DVX-100A or wait for the XL2?

[Wrathington]

This is my first post after reading through this site over the past few weeks. I am amazed at the quality of footage created with the DVX and I finally have the cash to make the purchase. Unfortunately, with the XL2 in the on deck circle I am a little apprehensive to pull the trigger and snatch up the DVX. I have seen some test footage of the XL2 and it looks impressive but does it warrant such a hefty price tag?

If anyone had the cash to purchase a DVX now would you, or would you wait to see how the XL2 matches up?

Will the XL2 really sell at the list price $5,000.00 or do you think we will be able to pick it up for around $4500.00?

[Barry_Green]

XL2 will probably hover around retail price until the 3 years' worth of pent-up demand is satisfied.

Quality-wise I expect the XL2 to be a good performer. The question you need to answer is, how important is the long telephoto reach to you? And what's your overall budget? The XL2 is going to be $5,000, plus if you want a wide-angle lens that's another $1500, etc. But the DVX will never match the XL2 for long telephoto reach. But the DVX is $3400.

And how important is true manual control of the lens? The Canon's 20x lens is a servo-driven lens, something that would drive me batty. Can't live without the pure manual precision that the DVX zoom & focus rings provide.

[ChuckS]

If you have been reading this site for the past few weeks you know that’s a little like asking Mac or PC…

I do not own an XL1 or XL2, but from what I have seen and read it does not appear that the XL2 is noticeably better in any regard than the DVX100a – they seem to be comparable. As a developer of technology, I have a couple of stupid sayings, “never beta test with a customer you want to keep,” and “never be the first on your block to own a new technology.”

If you need something now and what you decide will affect your ability to make money, you cannot go wrong with the DVX100a. If you have the extra cash and this is not your day gig – get the XL2 and let us know how it goes…
:D

[Wrathington]

Thanks for the replies!

I guess another selling point of the DVX is that it already has a great support site in dvxuser.com.

Barry: If I do in fact purchase the DVX I will most likely purchase the anamorphic adapter as well as your guide. I was wondering if you have truly seen a 33% improvement in resolution when using the adapter correctly and in your opinion will the XL2 match up with the DVX in this category?

[alpi69]

as barry said with the little knowledge about the XL2 that we have the biggest difference is the lens.
you might be able to make some money with the DVX in the time you would be waiting for the XL2. and if you then need a telelens, you can always rent a XL2 for those shots in few weeks ....

[Barry_Green]

The XL2, resolution-wise, should match the DVX with the adapter. However, there's a lot more to picture quality than just raw resolution. I don't know if the XL2 would match the DVX/anamorphic combo, we can't know until we get an XL2 and put it through its paces.

If you can stand using the servo lens on the XL2, then it should be much easier to shoot 16:9 on it vs. the DVX/adapter, because there would be no worries about astigmatism, autofocus correction and minimum-aperture charts. But whether the footage holds up, that remains to be seen.

[HorseFilms]

I was in the same position. I had secured funding and had to make a camera choice. I opted for the DVX. It showed up on my doorstep 2 days ago and I'm extremely pleased with my decision.

[Michael Summers]

its a beautiful camera, and if you're an indie filmmaker, i highly reccomend the dvx, because we all know how far 1600$ can go.
(lets see.. anamorphic adapter... me66... and a nice tripod)

[ransom]

I would echoe what ChuckS said about being the first to own a new technology or new device. I would also venture to say almost all new electronic devices of this complexity will have problems when released. Most probably minor but who knows. At the very least I would wait 6 months before buying. Most manufacturers routinely update the firmware months after first release to correct problems and the public usually has no idea. Unless you know how to check the firmware version.

[Zoomforce]

I myself am buying another DVX next month.. dont mess with something that works I guess.

[Michael Summers]

does anyone think that the xl2 will have the same red problem that the dvx has?i absolutly hate it. when its not lit right, its a big problem. bigger even than the crappy viewfinder.

[scharky]

does anyone think that the xl2 will have the same red problem that the dvx has?i absolutly hate it. when its not lit right, its a big problem. bigger even than the crappy viewfinder.

Most likely yes, as it is not a problem with the camera, it is the DV codec. *I on the other hand don't look at it so much as a problem, it is quite easy to fix in post, and I really can't complain about the vibrant colors that this camera captures.

[Aejaz]

and please...don't overlook the ergonomics comparatives of the two cams.

For me it is a more important consideration than the price.

I dont like shoulder mount cams. it is just a Q of personal choice.

[Guest]

Considering I don't own a DVX of any flavour and it will be awhile b4 I can buy either a DVX or XL2...

I would go for the XL2 body, and then buy the 16X Manual zoom lens for it. Sounds like a great combo to me. Pricer than a DVX100A with an Anamorph? Yes, but then 16X9 with full telephoto capabilities. And manual focus. All that with 24P, and we are talking beautiful, filmic, image.

Geoff

[Barry_Green]

Except you would have no access to autofocus ever, or image stabilization. Other than that, yes it does sound like a good combo.

[Antoine_Fabi]

i think that If the image quality is as good as the DVX100a (color and dynamic range) and IF the 3X lense is sharp enough, than it will be a very serious and flexible tool.

now do you know when someone independant will test it for real ?