[Frosch]

I’m the guy who posted the original query. I ended up getting the Bogen / Manfrotto 3051 Tripod Legs with a 501 head. Well, I don’t know the exact difference between the 501 and 503, but I couldn’t be happier with the 501.
The tripod is sturdy enough for the DVX and goes up pretty high if you need it. Plus it’s light and compact enought to travel with. I bought a cheapo canvas case and checked it as luggage on a recent flight, no problems. It was only about 400 bucks, but you get what you pay for, I’m sure you’ll get a smoother, sturdier tripod if you want to throw down the cash.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=185651&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Frosch]

Thanks for the insight. now that i think of it, a buddy of mine has one of the manfrottos for his gl2, it is a good tripod. Rob did you decide on the dvx100a yet? My vote is buy it if you can still get that rebate. Doesn’t seem like the 100b has that many great upgrades, but that’s just my opinion.

[Frosch]

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.

[Frosch]

“the AG-DVX100B is among the first professional camcorders to be RoHS*-compliant, i.e. a product that is virtually free of lead, arsenic and other hazardous substances.”

Ok, so I won’t put my 100a in my mouth.

[Frosch]

I’ve heard this theory too. Does Panasonic manufacture a Dry tape that would be good for general shooting? I’d like to stick exclusively to Panasonic tapes to avoid confusion/tape mixing.

[Frosch]

[Barry Green] “It’s not the price that does it, it’s that it has to be an actual US-sourced unit which was received and inventoried by Panasonic US, and then sent to an authorized dealer”

Funny, cuz you’d never hear one of the sales associates for “pricerite camera” or whoever tell you that. Glad I went with B&H.

[Frosch]

I just broke down and ordered mine from B&H. Hopefully I’ll be able to grab the rebate since it was purchased before 10/31. It says you can on their website.
At first, I tried going the cheaper route from some of the other dealers off eBay, but my experiences with them weren’t good.
It appears the camera has to list for a suggested retail price to qualify for the rebate. Alot of those cheaper retailers fall below that price. Plus, some claim to have the DVX in stock, but they don’t.