DVX100a or Canon XH A1???

[emoo124u]

Okay, so I have a hypothetical question to ask everyone, and this is really important to me so here goes!: Let's say I have exactly $3000. Do I: 1. save up and buy the XH A1, or 2. buy the DVX100a for $2100 and buy accessories (a $800 35mm adapter + $100 lens)?

I already have a tripod, and lighting, so I dont need to buy those "essentials".

Thank you soooooo much for your help! :dankk2:

[ryan brown]

You should make this thread a "poll" so people can vote.

If these are the only options, I'd say A1. But if it were me, I'd wait till after NAB (april) and see if there's any new options added to the lineup (or at least a price drop or rebate or...?)

[moviemaker999]

Keep in mind that hdv may mean computer upgrades. Canon xh a1 is hd and you may get more out of it than your dvx with a 35mm adapter. If you need something now, then buy now.

[macyfilms]

XHa1, without a doubt. you'll want the HD, once you've seen it...

[Jon Neely]

I was thinking that this thread was going to be really bias towards the DVX, and I was going to be the loner rooting for the A1, I'm not alone! Really the A1 can do everything the dvx can, just with a cleaner picture... I love my DVX, but if I could trade it for a A1, I would. But like was said up top, I'd wait till NAB, I think there will be a killer cheap line of pro cameras following the EX1, and they will be solid state!

Jon

[dory_breaux]

Yeah, at this point, wait till NAB. And like we discussed Jon, maybe the release of Scarlet will blow all of the HDV and P2 and SxS stuff so far out of the water that there prices will drop like a hos... whatever they wear.

[emoo124u]

Ok, so I found this site called Newegg, and I have heard about it. Does anyone know about this site? Is it ok to buy a camera from there? The DVX100B is listed for $2,300 and the XH A1 is listed for $2,900. Anyone have an idea?

[ryan brown]

Yes, Newegg is an authorized dealer, and I've only heard good things about them...

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

I buy all of my computer parts from Newegg, I have used them for the past 6 years and I have never ran into a problem.

[NashvilleActors]

I buy all of my computer parts from Newegg

Same here.

[emoo124u]

Though, the XH A1 comes "open-box" meaning it comes without accessories...what does that mean? is that why it is cheaper? how about the DVX, does it come that way too?

[Deepfocus88]

My vote is for the A1. You will want the HD capabilities like macyfilms said.
BUT! I've been checking out my old DVX100a footage lately. In retrospect, it's one great little camera.

[Noel Evans]

Id like to see a DVX replacement at NAB, somewhere around the 3-4k mark, in HD but still using CCDs. Id like a cheaper B camera to mix with the HPX than a HVX (which Ive never really liked anyway), without tape. I love the A1, but I am tired of capturing tapes.

I wouldnt care if it was a slightly more compressed format than DVCPROHD to make using solid state affordable. But, it must start out at at least 1440x1080.

If Canon reproduced the A1 withought any changes apart from a solid state option Id change over tomorrow.

If youre asking me as of right this minute. The A1.

[Noel Evans]

Id like to see a DVX replacement at NAB, somewhere around the 3-4k mark, in HD but still using CCDs. Id like a cheaper B camera to mix with the HPX than a HVX (which Ive never really liked anyway), without tape. I love the A1, but I am tired of capturing tapes.

I wouldnt care if it was a slightly more compressed format than DVCPROHD to make using solid state affordable. But, it must start out at at least 1440x1080.

If Canon reproduced the A1 withought any changes apart from a solid state option Id change over tomorrow.

If youre asking me as of right this minute. The A1. If you wait til NAB you may see something but Id suspect more like $4k not 3.

[weixiang623]

Comparing those 2 cameras are like comparing a Toyota Camry & Acura RSX, in some ways, the HD from the Canon XH-A1 jumped itself to a higher level from the Panasonic DVX. Definitely wait for NAB to increase your options, or invest in the Lexus SC-430... i mean the HVX =)

[moviemaker999]

How bout a porsche 911..I mean the ex1.

[dory_breaux]

Fuck it, just get the Mercialago. Uhhhhhhh RED.

[HorseFilms]

BUT! I've been checking out my old DVX100a footage lately. In retrospect, it's one great little camera.
Agreed. Everytime I look at DVX footage, it reminds me that I don't need to go HD anytime soon.

[weixiang623]

well, if you do decide to go DVX, here is a link of someone selling it for a fair price. He's from Canada, so might have to take a hit from shipping.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=122942

[KyleProhaska]

Just based on the fact your gonna spend 800 on an adapter and 100 (not enough) on a lens...get the A1.

[ddp]

Agreed. Everytime I look at DVX footage, it reminds me that I don't need to go HD anytime soon.

Same here. I've got much more of a want for HD then a need. My DVX is better at resolution then I am at using it......
Of course starting from scratch makes it a tougher choice I guess but I definitely don't feel the need to upgrade anytime soon. I'd rather put the cash into the add-ons.

[Adam J McKay]

I want to share with you all an interesting fact. I recently sold my Xh-a1 for a dvx100b. WHAT IS HE CRAZY? No, as far as im concerned the X-a1 isn't even really HD. Nor does it have true 24p. Making video look very choppy and digital. I also would have had to upgrade my computer in order to use it to its full potential.

One might argue that you can just shoot sd now and when HD becomes more affordable you will be set. Well my rebutle to that is the sd may look "better" on the Xh-A1 as it is native widescreen etc, but in no way does it have DVX low light performance or the smoothness of legitimate progressive scan frames. And when Hd becomes more affordable, through blu ray etc, 1080i just wont do it. The Xh-a1 doesn't even have 720p, it's 1080i or sd and frankly I would much rather 720p then 1080i, heck I would rather 480p then 1080i. Ya the Xh-a1 looks good, it is priced competitively, but in the grand scheme of things, I dont think it's going to hold up. I love my dvx and ultimately don't regret selling my Xh-a1 for it at all.

Don't know if this helped you at all, but just thought id share my experience.

So incase its not clear, Go dvxb with an adapter.

[robfilms]

i find myself in the same quandary, buy a used dvx100b (50 hrs-$1600-local) or a used A1 (100 hrs-$2500-local).

I have several upcoming productions. This one client has me adding talking head interviews to a piece shot "charlie rose" style 2 years ago. At that time, I shot the interviews and "b" roll with a dvx100a. Client was happy, the piece even won a CINE Golden Eagle. Now the client wants some additional talking heads and more "b" roll. Maybe they'll have me re-edit the original into a longer form or just make a 2nd version of the piece that won the award.

If I go out and buy the used dvx100b, i can effectively match the footage from the previous shoot.

If I buy the A1, I get 16x9 native (how well will 16x9 cut with 4x3 footage-so so at best?) I also can future proof with HDV.

The client receives sd dvds and I post to their website.

So, which way to go: dvx100b or A1?

Thanks in advance.

Be well

Rob

[Jason Ramsey]

Yes, Newegg is an authorized dealer, and I've only heard good things about them...

Newegg is NOT an authorized dealer of the DVX to be clear. They ARE a reputable company, and most everyone I've ever heard who bought a dvx from them received an authorized product, but they are not an authorized dealer, and there is no guarantee that you will receive an authorized product.

Later,
Jason

[agcohn]

Though, the XH A1 comes "open-box" meaning it comes without accessories...what does that mean? is that why it is cheaper? how about the DVX, does it come that way too?
"Open box" means that it is a return. Somebody bought the camera, opened up the box, decided they didn't want it, and returned it to Newegg. Unless they're specifying otherwise, the camera should still come with all of the accessories.

[flimflamfilms]

Ok, so I found this site called Newegg, and I have heard about it. Does anyone know about this site? Is it ok to buy a camera from there? The DVX100B is listed for $2,300 and the XH A1 is listed for $2,900. Anyone have an idea?

I bought my DVX100B from NewEgg in November and had absolutely no problems. They are an authorized dealer and I got the rebates and DVX books no problem. I'd recommend them based upon my experience and what I've read here.

Cheers

[bigbossbmb]

They are an authorized dealer and I got the rebates and DVX books no problem.

Did you ignore the post a few entries above you?

They are NOT an authorized dealer. They are a great company and I buy a lot of stuff from them, but they are not a Panasonic authorized dealer. That's good that you got the rebate, but they was no guarantee.

[flimflamfilms]

Did you ignore the post a few entries above you?

They are NOT an authorized dealer. They are a great company and I buy a lot of stuff from them, but they are not a Panasonic authorized dealer. That's good that you got the rebate, but they was no guarantee.

Yes, I stand corrected. What I should have written is that I did receive an authorized DVX from them- rebates and all. Perhaps I was lucky.

Cheers

[Adam J McKay]

go with the 100b. Footage will match better and the Canon xh-a1 isnt worth the money. I mean it is, but really, 1080i or Sd are your only options. So as far as future proofing goes, the A1 isnt your best option. Wait till NAB and see what people have to offer, because with the release of a bunch of new camera models, older models are bound to drop in price.

But don't get me wrong about the xh, it is indeed beautiful and will produce "better" images then alot of cameras but with it only shooting interlaced with a weird version of progressive, I would wait to "future proof" your gear.

[KeeganFlynn]

No, as far as im concerned the X-a1 isn't even really HD. Nor does it have true 24p. Making video look very choppy and digital.

What? The footage I shoot at 24F is every bit as smooth as the 24P out of a DVX or HVX.

[lucy lone dog]

Sorry, but what in sam does NAB mean. I know, it's probably a "duh", but oh well.. AND.. now I'M torn between the DVX and the XH A1. I was sold on the DVX.
This was a very eye opening Thread. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/Drogar-Shock%28DBG%29.gif

[thematthewbone]

NAB is an acronym for National Association of Broadcasters...but more importantly they host a big trade show in vegas where a lot of the new professional digital camerasget unveiled.

it takes place next weekend...and Red is releasing a new camera (Scarlet) and panasonic is also debuting their HD replacement for the DVX (HMC150).

which is why people are saying wait til we see the price points on those new cameras.

also a lot of new gadgets and gizmos show up. new jibs, dollies, etc. etc.

[JONJON]

Hey guys I'm sorta in the same boat. Do I buy the DVX 100b( with the rebate, book, magic bullet software) or the XH A1. I will most likely do weddings. My main concern is all I have is a HD LCD tv. I've watched some movies made with the dvx ( November, Out to Lunch) and "Out to Lunch" is the only one that comes alright. So my question is do i buy the dvx and learn how to use a prosumer camera and sell it in a year to upgrade to a better HD camera or get A1 to learn on and keep it for awhile?

[renegadewill]

It's not even progressive, if it ain't progressive it's nothing.