So how did you afford your DVX?

[Roadkill475]

So I kind of get 'razzed' by my friends because when they find out how much the DVX costs they look at me like I committed some sort of crime.....I mean, it could just be because it's a college atmosphere where everyone is eating ramen and paying off their college loans...But that lead me to ask myself this question.....

I have to explain to them that I didn't just go out and spend three grand for the hell of it....I had to sell my car last summer, which I still miss to this day, to get the money to pay for this beast....In the end, it was totally worth it.....

Which makes me wonder how other people afforded paying for their cameras....Especially people that are younger than me....Did you work all summer? Rich folks? present? Selling your kidney on ebay? Not to make anyone feel bad, I'm just really interested in hearing some good stories....

I was really interested so I asked one of my buddys' friends who had a DVX how he paid for his...He told me he practically had to starve...haha...His way of saying he just have to save a lot of money over the year and buy things only where there was a sale....:beer:

[William_Robinette]

I bought my DVX when I was going into my senior year in High School. I had worked since 8th grade year round with 40hr/week summers.

It sucked. Sucked really bad, but I have yet to have had to find a job in college (sophomore) and can still support my hobby/profession.

Last summer I had my DVX and all it's support equipment paid off in full. People my age I meet think I have generous parents, which I do. But they have never financially supported my video ventures.

[Robbie Comeau]

My dad and i split it 50/50. I worked full time, everyday, (i even worked the two weeks i booked off) and i made a good 2500 dollars theere. So i was able to pay him the half, and buy some accesories, like tripods and mics and what not. My dvx was 4100 wit 3 year warranty

[Roadkill475]

Last summer I had my DVX and all it's support equipment paid off in full. People my age I meet think I have generous parents, which I do. But they have never financially supported my video ventures.

Same...Being in college filming and editing have had to stay at just a hobby for now...No idea what's gonna happen once I get out but I know it's something I wanna continue to pursue....

Good to hear some stories, anyone else wanna chime in?

[Mike Manning]

I worked a lot in high school and was able to save up a little. But a solid 2 grand came from a scholarship that was awarded to me for high scores on a standardized test. I waited to cash in on that until I had enough saved to by the camera plus accessories. So by Sophmore year of college I had a healthy 2 grand saved. The timing was perfect because the B camera had just been released and BH had a $400
rebate on it. So I got a brand new dvx100B (2 year warranty) for $3100 and had an extra $900 to spend on tripods, mics, pelicans...all kinds of goodies that make my friends jealous. It was pretty much the best purchase I've ever made.

[William_Robinette]

I agree, my DVX was the best purchase I have ever made in my short time here on earth.

[cardmaverick]

Well lets see here...

4 years of working in a university video lab...

But I bought lighting and grip gear first, NOT a video camera. I did things differently, I bought the "investment" gear first, then when I was ready to find a camera, technology had advanced quite a ways, and before you know it, I had a DVX Andromeda system in my hands.

Oh, and just in case your wondering, I always just shot with other peoples cameras when I only owned lighting and grip gear, cause no one else had any, just a bunch of HVX and DVX owners and no lights in sight :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[wallachiaproductions]

Well lets see here...

4 years of working in a university video lab...

But I bought lighting and grip gear first, NOT a video camera. I did things differently, I bought the "investment" gear first, then when I was ready to find a camera, technology had advanced quite a ways, and before you know it, I had a DVX Andromeda system in my hands.

Oh, and just in case your wondering, I always just shot with other peoples cameras when I only owned lighting and grip gear, cause no one else had any, just a bunch of HVX and DVX owners and no lights in sight :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

Interesting angle you came in at mate! :)

[dory_breaux]

I busted ass all summer working overtime and gettng under payed at a boy scout camp. Then some generous donations (well gifts) by some good people and a loan from my aunt, and I still could only afford a used DVX100. But whatever, I am still stoked.

[renegadewill]

I saved from like junior year in high school, then had a graduation party and some other video jobs to get me the money. I still am not disappointed with it.

[smpproductions]

I had jobs lined up before I purcahsed my DVX. Had it paid off before my credit card bill even came in.

i like Chris' approach, but for me it was pretty easy to rent a light kit for free or for pretty cheap....cheaper than renting a camera.

[Tomiger RoPort]

Been working since I was 16 (18 now) and sold my previous setup (vx1000, century mark 1 lens, bescor 20/40 watt light) and bought just the dvx itself and then bought some more accessories as i got more money

[Luis Caffesse]

I went the same route as Chris....
Bought lighting, grip, and some sound gear as I could - working and saving.
Everyone I knew had bought cameras, so I always had plenty to borrow, because I had gear that none of them had.

Once it made sense for me to buy my own camera, I was able to get enough work lined up to have the HVX paid for before the bill came in.

(I realize you were asking about DVX's...but I figured in theory its all the same)

[mars305]

Spent my Income tax plus some savings and bought my cam and some accesories such as UV filter, tripod and head, mike, etc. I'm pretty happy with my panny.:grin:

[RokMartian]

This is a pure hobby for me (alas, really nothing to show for it). I've been lucky - I work for a company that offered me some form of stock options when I started 6 years ago. I never thought I would see it, but 5 years later, I had to cash it in and used some of it to feed my very expensive hobby.

[El Producto]

I just stole mine. Best criminal decision I've ever made.

J/K. I graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and I spent the money from presents on the cam.

[Simon Höfer]

Well, just as Luis, I bought an HVX, P2 Card, tripod, mic and other stuff.

During my 6 months inetrnship in Japan I saved from my scholarship. At the end I also got a bonus from the company.

And my parents gave me a loan.

[John Kary]

But I bought lighting and grip gear first, NOT a video camera. I did things differently, I bought the "investment" gear first, then when I was ready to find a camera, technology had advanced quite a ways, and before you know it, I had a DVX Andromeda system in my hands.

Oh, and just in case your wondering, I always just shot with other peoples cameras when I only owned lighting and grip gear, cause no one else had any, just a bunch of HVX and DVX owners and no lights in sight :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
This is totally the way to go. Everyone thinks that if they can just get the camera that their life will be made. I would take a lower-end camera and nice lights vs a nice camera and no lights. If you have lights there are always people needing them. If you have a camera, people will only be paying you if you can use it well. Lights pay for themselves.

[Deepfocus88]

Just chiming in late on this thread.....
Saved a little beforehand, but paid for the camera with a credit card. It didn't take long to pay off. It depends on what kind of work you might do or have lined up.

Right now I'm toying around with the idea of buying an Arri fresnel kit which always seems to be in demand. At least by me.

[Tim G]

worked all last year as a junior in high school, and got my hvx :) this july

[lukeswab]

I'm just doing this thing for fun, and seeing if it can take me anywhere. Right now I just started filming for a bmx video, to learn the camera and how to edit.

I got the money for my camera by running a commercial fishing business in Alaska. I would love to film a documentary on it next summer, and hopfully have that lead me into filming nature docs.

[Sven]

Used some equity from my house. Guess I'll never pay it off. Unless I sell my home.

[amiga500]

Sold my Jeep CJ-7.

[Thomas J. O'Hara]

I borrowed my brother's and started buying all the accessories
-tripod
-mics
-35mm adapter
-lenses
-editing stuff

now i know more about the camera than he does! I've probably put 90% of the hours on it. :evil:

[Aaron Little]

I first bought a Canon Optura 20 and taught my self how to shoot and edit. I then shot several instructional DVDs and started marketing them. As I began to make a decent income from video sales I started putting back money for a camera upgrade. I just relesed my first title shot with the DVX100b.

[mcsmooth]

Same way I buy a lot of things I don't absolutely need... 0% APR balance transfer cards, then just pay off accordingly. It is a lot of cash to drop all at once on a hobby.

[beebs]

rich parents...
i offered to pay half but they didn't want it.

[Roadkill475]

Glad to see a whole variety of stories...Still haven't seen one on selling kidneys on ebay....Kind of bummed....

[BLahey]

I had to learn how to bartend,.. pretend I liked the people, and essentially sell my soul. I now have a MINT 100A, all the goods and a drinking problem...;).
although, its not as bad as it sounds....

[Dan Shearer]

I am Jumping in here pretty late, but I always wondered how people afforded their DVX.
For me I decided to start saving money my junior year of high school and then a little less then 2 years later I bought decent computer and my DVX.

[dj_hype]

student loan.

[Abinc]

I sold my soul.

Haha just kidding, I've been working like CRAZY for the last while. It's all the taxes and brokerage fees and that kind of stuff that's gonna kill me.

[Zack Pennetta]

sold my gl1 and death lens, and my parents pitched in and i bought my 100a. then, i saved up for a boom mic, and tripod. my friends parents own a hardware store, so they were nice to hook me up with lights.

[Wild Imagination Films]

Impressed the right people with some stuff I shot on a $150 video camera and got backers. Evidently it's still working. My business partner just bought an Advanta Jib Lite and a huge Florescent light kit for me to put to good use.

[tb9]

I worked the summer of my freshman year (in high school) at a camera shop (I originally am into photography) and bought it at the end of the summer from a guy from my church that I had just met. It was a DVX100 with 170 hours in mint condition for $900. Now he feels bad for selling it to me for so much so he (I havent had any problems with it) bought me an extra battery, shotgun mike, and lets me use his mac laptop on weekends when he is not using it. THe only hitch is he gets to use it once a year around january at some conference.

But other than that its awesome, the best purchase I have made!

[dory_breaux]

hah... you ripped him off :-P!

[Max R. Wilson]

I worked for a year saving and combined bday money to get mine, After i got mine i convinced my boss to start a video department witch he did and now i have twice as many toys to play with.

I have slowly pieced my gear together, i finally have a light kit and every other basic i could think of.

[tb9]

I know... Its kind of funny, because I am looking on here, and everyone is buying theirs for at least 1.5k, while he feels bad for selling it to me for so much, and I feel bad for ripping him off.
But hes a nice guy, and he probably inherently feels that way.( I wish there were more!)

[Moojangles]

i got a sweet job in Japan and saved the cash from that. Luckily there is one small camera place around here that sells the DVX otherwise i'd have ended up with an XL2 or something... :)

[spooky138]

I deployed to Iraq and saved my wages (which are tax-free in a combat zone) and bought my baby as soon as I returned home. After my next deployment, I'm going to upgrade to the HVX:)

[j_l]

This is my first post on the forums...great place, awesome information...

I've been dabbling in movie making through high school (currently a senior) and have learned a lot through entering small, one day film festivals and just making movies with friends with low-budget cameras.

I've had my eye on the DVX100 for quite a while, and since I am choosing to major in film in college, my parents bought my DVX100B as an early Christmas/graduation present. It came yesterday and I'm loving it so far :)

[shaun1970]

G'day all, I started with a Panny NV-GS300 which I paid for with a c/card, paid it off and got quickly bored with it. As far as a consumer cam goes, it does take nice interlaced video. Well i'm lucky enough now to be able to buy a DVX102B as my wife suffered an accident 3 years ago and she has just been awared a damages payout. My DVX will be arriving soon along with a new Libec LS382a Tripod.

[kager]

still paying it off. lol.

[KyleProhaska]

Well I don't own a DVX, but I think the same ideas apply for me.

I bought a GS400 (panny) about 2 years ago for 1200 bucks. I had saved for quite a while just working 30hr weeks and saving Christmas money, birthday money, or w/e. I owned the thing for a while and sold it on Ebay. I ended up getting 1450 for it :) because at the time the camera was outstanding for its price, features, etc. So I was already on my way. I got a loan a year ago to buy a MacPro, XL2, Final Cut Studio, then I spent the 2k in savings I had also combined with the loan to pay for it all....I felt sick LOL. Only 2 months after getting the XL2 I realized the form factor wasn't for me so I sold it and lost 500 bucks (ouch). I had to save for a bit longer before getting the Canon XHA1 which I got for 300 off. It was from a local cinematographer and it was only 2 days old....pretty sweet.

Thats my story lol...and the 5000 loan I got has 1200 left on it as of now. (I make 13500 a year..:P)

- Kyle

[theKMD]

sold my Canon GL-1, saved up some money on the side from work and dug a lil into my savings account. Panny's worth every penny

[BMFM FILMS]

I worked for about 4-5 months just to make about $1800 (shitty job ain't it)

With that money I bought a Panasonic AG-DVC30.

This past summer I sold it to buy a DVX100a.

I got scammed, and I've been left with nothing for 5 months. Everything may be getting resolved, I hope.

[dory_breaux]

I worked for about 4-5 months just to make about $1800 (shi*ty job ain't it)

With that money I bought a Panasonic AG-DVC30.

This past summer I sold it to buy a DVX100a.

I got scammed, and I've been left with nothing for 5 months. Everything may be getting resolved, I hope.

Amen breh. AMEN!

[AlNerd]

Hi, I'm new to the site, although i have been searching through posts for the better part of 2 years. I bought my DVX100B (PAL) in the UK about a year ago. I went for the lazy option and simply took out a loan from the bank. It was enough to buy DVX100B, UV filter and a Refurbished Dell Precision 390 for Video Editing. I figured i would get the essentials first and then when finances permit, i will increase the inventory. Right now i have purchased a Libec LS-38 (2A) tripod, a Manfrotto 560B monopod, Rode NTG-2 Mic, Boom Pole and a Budget Track and Dolly.. All and all, they were all great purchases and cant wait to fully utilise in my latest shoot.. peace

[dory_breaux]

Well, it has been a long, hard 3.5 months since I started out on this journey toward a DVX100. First off, the plan was to buy a brand new 100b from B&H Photo using te Bill me Later thing, but that turned into just buying a used one. First attempt failed as the tape drive was completely shot. Luckily, I got my money back, and I was off again, looking for a camera. I finally broke down and posted an add in the Classifieds board, and in about a day a guy came forward to me with an offer. It took almost three weeks just to get payment sent, but finally it went through and he asurred me that I would receive it in about two weeks time. Two weeks later, I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of my barley used DVX100A with some goodies, when I decided to look at some old classifieds posts. Oh, shit. I found out that this guy is a scammer. So, I get in contact with Jason and some of the other poor souls he had ripped off, and after a long wait of ten days, I got my money back on Christmas day. You can immagine how much of a relife that was. about 4 or 5 days after that, I was visiting my godmother in the town I used to live in, and we were discussing the events of the past few months for me. What went down was this: She asked how much a new camera would cost me, I told her "realisticly, the one I would be getting is around 2500 brand new." She said "well jeez thats not all that much... howbout if I just gave you the money and you can pay me back.... way later*winks*." I honistly thought I was loosing my marbles. Anyway, about thirty minutes later, she had decided that she would give me 3grand to spend on a camera and a few accessories. So, here I sit, waiting, once again, for UPS to come knocking at my door. But this time, no half ass bubblewrapped half broken DVX100 orrigional, no non existant DVX100A with a bunch of goodies, a good, solid, legit DVX100B from el la B&H, along with a decent set of sticks and a good fluid head. I'd say you can imagine how stoked and pumped up I am, but, you cant. third time is almost always the charm, wish me luck!

[matt8694]

Roadkill - great story. We've all been there. I put together a short film on rented equipment...and the total budget was $2000. My friends still laughed thinking the money was "wasted".

If you're an indie filmmaker you get it...if you aren't, you never will.

[AlNerd]

dory.. that was a good story and if it really played out like that , then good luck with camera and make you grandma proud. if someone was trying to cheat me out of my dvx money, i would see red and want blood in return. glad it has worked out. hope to see your work soon.

[Smettli]

After being in the army for about 8 months I decided I wanted to make films in the future because of all the funny stories and interesting people I had met during my stay there, and I then starting searching for a good camera. I remember reading about the dvx and it's "cinema look" on the only working computer which I could access for about an hour a week outside the army base. And though I knew very little about progressive redcording and all that(never owned a camera before), I decided right then I was going to get that camera.
So after my 12 months of service in the army I went home and started working right away behind a counter in a training equipment store and started saving up money. I worked there for about a year and a half and used every penny on video equipment :)
Kind of fun to think about now, since I have never produced anything that has to do with the army or the people I met.

[dory_breaux]

dory.. that was a good story and if it really played out like that , then good luck with camera and make you grandma proud. if someone was trying to cheat me out of my dvx money, i would see red and want blood in return. glad it has worked out. hope to see your work soon.

I cant wait to see my work either :-P!

[Roadkill475]

Good luck with everything Dory....I've been through the scammed situation and its a pain....You're lucky you got you're money back, and at this point if you don't get a legit DVX I'll probably be more upset then you haha...If that's possible....

Good stories people...Really like all the input!

[dory_breaux]

Amen. UPS is SLOW DAMNIT cant that guy drive faster?!?!?! THis has been the most longest, aggrovating day of my life. DAAAAMN! Plus my new used iPod is with him AHHHHHH!!!!

[Steven Bogda]

Swiped mine from some guys hands in B and H and bolted out to Penn station!

[Jaimebailon]

i used my financial aid money for college and financed part of it through calumets credit so theoretically arnold ashwarzeniger payed for my camera thatnk you state of california

[LucidDream]

I Have a great fiancee that wanted to help me follow my dreams which included quitting my stressful national network job and working for myself.

Oh also she is a Physicist so together we are not really hurting that much for cash at the moment :)

[dg1]

1 loan + 2 credit cards + 2 years worth of income taxes = a dvx and a whole bunch of goodies.... damn, i guess it's time to start makin' some money!! ;)



If you're an indie filmmaker you get it...if you aren't, you never will.

^INDEED!

[crazedfan]

My dad owns DVX100b, and for two "highschool football seasons" I borrowed his camera and shot the football games for coaches...I used the money I got from those games to buy my DVX100b....I still shoot the games when in season. It is pretty good pay. I get paid $150.00 per game, its bout 3 hours of work...and as soon as the game is over, I hand over the tape, and I get a check in return.

[Michael Pick]

Birthday present...:smile:

[poisonapple]

I just bought mine. I got it used from BH photo for $1,919.00 with a 2 yr warranty and shipping . It's soooo cool! I have ADVC30 I bought new for about the same price as well.

[Horrorguy666]

Well lets see here...

4 years of working in a university video lab...

But I bought lighting and grip gear first, NOT a video camera. I did things differently, I bought the "investment" gear first, then when I was ready to find a camera, technology had advanced quite a ways, and before you know it, I had a DVX Andromeda system in my hands.

Oh, and just in case your wondering, I always just shot with other peoples cameras when I only owned lighting and grip gear, cause no one else had any, just a bunch of HVX and DVX owners and no lights in sight :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

That was a great idea....wish i had thought of that.


Credit card...still paying....:crybaby:....but i do love the camera.:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Trevin Steger]

well i still need to get it but this summer all i have to do is work 2months and ill have enough money...man i wish i was as lucky as Michael Pick... luck shit..

[Adam J McKay]

Sold my Canon xh-a1. Yup its true, and im only a little mad. How did I pay for -my Xh-a1? A huge credit card debt in hopes of paying it off with the money it earned me. Turns out not such a good idea, so I sold it paid back some of my debt and got me a DVX which I like much better. Once I got the dvx I also stubled upon you fine people. It all worked out for the best


Thanks

[flimflamfilms]

Four years ago I bought some stock in a company called Akamai. It did very well, so I sold enough of it to pay for a DVX. It's a long term strategy.

Cheers

[salils]

Did a couple sites like these when I was 15 and sold the merchandise:

http://yourfreevideoipods.com

[shihan]

How did I afford my DVX? I almost didn't.
First I visited this forum and found one for sale with low hours. I made and offer and we settled on a halfway price (halfway btwn what seller asked for and what I offered. Since it was more than I offered I verified all contact information on the buyer, Sherlock256 and offered to send a $1,000 deposit and the send the second and final payment on the following payday. He accepted after verifying my information.

This has turned out to be "risk free" because of verifying all information and seller providing a tracking number. By the way we should post a list of responsible and trustworthy sellers on this forum.

[dory_breaux]

Did a couple sites like these when I was 15 and sold the merchandise:

http://yourfreevideoipods.com


thats pretty cool.

[ToTheBack]

Originally, I was saving for about 6 months but decided to use the 2000 I saved on an Apple computer instead, then FCP 6 since I figured it's best to crawl before you walk. I didn't save for a few months, then decided to save again last December. Remarkably, I came upon a lot more money in a short period of time from X-Mas and a raise at work I got, combined with a lot more hours, and saved more money in 2 months than I did the year before. It was made possible since I'm living with parents and only had one class this semester, so finances weren't as stressful. Got it in February, shot a music video a few weeks later and got $500 for it, so I'm already 1/5 of the way to "paying it off". But hey, I"m lovin' it

[EDIT-XTREEM]

Got an AMAZING deal on it. (I paid next to nothing considering what I got..) I was not planning on getting a DVX, but when this offer was available, I could not pass it up.

[Larrym]

I sold my Sony FX1 on ebay for 2500 and bought the DVX from B&H for 2250 with the 250 rebate.

How'd I afford a 3k plus Sony? I taped weddings with my high school's cameras and earned the cash. We had a Digital Media program with Canon XLs and GL2's so I just rented that out for free. I sold my Sony in 2008 b/c I discovered my workflow never really needed HD and that SD would be very suitable for my short films in college and weddings. The FX1 has the worst interlacing artifacts and I just couldn't take it.

[Lake Films]

The Wife's credit card ;) She got paid back in the next month...:) well, by the time the amex bill came...

[One Way PhotoVideo]

I worked all summer going into my sophomore year of high school to buy my Sony VX1000, had that for a while, and just last week I traded it along with cash for my dvx and so far I'm lovin it =)

[HenryBLee]

Here is how to pay for your DVX 100B.
1. get a couple of really good microphones - A lavalier (wireless if you can) and a shotgun of decent quality, and or a decent flat table microphone. 2. get a couple of cheap lights. 3. Advertise to law firms and corporate offices that you will video tape and supply them with a DVD of things like depositions, meetings, crap like that. Charge them $750 for a half day, $1,200 for a full day, plus another $500 per 1 hour DVD that you burn. I paid for my DVX-100B in less than a week. You should easily be able to clear $1,000 a day when you take out your expenses. Not a bad starting rate.

[ImagineFilmCompany]

If you can put it to use, you'll make well over $3000.00 from using it. Credit cards are a perfect way to buy one.... Just pay them off!

[emoo124u]

I saved up every penney I recieved for a year AND did extra projects.

[skee]

im am still in the process of saving, but have worked so far for 9 months at a bike shop for minimum wage, sold my precious race bike, and am going to have to empty my bank account that i have been saving since 6th grade haha. IT BETTER BE WORTH IT!! i am sure it will :) haha

[EDIT-XTREEM]

I got an insanely good deal. Might be the lowest price someone has ever paid for a perfect dvx100a with 100 odd hours.

[Mister Stocks]

My brother made an animated short using an old animator program and some sketches from his art book. He won a contest and used the winnings to buy a DVX100b, macbook and Adobe production premium. Crazy dude, my bro...

[Mr.Herron]

Took out a student loan for mine.


It'll pay for itself in the long run =]

[Pocusproductions]

I first bought a Canon Optura 20 and taught my self how to shoot and edit. I then shot several instructional DVDs and started marketing them. As I began to make a decent income from video sales I started putting back money for a camera upgrade. I just relesed my first title shot with the DVX100b.

I also started with a little Canon Optura 20 which I bought with a credit card from best buy in my freshman year as a film student (2004) and then pushed it to the limit, using lights, mics, tripods, and just learning the craft. Now I have a DVX100B.

[Cracker]

American Express

[Chelsea8882]

American Express

haha

I worked three jobs for a summer, but my big break came when I got a raise and a new position. I started at a restaurant as a server-type person and was promoted to being the events/banquet coordinator because I had the most most experience with them at 19. (I had been working at the elks club helping with wedding receptions and worked at another restaurant doing banquets) I kept 1 of my other jobs (rock climbing instructor) because it's awesome and quit the elks job. I was able to save up for it in about 2 months. Plus I bought mine used :)

[Richard J. Johnson]

I traded 3 music videos for it. I told a studio client of mine that if he paid for the DVX100A and everything I needed to go with it. I would direct 3 videos for him. I think it all came to around $5500.00 with the computer and other things. He ended up getting locked up and I never did those videos.

[blackdogs377]

I traded 3 music videos for it. I told a studio client of mine that if he paid for the DVX100A and everything I needed to go with it. I would direct 3 videos for him. I think it all came to around $5500.00 with the computer and other things. He ended up getting locked up and I never did those videos.
lmao what did he go to jail for?

[Richard J. Johnson]

lmao what did he go to jail for?
Attempted Murder and Possession with intent to distribute. Gotta love rappers. But He spent so much money in my studio I really wish he was home. the funny thing is he looked like a abercrombie and fitch model. Tall, white, good looking guy but under that he was a evil evil dude.

[Nathyn]

It's a long story and I'd have to break the religious discussion rules to tell it. :)

-Nate

[Movie_Dude_3]

I've been working since about April at a grocery store and I saved up a lot of cash. I didn't buy too much with a few splurges here and there as I also had to pay some bills. Money from work, scholarship money and cash I got for Christmas all helped out and I finally ordered the DVX today. I just think about all those days, putting stuff back on the shelves at my store and thinking it'd pay off at some point. Felt pretty good!

[Derkoi]

I sold my Canon XL1 and bought the DVX100 2nd hand off eBay for £900.

[Focal 7]

I could not afford a new one, so I watched this site and it's classifieds every day. I found a "b" model that had 102 hours on it, but had been tipped over and cracked the LCD screen which no longer worked. The seller who lived convieniently near me wanted $1100. Everything else worked perfectly. I bought it in August 08 and have really enjoyed using it

[btownproductions]

I've got an HVX, not a DVX. But to pay for it all I had to do was roll my car a bunch of times, and let the insurance money do the rest... Not the most fun or painless ways to get some money, but I think it was a pretty solid investment...

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj238/btownproductions/n500475009_1834204_8853.jpg

[brentwilliamson8]

I had 3 different jobs this last summer and over 50 hours a week, but it was worth every minute and a small price to pay for something i'm really interested in.

[superproduceraj]

I had to steal mine :)

[JFSanchez]

i had 3 fund raisers, two bbq plate sales and a pc raffle. that got me close to 2 grand. the rest came from my part time job.

[Paladin]

I used to shoot 16mm film. I had two Bell & Howell 70 cameras (one 70DR and one 70HR), a Bolex H16, four platter Steenbeck editing table, assorted lenses, a Nagra recorder and various other items. I sold everything but the Bell and Howell 70DR and bought my DVX100B.

[dalethompson]

True story: I got harassed at work, filed a complaint, hired a lawyer and with his help settled out of court. I got a nice severance package from my company (who didn't want it to go to court at all) and with some of the money, I bought my HVX200.

Sounds scummy, yes, but I did nothing wrong. I thought I'd made a positive out of something really negative and for that, I'm glad I bought my camera :)

[dsto]

I am a bit older with a college age kid and 2 other teens. I made them wear paper bags and eat dirt for a year. Got the DVX on day 366.....
The stories are great. People that know what they want and then bust tail to get it. Thats what following your dreams is all about. Your passion drives you.

[dory_breaux]

True story: I got harassed at work, filed a complaint, hired a lawyer and with his help settled out of court. I got a nice severance package from my company (who didn't want it to go to court at all) and with some of the money, I bought my HVX200.

Sounds scummy, yes, but I did nothing wrong. I thought I'd made a positive out of something really negative and for that, I'm glad I bought my camera :)

that might be my fav so far :P

[yzmotoxer807]

I liked reading all of the stories here. After reading how many people slaved away for years to get theirs I feel kind of crummy saying that mine was a graduation present from my parents. But, the reason my parents agreed to this was that I had gotten into Penn State and gotten an internship at Air Products. So... Plus I paid for all the extras (libec tripod, pelican case, extra batteries, etc.). I mean I have been into film/video since I was like 8 years old and I have stuck with it so they didn't take too much convincing. The funny thing is that I am majoring in electrical engineering in school and the internship at Air Products was for engineering and yet my two biggest hobbies, film and music recording, are on the opposite end of the spectrum from the uptight engineers. In fact I wanted to double major in film and electrical engineering but because they are so different it would have taken like six and a half years to graduate with a bachelors in each. Anyway, it was cool to see all the different approaches to attaining a DVX. I can easily say that my two favorite possessions are my DVX and my fender strat. :)

[jambredz]

researched alot and drooled over it for about 4 months...got the opportunity to do a commercial. The commecial allowed me to pay for it new along with a Kata bag,extra batteryand uv filter :)

[tommetass]

Nice:)

O borrowed around 4000$ from my father to pay for the dvx100a and the sgpro +1 lens.. :Drogar-Evil(DBG):


kinda sucks to pay back though.. but I'm happy that I didn't have to take a loan and pay any interest..

[Plumhead]

I actually won mine in my junior year of high school from a local teen video festival. Before that I had a sony vx2100 that I had spent years saving up for

[Scottish]

Well my main focus has always been to film skateboarding, so i started out in the Sony VX series. I bought a Vx2000 and found out upon arival that it was PAL formatted, so I sold it on ebay, bought a VX1000, which was more suited towards my needs.

I borrowed money from my dad and got the rest of the typical skate setup, vx1000, century fisheye, bescor light. A month after my fisheye arrived it got smashed (before i even had it paid off), And my camera malfuntioned. I found out when i sent my camera for repair the previous owner had spilled a soda on it, and tried to fix it himself, in turn, partially shorting the power board. It came back fixed but the problems returned within a few months.

So, after a total of about three grand of gear and repairs, within a year all i had left was a video light.

I decided i would step it up and invest in new gear, skipping the ebay scene. I decided not to borrow from my dad again and earn it through time. I worked 40 hour weeks, somtimes 13 hour days at a resturaunt to save up for my new camera. After months and months of spending no money. I was there. I ordered my 100b about three weeks ago and have loved it since it arrived at my door.

A funny note (not funny at the time), the first time i used my DVX, i powered up, threw a tape, hit record, and the tape jammed the supply reel. So you could say i've had some poor fortune.

But my cameras perfect now, ill have my fisheye in a few weeks and ill be set for a while from there.

[rcolazo89]

lucky, must have a rich ass school. my coaches would make our injured players or a parent film it. ridiculous!

anyways, a great deal of my production equipment was purchased through a few months of working my serving job, and some financial aid money from school. I must say, these purchases are some of my greatest investments and I hope someday the few thousand I invested early will make me money in the future. I have been on my own since I turned 18, which sucks ass especially when I was jobless for the first 14 months. -_-

[joemiked]

I just stole mine. Best criminal decision I've ever made.

J/K. I graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and I spent the money from presents on the cam.

yeah!!! good one!!
i was so broke when i decided to go for a dvx!!

working two jobs one standing on my feet doing inventory with a bunch of bad attitudes and managers favorites.

i spent maybe 4 months hording soem cash ,then acualy buying 2 dvx getting ripped off before going with an authorized dealer paid cash, started getting odd video jobs then the computer nle just takes the cake! now im into a new nle
and still have my dvx 245 hours since new works and peopel still ask me to shoot or edit for them.
mike d
www.mikedvideo.com

[Bryan Daniel]

Being only 16 and a junior in high school, I am fortunate enough to not have to be making payments aand living expenses etc. The money I saved for my dvx came basically from 3 things:
-Money I had received as gifts for my birthday/the holidays.
-Money I made earning minimum wage working every single day this past summer.
-And money I made selling many of my possessions on ebay.
With a fair amount saved up, I started hunting around for deals on a dvx on the marketplace and just last week picked up a used dvx100b andromeda for what I believe was an unbelievable deal, and am completely stoked on!

After so using so many dvx's, I am so excited to finally have one of my very own. And after all that time and saving it I am glad to say that it was worth it!

[andythefilmer]

I got an unbelievable deal on a Sony VX2000 on ebay, but then in January, a bunch of asshole kids came up to me and snatched the camera right in front of me then ran off. Luckily, it was in front of my house, so homeowner's insurance reimbursed the cost of a new "VX2000". I got an unbelievable deal on the DVX too.

[Anomie]

I got a pretty large thankyou-bonus/gift from the school I work as a volunteer for four years now. (I took over the ICT department, which was one teacher and a company who only got payd but never did anything. After that four years I have helped the school entering the digital age, installed and managed two servers and standard desktop pc's and played helpdesk for all problems with the hardware and software. After three and a half year the school got a new head and she wanted tot pay me. But I had made a contract for myself that said I could never ask money for it. Then the school decided to give me a present. That was an envelope filled with money. I did not say no.)

I knew I wanted to buy a secondhand prosumer camera from the start so I started reading and talking around. My options were:
-Sony VX200
-Canon MX2
-DVX100

I called and texted with a professional director, a professional editor and a professional DP and told them about the options. They all said 'buy the DVX! throw in extra money if you have to.' Didn't have to throw in extra money for the deal, luckily.

The buying itself was also quite interesting. I had to go to a shady part of Amsterdam and started fearing it was going to be a ripdeal. Stood there waiting in a very worn down street. Rang the bell five times in five minutes then called the seller's cellphone. Turned out he had gone out to get some food. Fifteen minutes later he finaly showed up. Behind the door there appeared to be a music recording studio. He was a musician/producer who also owned a 'professional' camera to offer the option of a videoclip to his clienst. But since there is a financial crisis in Europe, everyone sits on their money. So he got clients who wanted a nice demo recorded, but nobody was up for a videoclip. He had his own record finished and had used the camera to make a videoclip for that (looked like sh*t, but I didn't say that of course). Now he had to create funds for promoting his record as he had no distributor yet. Had to sell stuff he did not use. Had to sell his DVX. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

So there I was. Read through a big load of dvxuser topics and posts, bought Barry Green's book, bought more books, and shot quite a lot of footage as an exercise.

Turns out I can quite easily use my film ambitions and DVX at my dayjob. And I have I nice dayjob: something for the gouvernment (even have a suit I sometimes have to wear). Access to nice locations for future use. And so far the like what I deliver. (I don't, for the most of it. I am a beginner and it shows painfully. But I can see progress....)

Jasper

[invdrzim]

Good thread to read.

I just worked part-time for six months at Quiznos. Half of all the money I made from there went into paying for a state college here in Los Angeles, the other half went to purchasing a used DVX-100B from someone on eBay (who eventually I became friends with).

-b

[HaVe]

I kinda feel ashamed to post my experience here. I've read over 10 pages of how people paid 1000s of dollars for their cameras, and even tho I was expecting to pay around 1500$ for a DVX, i got the best deal i could ever imagine. I picked up a DVX for 400$, it was missing the viewfinder, but actually not because of damage, but because it was removed to make the whole setup smaller. Everything else works perfect, cosmetically it's in 10/10 condition, it had 190 hours when i purchased it. First week after i bought it, i was still shooting and waiting for something to go wrong with it, but i'm beginning to think that I got a hell of a deal.

As for affording it, i saved up for 3 months, no more smoking, took the subway instead of driving, no more nights out, no more drinkin (on my own expense) and I had about 1200-1300$ saved up. So paying just 400 for the camera was amazing, cause after that I could afford my M2 and rails.

[Kevmo]

I kinda feel ashamed to post my experience here. I've read over 10 pages of how people paid 1000s of dollars for their cameras, and even tho I was expecting to pay around 1500$ for a DVX, i got the best deal i could ever imagine. I picked up a DVX for 400$, it was missing the viewfinder, but actually not because of damage, but because it was removed to make the whole setup smaller. Everything else works perfect, cosmetically it's in 10/10 condition, it had 190 hours when i purchased it. First week after i bought it, i was still shooting and waiting for something to go wrong with it, but i'm beginning to think that I got a hell of a deal.

As for affording it, i saved up for 3 months, no more smoking, took the subway instead of driving, no more nights out, no more drinkin (on my own expense) and I had about 1200-1300$ saved up. So paying just 400 for the camera was amazing, cause after that I could afford my M2 and rails.

Similar experience. I have been wanting it for over a year now after renting the DVX100. So I was skimming Craigslist for months and then christmas hit and I had some saved cash and decided to buy the DVX100a with shotgun mic, 2 batteries+, charger all that ish for $900. Fell in love with it, got a gig within three days @ a local club. Went out shooting, great night and then I put it down where I thought it would be totally safe...

Learned my lesson, dont ever leave it unattended no matter what or where.

Now Im back to renting, doing gigs, saving that money to buy another camera.

[Mike K]

Parents bought it...and they're hopefully buying my HMC this summer :D

[ejmijares]

dvxb is sold here in the Philippines for P115,000 (USdollar2,500) if you buy it in cold cash. I got a bank loan and will end up paying for it for P170,000 for 2 years for around P7,000 a month. judging from the projects I am getting from the DVX monthly. It can easily pay for itself.
I mainly shoot weddings and corporate events with the dvx. well worth it.

[brazillionaire]

first post here... and I'm stoked to be talking about how i got my Dvx100b!

I'm a total newbie to filming but I got the love for it and, instead of following "you should start with the crappy ones blahblahbla" advices, I went for the big bucks! I'm sure I'll be able to learn the basics and progress to higher quality shootings without losing time or getting stuck in gear limitations.

So, last august I got a paid internship and I could save money for 3 months. I saved up to R$2900 (US$1700) and I found a very nice deal on Ebay. Like new cam with 65 hours on the heads with a big and awesome Kata bag for US$1026.
Shipped it to a friend in New York.. and some other friends that went spend last week there picked it up for me and brought back to Brazil

Here in Brazil, this same deal would go for more than R$5000 (US$2900).. Im just psyched!

[Justyn]

Congrats to one and all. Sometimes it is frustrating to see the trust fund babies buying 4 red cameras and then not even knowing how to use them, or that they should have opted for something else.


If you keep your head down and see the prize then it all pays off in the end. My first pro camera some 12 years ago now was an XL1. I was so nervous taking that out cause it was such a huge amount of money to me.. but that camera was a workhorse camera for years and it made me 10 times what it cost. I had the same experience with my HVX package which cost me as much as a new ford ranger... but again, I used that for 3 years and it made me all kinds of money. Now I'm about to embark on the AF100 but I'm keeping my HMC150 as it's a kick arse camera...

Keep the faith, keep the work coming and when friends ask to borrow your camera TELL THEM NO.

[MattSegerFilms]

Been working since I was 16 (18 now) and sold my previous setup (vx1000, century mark 1 lens, bescor 20/40 watt light) and bought just the dvx itself and then bought some more accessories as i got more money

Did the exact same thing, but i've been filming various sports videos like kids football, and volleyball so that gave me an extra 2 grand + what i was making at a pizza place which wasn't a crazy amount. DVX100b was the best purchase i've ever made, the money i've made off of it is easy five times what i paid, 2 grand.

[TMerry]

At the time I bought my first DVX I was using a Canon GL1, it was two days before a short film shoot and suddenly it got a hot pixel. So I was forced to buy a camera and have it shipped overnight, Then learn how to use it for next days shoot. It was my Dvx100 and I fell in love with it. (which I'm selling this week on ebay, part of the ongoing story) I put it on a family members credit card and then sold LOTS of music gear to pay them back over the next month so they wouldn't get a bunch of interest charges.

It seems like everything cool I've ever bought, I had to sell tons of other things to cover. Some people can afford to hang onto everything they buy for a lifetime, not me LOL!

I'm buying a 5D MkII this month, and to get it I'm selling a precious Ibanez Chrome guitar, a Nady wireless, a nice watch, a 24 track digital recorder, a wad of cash, and finally... My DVX100.

The cycle of life continues :-)

[Enlight3ned]

Wow. My 1st DVX was a gift from my girlfriend. I feel like a bum lol

[ZazaCast]

Wow. My 1st DVX was a gift from my girlfriend. I feel like a bum lol

I told her you'd like it...you bum! :nads:

:):beer:

[ZazaCast]

At the time I bought my first DVX I was using a Canon GL1, it was two days before a short film shoot and suddenly it got a hot pixel. So I was forced to buy a camera and have it shipped overnight, Then learn how to use it for next days shoot. It was my Dvx100 and I fell in love with it. (which I'm selling this week on ebay, part of the ongoing story) I put it on a family members credit card and then sold LOTS of music gear to pay them back over the next month so they wouldn't get a bunch of interest charges.

It seems like everything cool I've ever bought, I had to sell tons of other things to cover. Some people can afford to hang onto everything they buy for a lifetime, not me LOL!

I'm buying a 5D MkII this month, and to get it I'm selling a precious Ibanez Chrome guitar, a Nady wireless, a nice watch, a 24 track digital recorder, a wad of cash, and finally... My DVX100.

The cycle of life continues :-)

I don't know... I could NEVER part with and axe....although, if I sold my 1970 Fender Jazz...or original Dan Armstrong... hummmmm.......
Now you got me to thinking! Thanks T.

[filmmack]

I bought my DVX100 used from a professional videographer who was renting it to me. I had 2 gigs lined up and paid it off in less than a month.

[joot]

Finally got one (DVX100B with 67 hrs.) off E-bay. Couldn't afford new one so had to wait and wait until prices came down (after three years)...

[whynotskate90]

well lets see i worked at wendys for about a half a year the quit then got a job developing film i got my dvx for only five hundred it was well worth it but the job at wendys was about the wost thing i have ever done with my own life i really feel bad for all the people that have to go through with what i did and i was only sixteen when i did that now i just feel shooting this was a really good post to just express yourself and just vent off the steem of getting a good camera