Canon GL1 lives!

[Moz]

EDIT:

Could a moderator please delete this thread, it seems like this is the wrong forum (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1142184#post1142184) to ask a DVX100 related question.

I have been working with my GL1 for just over 8 months now and having a great time doing it. I managed to get a very good deal on a completely mint camera (it was lost in storage for half a decade and was unused) I've learnt quite a lot in it, but it really shows its age technologically. The lack of XLR has been some trouble, and I just can't justify spending 300 dollars for a beachtek to put on this relic (especially when I am saving for a rod support system, too much crap attached to the tripod). I am been putting together a home hardware 35mm but the ground glass has been a bit of a roadblock, and I don't think the GL1 low light is good enough to use a home-made 35mm. I'd imagine the resale value of my GL1 even with charger, 12 hour batter and wide angle is a poor $1000 at best.

I've thought this camera could hold me off until the HD revolution comes but seeing the cost of the Hardware to process HD and the lack HD on the consumer side (crappy blu ray / HD-DVD performance) tells me it's not worth jumping into it at my level. The footage for the GL1 is very dry and noisy at times, and it seems to have a strange colour on it.

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRN6gwKDXtU)is the original camera test I did after I first got the camera many months ago, the costume was for another film I was involved with that I had laying around. You can see what I am talking about.

I know it's more about the lighting and how it's shot than the camera, I believe that but It's getting harder and harder to find paying and non paying videographer/camera operator/ jobs when I mention I have a GL1, since it's such out moded technology. At least DVX100 is standard, and if they need AC and I mention I operate a DVX, and they are using an HVX, it's basically the same form factor.

I don't have a lot of money, (I make 9 dollars an hour at starbucks :( ) but I feel like a DVX100 is the camera I should have bought. You can see the dry colours and unusual blow-outs from the lighting on the canon. Much of it can be cleaned up by adjusting curves, etc. but at 5 minutes render time to the minute of footage it should be something I don't have to do in post. And the lack of audio monitors kills me. I wear headphones and I still can't be 100% sure the microphone battery hasn't completely died off.

My local henry's has new DVX100b for $2600 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10410&categoryId=10423&itemID=161602)

It's pretty much the best local deal I will get for a new camera. I considering buying used, there is a local one going for 1600 that has nearly 500 hours on the tapes, and doesn't have a charger so I think it's not worth the risk.

Importing from the states is a possiblity, but I know I was slammed with tariffs (NATFA my ass) with the canon that UPS double charged because UPS are cock suckers.

I have 1000 dollars saved up (was suppose to be for school, but us Canadians get student loans much easier than down south) And a another 2000 possibly coming my way from a family member's will that was also going to go towards the school fund. And maybe 700-1000 dollars from selling the GL1. Money is very tight so I want to be very careful on spending my savings.



Is it just too late in the game to jump to the DVX100 now? Should I save for another 2-3 years when I can afford a HVX200? Is the jump from the GL1 to the DVX enough to justify spending 3 grand?
So internet, what should I do? :P

Cheers.

PS: If there are any down town Toronto DVXusers, I'd really like to meet your camera :) I can pay for coffee.

[Drew Ott]

I'd make the jump to the Canon XHA1 if you are on a budget and you want an image similar to the HVX200.

[Moz]

I don't really have the resources to work with HD content yet. The hardware required is very expensive so I want to stay in standard definition. I have used a XHA1 briefly at a wedding (the hired videographer was using it) and while I like how it's a part of the GL1 leanage but it's just not really built for robust filmmaking (shoddy lenshood, handy cam form, etc)

I also had a nice look at an XL1s, but It was at a halo 3 launch party and dressed as the master chief, so with the armour I couldn't hold the camera and get a feel for it. (the guy was with microsoft and was filmming me!)

I have seen the HVX200 upclose before too but the guy wouldn't let me touch it. :(

So what I am asking is it worth jumping from SD (GL1) to SD (DVX) or wait many years (2-3) and jump to the HVX?

cheers.

[Justyn]

The hardware for HD editing.. especially on the HVX is not bad at all. I edit on a 900 dollar macbook all the time. You don't need anything fancy or expensive. I've cut on USB drives that were slow.. but they worked.


I'd say that waiting is a bad choice. Go HD now... I don't get a single call for SD video unless it's for the web. The extra cash you spend will yield way better day rates. You'll be able to pay off the HVX in no time. WHy stay a foot in the past? SD is still here, but for how long. IF you jump into HD and promote yourself the right way, the better paying gigs will come along. Making a grand a day with the HVX isn't hard to justify because the results are stunning. Now with DV, you won't get the wows.

I too would say to jump into the canon over the DVX. It's a nice camera...

[Morox]

Moz, if you know how to shop on Ebay, try that. I bought a brand new XHA1 back in June for $2850. I live in Canada and once the XHA1 came to my door, there was no stupid charges. You have to make sure they can ship USPS and NOT UPS.

[Jack_Felis]

Good grief, we're still debating SD vs. HD? Look, if you really want a better camera, you want, no, need to go with the XHA1 for just a few hundred dollars more than a DVX.

Or, if you can't afford that, the HV20 is rockin' the indie world right now and I can recommend it to you based on my own experiences with it, this is also coming from a former GL1 user and owner (well, I still own the camera but you get the point). Great HD(v) image, audio meters, small form factor, 24p, and native widescreen all for less than $700 at the moment. Of course, by now, the option of an HV30 and the HF10 and HF100 are coming in a few months with the most expensive being the HF100 which will have all the same features of the HV20 at $1,100 and it's tapeless! (AVCHD quality still has to be tested first, but it's still a great option)

Not to mention, ALL OF THESE CAMERAS CAN FILM IN SD AS WELL AS HD!!! SO, DON'T WORRY ABOUT HEAVY EDITING REQUIRMENTS!!!

[Ian-T]

Jack you took the words right out of my mouth...so....What He Said ^^^^^^

[Ian-T]

You know...I can understand your frustration when people here keep mentioning other cameras while you specifically state that you want a DVX or HVX down the line. But I'm still trying to figure out what you are REALLY asking because it seems like you have already made up your mind. But I think people are doing this because of your statement:

"...but seeing the cost of the Hardware to process HD and the lack HD on the consumer side (crappy blu ray / HD-DVD performance) tells me it's not worth jumping into it at my level."

I don't know what you might mean of this so called coming "HD Revolution" but the fact is HD is here now. I see you asked a moderator to remove this post...but don't be suprised if you get the same type of answers.

But bottom line is...if a DVX is what you want...then why ask...just go and get one. The comment about the Canon A1 or something like the HV20 just tells me you can have the best of both words. HV20 if you don'y have a lot of cash to spend...A1 ifyou want to go more pro with pro features. I don't have one myself but have you seen the pictures this thing makes? So for the same price of the DVX...why not mention it?