Looking to purchase new camera...

[MikePizzoff]

In 3-4 months I'm looking to buy a new video camera in the $1,500-$2,000 range. I'm trying to stay more toward 1,500 but if there's something that's absolutely worth the few extra hundred I'll go for it. So what would you guys recommend? Ya know, something "professional"

[MinionZombie]

*cracks knuckles* Pansonic DVX100B I'm telling ya mate, new or a good pre-owned, see if you can get one, it's a superb camera, I've had nothing but compliments while I've been working with it, it's reliable, well made, gives a great picture and I just absolutely love it... If it had a wang, I'd probably suck it ... and I'm not even gay!

[7734]

go for a new GL2 or a used XL2 (canon). picture quality is amazing, decent learning curve, great manual control, and combining canon's frame mode with a good NLE (I use Vegas) gives a stunning product with no interlacing artifacts at all. also look into making some sort of 35mm adapter!! some are expensive - P&S Teknik some are cheap - Letus35 some are homemade - www.marlathemovie.com/bonus/justfacts.pdf i'm working on the homemade one. so far results are... mmmmmkay. it's all about proper light.

[Danny]

theres the one mz mentioned on ebay right now for £1699. college ends officially on friday but my finasl are for the next month so at the end of next month i gotta get a job for the summer, guess what my monys going on? THATS RIGHT PORN!

[Mutineer]

Don't even consider shooting anything non 24p if yo are even remotely serious about filmmaking. DVX100

[7734]

Don't even consider shooting anything non 24p if yo are even remotely serious about filmmaking. this is seriously flawed reasoning. Frame rate is just one out of the dozens of aspects of miniDV filmmaking. Sure 24p looks nice, but do some reasearch and you'll find that all the data streaming from the camera into the comp is just superfluous leftover from 60i, which is what the DVX actuall records, thus making your equipment work harder and leaving you with a product that moves like film but looks like it was captured on a vhs camcorder. Not knocking the DVX, but everyone and their momma is buying one thinking it's this magical little movie box, when it really isn't. 90% of DVX users I interact with click the little 24p tab on but don't know the difference between an f stop and a bus stop. What we should be telling first timers is that if they're serious about filmmaking they will need: (in order of importance) A SCRIPT A DEDICATED CREW A fairly COMPETENT CAST REHEARSAL TIME KNOWLEDGE of basic PHOTOGRAPHY (to manipulate light, DOF and to use the damn DVX, XL, GL, HVR or whatever) A good CAMERA A good COMPUTER LOTS of PATIENCE and FREE TIME

[Cody]

the one on ebay for £1699 may be a nice camera but £1699 is alot more in the $usa$

[Mutineer]

this is seriously flawed reasoning. Frame rate is just one out of the dozens of aspects of miniDV filmmaking. Sure 24p looks nice, but do some reasearch and you'll find that all the data streaming from the camera into the comp is just superfluous leftover from 60i, which is what the DVX actuall records, thus making your equipment work harder and leaving you with a product that moves like film but looks like it was captured on a vhs camcorder. Not knocking the DVX, but everyone and their momma is buying one thinking it's this magical little movie box, when it really isn't. 90% of DVX users I interact with click the little 24p tab on but don't know the difference between an f stop and a bus stop. What we should be telling first timers is that if they're serious about filmmaking they will need: (in order of importance) A SCRIPT A DEDICATED CREW A fairly COMPETENT CAST REHEARSAL TIME KNOWLEDGE of basic PHOTOGRAPHY (to manipulate light, DOF and to use the damn DVX, XL, GL, HVR or whatever) A good CAMERA A good COMPUTER LOTS of PATIENCE and FREE TIME Do some research .. heh heh. That's funny. Yes, who would doubt the importance of a great story and talented cast ? But let us assume our man has these crucial ingredients in order; all things being equal .... Get the DVX100. Better yet, get an HVX200. 24p looks more than nice, it looks fabulous. And as good as 28 Days Later or a film like Pieces of April is, watching interlaced is like watching a newscast. Canon's Frame Mode is, well, it aint 24p. Got the script ? Got the cast ? Shoot 24p if you're not shooting film. But let's not turn this into a frame rate war. The camera wars are over. And the DVX is full progressive. Yes, it records 24 frames per second (23.967 in fact) but it puts it to 60i tape via pulldown. Your equip does not work harder and the DVX in the right hands is MAGIC. If you're seeing DVX footy that looks like it was captured on VHS, then you're seeing the wrong stuff. Here are two examples from 'Hack Filmmakers' using DVX100's (i can give you hundreds of prime footy of the DVX) http://frenchquarterfeatures.com (newest one is HVX) http://www.pinelakefilms.com/snoqualmie.html I'd do some research, but after 4 years of modding one of the largest dvfilmmaking sites on the net, I'm researched out

[PJoseph]

I just used that for my last TV show. It was the first time, and I loved it. However, unless you plan on using the HD capability (in which case, you have to use the flash cards, which are really expensive), I would say stick with the DVX100A. (Don't bother with HDV either - that's going away) Regarding the previous comment that listed out all the things you need before you think about the camera, I agree with those. However, the thread started was regarding what camera should he buy. Currently, since the DVX is being phased out for the HVX, it's a good buy and the image quality is great - even just in beautiful natural daylight. Now, getting into a converstation about all the other stuff - well, jeez...we've had this board on here since 1998. It's certainly been discussed so maybe it's good for a new thread so we don't wander. I'm not saying it isn't important or not worth visiting, but let's not beat up each other over what you need and don't need. pJ

[7734]

well, like i said, the guys using the dvx were numbskulls. but you can't say you don't want a frame rate war and then go on about how 24p is the only way to do it if you're serious about filmmaking. 24p is not the only way. and dvx isn't the only way to achieve 24p. Vegas does a great job of it.

[MinionZombie]

But I think why a lot of people bang on about the DVX being a great camera is simply because it is - a great camera, irrespective of 24p mode, which I don't even use. I have the DVX100B (even better image than the A model) and the footage looks fantastic, great colours, great detail and it's a reliable and sturdy camera. It's a solid piece of kit and you can't go wrong with it, that's why it's so successful. I remain sticking by the DVX100B. See if you can track one down second hand/reconditioned if it being new is a bit out of your price range, with a new warranty or whatever...I remember Dj saying something similar to me when I was gearing up to buy mine last year (but I went for a new one instead), it's a seriously good purchase.

[DjfunkmasterG]

I used A dvx100 for parts of Deadland, I also used Vegas to edit the film. I have seen the Canon Xl2 footage in 24P and quite frankly it sucks. Take the DVX100, and use VEGAS... The pulldown in Vegas alone is phenomenal. To make it look even better get Sony DVD architect, so when you are done with your movie and render it out of vegas... use the 23.976 drop mode in Sony DVD Architect to give it an even more nicer film look. A used DVX100 will run about $1800, but if you can strecth your budget to $2500.00 I know a sight where you can get a brand new DVX100B, carrying case, UV, PL and FL lens filter kitm extra battery and charger Seriously, go Panasonic, if the industry, being movie and tv industry uses them... then so should we. I don't see many people in Hollyweird using Canon XL2's. A lot of reality TV shows use DVX100A's and DVX100B's. Many episodes of Grey Anatomy and some of the newer Law and order stuff has been shot on the DVX100

[MinionZombie]

Aye, I remember seeing a lot of DVX100's on Bam's Unholy Union most recently. It was also used to film Jackass Number Two. Smaller news organisations use them too, I've seen dozens of DVX's bobbing about amongst the big leaguers on Sky News.

[Mutineer]

I concur 100% Canons Frame Mode sucks, and deinterlacing in Post sucks more (losing half your resolution in the process) I never understand the general animosity towards such a killer camera (the DVX). What camera to get ? Considering all your ducks are lined up: GET AN EFFIN DVX100 !!!!

[EvilBread]

Personally, if I was going to be buying a new camera I would be looking for a HDV one. Probably along the lines of the Sony FX-1 or 7, although I wouldn't rule out the new Canon. The main reason for this is because despite all the talk about the film look, people go about it and achieve it in different ways. If you light a set well enough for example. The camera is not the be all and end all to a film, it is the person behind it is more important. You also have to take into account what this camera is going to be used for in the long term. If you are making films for yourself then it might be easier to hire so that you can get a better camera to work with overall. However, if you are looking to make a career out of it then investing in a camera which meets the most needs of customers is key and although the DVX100 is a nice camera, it doesn't shoot HDV which from what I have found quite a few clients are now wanting specifically. Less and less people are wanting videos shot on DV. The benefit with cameras like the FX1/7 are that you can shoot either DV or HDV and although they don’t shoot 24P produces gorgeous footage. The only DV camera I would really consider buying would be the XL2 due to the variation you can have. But that’s if I couldn’t get a HDV one.