can get one for less than 3 grand with the rebate if you buy it before November. (not putting pressure on you or anything!) Use the other $$ for gear or whatever.One major drawback is the DVX’s short focal length. I think I’m gonna need a telephoto adapter. But it has a good wide angle.
The 24 P look is good. I’m still learning how to work with it. The documentary “Murderball” was shot primarily with the DVX 24p advanced. (some shot with PD150) From what I saw, the DVX footage outshines the PD150. If you were buying the camera to make a movie, that’s something to consider.
I say wait for the big companies to iron out their HDTV prosumer cams, go with the DVX100a.
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