Calling all A1 evangalists

[Jason Adams]

I shoot a lot of SD commercials. I have a DVX100B and a Letus 35 FE. I have a new out of state gig coming up that would require me to match some local footage (shot by me) with some Network HD footage. My plan has always been to upgrade to an HVX when it was time to move to HD. I have used the Panasonic gear extensively and I love it. However, this gig requires long shoot times and will be primarily a one man shoot. This makes the P2 workflow a problematic solution as my budget would not allow for a P2 store or a Focus HD Recorder.

The tape based workflow and Mind blowing price point of the A1 has made it a very attractive option.

I have said all this to say.

Some of you DVX and HVX users that are now A1 owners. Talk me into joining the cult. What do you love and what do hate. How does it compare to DVX, HVX. I am looking for FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE. I have read all the literature and done the background research.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

I own a DVX

I edit w/ AVID Xpress Pro w/ MOJO

I have a letus 35 FE

I have no HDV deck just a Panasonic SD.

Most of my work is broadcast on non HD affiliates and DVD.

I would need the camera for about 3 weeks for this particular shoot



Should a buy the A1 and join the HD party. Or rent the A1 and hold out for the HVX when my clients call for more HD content.


All opinions welcome

Thanks for your time and expertise.

JA

[mikkowilson]

How about buying the HVX, and renting a firestore or P2 cards for the shoot?

- Mikko

[Steve Strickland]

I was in the same boat with my decision last summer. Being a huge fan of my DVX, I wanted to jump to the HVX. I read so many posts about color space and the evils of HDV. After many months of absorbing the pros and cons of the A1 and HVX, it became clear that each has its own limitations and strengths.

As a guy who shoots a lot by myself, the P2 workflow would have slowed me down considerably. Then came the price comparison. I could buy more gear to compliment the A1 to equal the price of a stock HVX. On the other hand, the HVX had that nice filmlike Panny gamma. Damn, tough decision.

So it really came down to the quality of the footage the cam. From what I was seeing, the A1 and HVX were on pretty equal ground. The A1 was a little sharper, and the HVX colors were a little more pleasing. Then Disjecta and others posted some amazing presets for the A1 that, in my opinion, put it real close to the HVX. Decision made!

I've had my A1 for about four months and have never once thought that I made a mistake. The image is puts out is fantastic. With a little grading, it looks incredible. The tape based workflow is familiar and convenient for a one man show. Sixty minutes of record time can sometimes be a lifesaver.

So, you won't loose with either of these cams. They both rock. For your situation, it seems the A1 would fit a little better with your workflow. I love Panny cameras, I almost cried selling my DVX:), and I hope to get another one for my next upgrade. Maybe the HVX200A? Right now, though, my A1 is getting me gigs, paying the bills, and has been a great camera to work with.

my .02

[disjecta]

The A1 is a great camera but so is the HVX200. If I was on the fence like you at this moment, I would just rent. For something like this gig, it sounds like it would be a lot less of a headache to just go with tape instead of P2. Firestore is always an option for the HVX, of course, but for sheer simplicity, I'd go with the A1.

[Kdawg]

A1+Firestore is like heaven.

[Brandon Freeman]

A1+Firestore is like heaven.

Amen to that!

[FatDaddy]

No Avid support for Canon 24f....