reddevil
11-04-2003, 06:47 PM
For starters, I am also new to the web site, but up front I would like to thank everyone for your expertise in camcorder info. For the past several weeks I have been researching the purchase of a high-end camcorder and need your help.
I will be primarily using this camcorder to videotape sporting events (mostly indoors...high school basketball in particular). I will also be downloading the video onto my computer in order to edit various segments into a highlight tape. Additional use of this camcorder will be at weddings and other indoor events.
At one point, I started looking @ the JVC GR-HD1 camcorder, but recently have started leaning more towards the Panasonic AG-DVX100. As I understand, both have a progressive scan which is important in taping sporting events, but I am concerned with the (1) ccd and poor low-light rating on the JVC camcorder.
The more I research the Panasonic AG-DVX100, the more excited I get about buying one. Am I on the right track, or should I be looking @ another make or model. Obviously, it would make sense to wait for the "possible" upgrade of the Panasonic, but I think the AG-DVX100 offers more than enough features than I will ever need.
I would also appreciate any help with accessories (IE filters, battery types, lens, etc.). Sounds like the lens on this camcorder is very suitable for my needs, but I would also like your impression(s) of the lens itself.
Bottom line, is this the right camera for me. If it is, is this the time to purchase it, or should I wait another month or so and see what else may be offered.
Thanks in advance for your help.
« Last Edit: 5:37pm Today by reddevil » IP Logged
Flintstone
DVXuser Full Member
Frederic Segard
Gender:
Posts: 82
Re: What camcorder should I buy?
« Reply #1 on: 5:44pm Yesterday » Quote Modify
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First of all, in my opinion, if you want to shoot fast action sporting events, then you'd want to shoot in 60i. On the other hand, if you want to capture the action for post analysis, then your better off shooting 30p. As for weddings, you have your choice of 60i, 30p, or 24p, that depends on the look you want.
Secondly, if you get the GR-HD1 and shoot in HD 720p, how will you distribute your HD material? Other then D-VHS and Windows Media 9 HD encoded material; there are no other distributable media on the consumer market right now. There are 2 things going against this cam at the moment, number one being a first gen cam, and number 2, it is equipped with only 1 CCD. I have heard from reviewers that the quality of the imagery is acceptable. I don't know about you, but I am not interested in acquiring any sort of expensive gear that is only "acceptable". The HDV standard is not fully implemented yet, and I believe there will be some important developments in HDV announced at NAB2004, and quite possibly a varied assortment of HDV compliant devices marketed by fall 2004. The fact of the matter is, there are no certainties yet, and DV is here to stay for many more years to come. Whatever the outcome of HDV, the Panasonic DVX100 will always have its place, the quality is impressive, and its flexibility is bound only by your imagination. Besides, the HDV standard doesn't support 24p... something to think about!
Oh! And did I mention the DVX100 is cheaper? Also, if you want CineForm’s AspectHD plugin for Adobe Premiere to edit in HD (because the software that comes with the HD1 is very basic), it will set you back $1200US… something else to think about.
IP Logged
24Peter
Respected Member
DVXuser Full Member
Posts: 141
Re: What camcorder should I buy?
« Reply #2 on: 7:51pm Yesterday » Quote Modify
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The DVX is a great camera - but it may or may not fit certain of your needs. IMO, the 10X zoom really limits you for sports events and perhaps things like weddings (e.g., if you're not allowed to tape close to the "action".) The wide angle aspect of the lens is nice but I really miss a longer zoom at times. The other thing to consider which may affect your ability to shoot in both the above settings is lack of auto focus in progressive mode. This may be remedied by the next gen DVX but right now it is a consideration - esp. if you haven't shot a lot with manual focus. My suggestion is see if you can rent a DVX for a weekend and give it a spin to see if it works for you. Videography Magazine's review of the JVC HD-1 was very favorable, but Flintstone's points are well taken. There's also the issue of editing software for the MPEG-2 compression. At the end of the day, the Canon GL-2 maybe the best (and cheapest) option, though I'm not sure if the Canon's "frame mode" is truly a progressive scan image.
(BTW - welcome to the forum! But I'm not sure this posting belongs under "Latest DVX News" )
IP Logged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Give me the DVX Click - or give me death"
I will be primarily using this camcorder to videotape sporting events (mostly indoors...high school basketball in particular). I will also be downloading the video onto my computer in order to edit various segments into a highlight tape. Additional use of this camcorder will be at weddings and other indoor events.
At one point, I started looking @ the JVC GR-HD1 camcorder, but recently have started leaning more towards the Panasonic AG-DVX100. As I understand, both have a progressive scan which is important in taping sporting events, but I am concerned with the (1) ccd and poor low-light rating on the JVC camcorder.
The more I research the Panasonic AG-DVX100, the more excited I get about buying one. Am I on the right track, or should I be looking @ another make or model. Obviously, it would make sense to wait for the "possible" upgrade of the Panasonic, but I think the AG-DVX100 offers more than enough features than I will ever need.
I would also appreciate any help with accessories (IE filters, battery types, lens, etc.). Sounds like the lens on this camcorder is very suitable for my needs, but I would also like your impression(s) of the lens itself.
Bottom line, is this the right camera for me. If it is, is this the time to purchase it, or should I wait another month or so and see what else may be offered.
Thanks in advance for your help.
« Last Edit: 5:37pm Today by reddevil » IP Logged
Flintstone
DVXuser Full Member
Frederic Segard
Gender:
Posts: 82
Re: What camcorder should I buy?
« Reply #1 on: 5:44pm Yesterday » Quote Modify
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First of all, in my opinion, if you want to shoot fast action sporting events, then you'd want to shoot in 60i. On the other hand, if you want to capture the action for post analysis, then your better off shooting 30p. As for weddings, you have your choice of 60i, 30p, or 24p, that depends on the look you want.
Secondly, if you get the GR-HD1 and shoot in HD 720p, how will you distribute your HD material? Other then D-VHS and Windows Media 9 HD encoded material; there are no other distributable media on the consumer market right now. There are 2 things going against this cam at the moment, number one being a first gen cam, and number 2, it is equipped with only 1 CCD. I have heard from reviewers that the quality of the imagery is acceptable. I don't know about you, but I am not interested in acquiring any sort of expensive gear that is only "acceptable". The HDV standard is not fully implemented yet, and I believe there will be some important developments in HDV announced at NAB2004, and quite possibly a varied assortment of HDV compliant devices marketed by fall 2004. The fact of the matter is, there are no certainties yet, and DV is here to stay for many more years to come. Whatever the outcome of HDV, the Panasonic DVX100 will always have its place, the quality is impressive, and its flexibility is bound only by your imagination. Besides, the HDV standard doesn't support 24p... something to think about!
Oh! And did I mention the DVX100 is cheaper? Also, if you want CineForm’s AspectHD plugin for Adobe Premiere to edit in HD (because the software that comes with the HD1 is very basic), it will set you back $1200US… something else to think about.
IP Logged
24Peter
Respected Member
DVXuser Full Member
Posts: 141
Re: What camcorder should I buy?
« Reply #2 on: 7:51pm Yesterday » Quote Modify
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The DVX is a great camera - but it may or may not fit certain of your needs. IMO, the 10X zoom really limits you for sports events and perhaps things like weddings (e.g., if you're not allowed to tape close to the "action".) The wide angle aspect of the lens is nice but I really miss a longer zoom at times. The other thing to consider which may affect your ability to shoot in both the above settings is lack of auto focus in progressive mode. This may be remedied by the next gen DVX but right now it is a consideration - esp. if you haven't shot a lot with manual focus. My suggestion is see if you can rent a DVX for a weekend and give it a spin to see if it works for you. Videography Magazine's review of the JVC HD-1 was very favorable, but Flintstone's points are well taken. There's also the issue of editing software for the MPEG-2 compression. At the end of the day, the Canon GL-2 maybe the best (and cheapest) option, though I'm not sure if the Canon's "frame mode" is truly a progressive scan image.
(BTW - welcome to the forum! But I'm not sure this posting belongs under "Latest DVX News" )
IP Logged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Give me the DVX Click - or give me death"