wedding video: dvx vs xl2

[mikecentola]

Hey all,

Wasn't sure where to put this so, I stuck it here...

We currently shoot wedding video with one DVX100A, and we're going to get another camera, and I can't really decide between another DVX or an XL2. I prefer to get the XL2 because of the native 16:9 which would be nice for some of the automotive media we do (thats our specialty).

Any thoughts either way?

Thanks in advance!

-Mike-

[David Jimerson]

Check the shootout in the articles section.

Other than that, it's all personal preference.

[TimurCivan]

its kind if funny, the DVX and the XL2 are a Yin / Yang like relationship. ones weakness is the others strength, In terms of form factor, size, weight, picture strengths.....

Its seriousyl just choice.

[mikecentola]

its kind if funny, the DVX and the XL2 are a Yin / Yang like relationship. ones weakness is the others strength, In terms of form factor, size, weight, picture strengths.....

Its seriousyl just choice.

yeah it seems just that! I think we'll go with the XL2, since it will be better for the 16:9 footage we'll be doing in the future :)

[HorseFilms]

And for event work like that, the extra zoom of the XL2 can be a major plus.

[J.R. Hudson]

You couldn't pay me to use an XL2 for any project.

[HorseFilms]

You couldn't pay me to use an XL2 for any project.

I'm with ya, but I didn't want to sound like the closed-minded bastard that I am.:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[J.R. Hudson]

Oh yeah.

I mean:

Use whatever your need's demand. http://67.19.129.138/mtf/images/smilies/bolt.gif

[Elvis]

O.K. Guys and Gals unless you are blowing up to film who really cares.
A small t.v. screen is a amall screen. You will never see the difference on a wedding DVD. Let alone a small indie film! 16:9 does not play, unless you are blowing it up to film!

[volcano]

Ultimate answer:
Me and Anakin with his XL2 :)

[mikecentola]

John and HorseFilms, What are your reasons for staying away from the XL2?

I read the entire shootout, and it seems like the XL2 is very good. Being that we are photographers as well, I like having the opportunity to put my EOS lenses on the cam.

[volcano]

What are your reasons for staying away from the XL2?
My personal reasons:
-Bad performance at low light...(Very grainy, especially for wedding videography during reception)
-Slow iris changing speed
-Bad audio design, bad sound recording...
-Heavy for awkward shooting angles, bad LCD design...
-Narrow lens, you gotta walk back to cover same area you would with DVX...
Advantages over DVX:
-16x9
-In telephoto(zoom in allthe way), you cant beat the clarity and sharpness of the image it produces...
-Slow shutter speed in 60i mode, great for broadcasting dance parties...
If you are gonna combine them(DVX and XL2) , make sure you white balance on the same card, or object...
It is easier in post when you use same cameras, however i had no problems succesfully matching DVX and XL2 footage...
In your case you might wanna consider investing into HVX200 as well.
You are gonna get 16x9 that seems the big deal for you, use as a matching minidv camcorder with DVX for your weddings, and stand alone hidef camcorder for your other interests..
Budget shouldnt be concern because you'll be spending $$$$ for an XL2 anyway...

[MiniMan]

Well, the XL2 is a lot cleaner in low light than the DVX, but it doesn't make it a better camera. :)

[volcano]

Well, the XL2 is a lot cleaner in low light than the DVX
That is what i heard as well, until i had a chance to use both and see for myself... It is a MYTH... Maybe i sohuld post some comparison frames to show it, but i am really busy with ton of things right now...

[J.R. Hudson]

The image and 24p of the XL2 just do not jive; it lacks the Mojo.

(Subjective it may be; but that's the story and I'm sticking too it)

[David Jimerson]

Make no mistake: JRH knows mojo.

[volcano]

Mojo

Mojo is from Black English, first recorded in the mid-1920s. It is common throughout the South. The earliest recorded usages are in reference to the blues and jazz music. The meaning has always been magic, charm, or amulet or more broadly the power and influence derived from such a supernatural source.

It is probably African in origin. Gullah (the dialect of the South Carolina Atlantic islands) has the word moco meaning witchcraft or magic. And the Fulani language of Africa has the word moco'o meaning a shaman.
Well, JRH did you know that?? ;))

[mikecentola]

My personal reasons:
-Bad performance at low light...(Very grainy, especially for wedding videography during reception)
-Slow iris changing speed
-Bad audio design, bad sound recording...
-Heavy for awkward shooting angles, bad LCD design...
-Narrow lens, you gotta walk back to cover same area you would with DVX...
Advantages over DVX:
-16x9
-In telephoto(zoom in allthe way), you cant beat the clarity and sharpness of the image it produces...
-Slow shutter speed in 60i mode, great for broadcasting dance parties...
If you are gonna combine them(DVX and XL2) , make sure you white balance on the same card, or object...
It is easier in post when you use same cameras, however i had no problems succesfully matching DVX and XL2 footage...
In your case you might wanna consider investing into HVX200 as well.
You are gonna get 16x9 that seems the big deal for you, use as a matching minidv camcorder with DVX for your weddings, and stand alone hidef camcorder for your other interests..
Budget shouldnt be concern because you'll be spending $$$$ for an XL2 anyway...


hmm, well I was looking at spending around $4000, which would cover either an XL2 or a DVX100B. If I wanted to get the HVX, it looks like I'd have to spend around $6000 to get started...

Its a tough decision indeed....

[KingVidiot]

Uh oh, it's back to the same old hardware wars.

"Let the cartoons... begin!"

[Elvis]

Being in the same position now. I would say go H.D. or nothing!!! Times are a changing fast!!!

[volcano]

well I was looking at spending around $4000, which would cover either an XL2 or a DVX100B. If I wanted to get the HVX, it looks like I'd have to spend around $6000 to get started...

Its a tough decision indeed....
HVX200 is $5400, which is only %30 more of your budget... Lets look at the risk ratio:
You spend $4000 now(XL2)+ $4000(for your first DVX) a total of $8000 ending up with 2 480 minidv camcorders.. When HD will be really accessible within 2-3 years, you wont have anything capable of producing HD, and will have to spend maybe $6000(?) to get a HD camcorder...Total you will be spending $14.000

You spend $5400 now(HVX) + 4000(for your first DVX) a total of $9400, and you will end up:
-2 matching 480 mini dv camcorders(HVX can be used in minidv mode by using tape)
-AN HD(uncompressed) camcorder that can be very well used for the next 4-5 years.
IN CONCLUSION, by spending extra $1400, you are actually SAVING $4600, assumed:
You want an HD(so you can get big bucks for more professional jobs),
-You donot want to do WEDDING VIDEOS for the rest of your life (well i dont ;))
Uh, maybe i am in wrong business! :)

[TimurCivan]

im really trying to work how to get an HVX200(a? hopefuly soon) for exatly that reason. Future proofing.

[J.R. Hudson]

Well, JRH did you know that?? ;))

Whoa ! :love4:

[mikecentola]

HVX200 is $5400, which is only %30 more of your budget... Lets look at the risk ratio:
You spend $4000 now(XL2)+ $4000(for your first DVX) a total of $8000 ending up with 2 480 minidv camcorders.. When HD will be really accessible within 2-3 years, you wont have anything capable of producing HD, and will have to spend maybe $6000(?) to get a HD camcorder...Total you will be spending $14.000

You spend $5400 now(HVX) + 4000(for your first DVX) a total of $9400, and you will end up:
-2 matching 480 mini dv camcorders(HVX can be used in minidv mode by using tape)
-AN HD(uncompressed) camcorder that can be very well used for the next 4-5 years.
IN CONCLUSION, by spending extra $1400, you are actually SAVING $4600, assumed:
You want an HD(so you can get big bucks for more professional jobs),
-You donot want to do WEDDING VIDEOS for the rest of your life (well i dont ;))
Uh, maybe i am in wrong business! :)

wow, very good point. Without getting too much off topic, how does the HVX200 compare to the JVC HD100U ?? There are a couple of good kits on B&H with a component deck as well. I guess with the HD200 coming out also, that is something I should consider....however, now I'm getting up to spending $8K+

[egproductions]

They all get the job done IMO. Everything has their ups and downs but they all work and nobody is gonna criticize you because no matter what you choose you can back it up with something. Just be grateful we have these options available, my father was telling me that under communism in hungary there was only one film camera available with fixed focal length and no aperture control (the shutter speed was dial with no numbers faster -slower) maybe the communists had it right (nobody argued who had the better camera) Yes some of these cameras suit some peoples needs better but in the end its the content that matters and all of these cameras have the capability to make something commercially presentable.

http://eden.rutgers.edu/~egabor/Transfer%20Folder/Forte.bmp