I have the money, I love film, should I get HVX?

[Saiaf]

I have the money and discover is offering me 6 months NO INTEREST. Should I buy this camera? I love to film so much. I'm making a series, 12 episodes. I was sure to get the DVX100b then i bumped into this. You can actually choose the frame rate on this camera?! is this for real? I saw some of your footage, its breathtaking. I don't know what to do.

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Yes. :)

[J.R. Hudson]

Not in the Framegrabs section you shouldn't.

[Brandon Rice]

YES... buy...

[Jared Meyer]

Not in the Framegrabs section you shouldn't.

:) rapier wit, John, rapier wit.

[donkathon]

Depends on the seller. Do you know its not a scam, or a Bait and Switch deal?

[Saiaf]

ya i've found a great deal from a very well rated compay called ZOOMMANIA. $4,249.

[Kdawg]

you need to start off a bit smaller. Buy the hvx and i'll trade you for my dvx

[Paul Coleman]

Yes. Pull the trigger.:Drogar-Evil(DBG):

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Errm, hold on a sec:

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller7895.html

[Jason Ramsey]

in my humble opinion, if the company is charging less than 5500 for the hvx, don't even bother. especially 4200? You should just buy from bhphotovideo.com at least you know you're gonna get the product. You get what you pay for, and sometimes you don't even get that. Why take a chance? 4200 or 5500 is a lot of money either way. That's my .25/cent
jason

[JY_Blue]

you'll find there are a lot of other elements necessary to making a film than the camera. i suggest starting smaller so you have room for audio, lights, tripod, etc. also the cost of hi-def will domino through your editing equipment. stick around and learn before taking such a plunge. best of luck.

[Blaine]

AbelCineTech = $5495
EVS = $5995
B&H = $5500

These are the prices you're going to find from a legitimate dealer. (No P2 card included)

[Kirk Gillock]

Don't buy it from Zoommania (what kind of name is that?) As Blaine pointed out there's no way they are selling the entire HVX package for under $5000. It is a bait and switch operation. They will charge you extra for the battery, lens cap, strap, manual, box, styrofoam, etc.

Buyer be scared.

[Saiaf]

I'm calling tommorow again, I won't pay until I'm possitive of everything. It got good reviews on BIZRATE.com

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Belive me I know how much you want that to be true but ...

... it would behoove one, however, to listen to people with thousands of posts and no ulterior motives :)

http://www.epinions.com/content_142699826820
"Overall I am very disappointed and feel cheated by this purchase. I agree with other reviewer that feel they got caught in a "bait and switch" scam. Avoid shopping at Zoommania.com if you care for your money."

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller7895-p1-s1-d2.html
"Tried to purchase Canon Pro 1 soon as they found out I didn't want a huge package the camera became unavailable. BAIT AND SWITCH Bunch of rats. Said 2 weeks before available maybe that is if not discontinued"

"Another bait-and-switch business. The camera they ship is legit and not grey market, but they require you to purchase a ridiculously over-priced kit with your order. If you call later to dispute, they say order has already shipped (when it has not). Avoid this company. If the price is too good to be true, that's because it is. By the time you add the cost of the kit, you'll spend more than at a reputable vendor like B&H or Adorama."

There are some reviews on the second link that refute the above, but where there is smoke there is fire I say.

Buy from an authorized Panny Dealer, you will read no such reports on B&H, EVS, or ABEL.

I bought on Ebay from a seller with lots of sells, who had been a member for several years, who had a 100% positive rating.

Much better off holding out for that if you are tight on cash than doing one of these switch scam shops.

Best,

Jack

[when i was young]

Run, do not walk......








Away from that deal.

[Saiaf]

thats it jack, you guys have convinced me. Damn it! I'll shop around some more i guess.

[Lakmir0]

I agree with JY_Blue...find something cheaper and leave some room for a shooting budget. It will be much funner than having a camera that you cant do anything with other than shoot the grass growing.

[capitalP]

It will be much funner than having a camera that you cant do anything with other than shoot the grass growing.


LOL! You've just described my first month with the DVX

[Lakmir0]

Yeah, I say that because I also knew the feeling when I had an XL2

[nycfilmmaker]

go to the panasonic site and check out authorized dealers then compare prices. BH is pretty pricey 5995, try roscor in chitown think it's 5500

hvx is worth every penny and then some

[Saiaf]

Guys, my point is I have money for a budget though. I have a great editing program, dedicated actors, scripts, etc. All I need besides this wonderful HVX are some lights. I mean why pay 3,199 for a dvx....when..........like if I'm already up there at the top of the list spending, shouldn't I put down an extra two grand for the best one in the world?

[Lakmir0]

Because that 2 grand could get you some phat sound too.

I think too many indies neglect the importance of sound in their projects. At least in the beginning til they realize the whole thing stinks because the sound sucks. Not a problem if you only use DVX for stratch track but I wouldnt trust any prosumer cams sound for final product. A DAT would be much better IMO.

[JY_Blue]

(just my opinion) because it is probably $2k (more actually) that you do not need to spend. that camera is not going to make a great film, your intelligence, hard work, attention to the big picture and ability to absorb and learn will be other important factors in your efforts develop a good product.

it is a great camera for the pricepoint, as is a used dvx100(a,b) which you could pick up for somewhere between $3-4k less. But the hvx is far from one of the best cameras on the market. that is no knock and I'd love to have one, just don't think the attention you are currently giving it will best prepare you for the task at hand.--

best of luck and look forward to hearing of your progress.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Because that 2 grand could get you some phat sound too.

I think too many indies neglect the importance of sound in their projects. At least in the beginning til they realize the whole thing stinks because the sound sucks. Not a problem if you only use DVX for stratch track but I wouldnt trust any prosumer cams sound for final product. A DAT would be much better IMO.
Totally agree on the fact that most people overlook audio.

I'll even go so far as to say that it's more important than video, because we will accept a lo-fi image as an artistic. grungy choice, but bad audio is always bad audio.

However ... I think a DAT maybe over kill at this level of production vs. recording direct to cam.

I have never had any problem recording direct to cam. THe only audio problems I have ever had are the usual ... clothing scratching against body mics, wind, airconditioning that you can shut off.

Use headphones and watch your levels and you will be fine.

A DAT will give you 24 bit sampling, but the DVX records at higher than CD quality 16bit/48khz, vs 16bit/44.1 khz and has fine and dandy XLR inputs with plenty of input control.

I'd concentrate on getting good mics to capture the best sound possible. Better mics at and the ability to get close to the sound will sound better at 16 bit than recording to DAT. Plus now you have to slate and sync in post ... not worth the 8 bits of information that you will never notice anyway, IMHO.

Spend
$500 on a g2 lav system
$700 on a g2 lav system with the wireless boom mic plug combo
$500 - $1500 on a great boom mic
$50 - $150 on a boom poll
$50 on a shock mount
$10 on an adaptor that lets you move the shock mount from the boon to the shoe mount easily
$30 on a light shoe adaptor that will let you have 2 wireless receivers attached to your camera

And already you are at 2K to 3k ...

...before you even think about a DAT which I wouldn't use even if I had one laying around, unless of course I had a whole department or dedicated individual other than me overseeing location sound and syncing it for me in post. Otherwise, a DAT is just not worth it for more guerilla stuff, especially for the price and added work vs. barely perceivable increase in quality.

[Psynema]

4200? Run. That's barely enough for certain DVX100B packages.

Do you even have the hardward to edit in ProHD- keep that in mind pricewise. And can you deliver the final product on a HD DVD/Blue Ray? And will your credit limit cover outfitting the camera with batteries, P2 cards, card readers etc. Otherwise you'll be spending $6K making SD videos.

Just my 2 cents LOL - by the time HD is the standard, the HVX will be 3-5 years old.

Frankly I'd just get the 100b and save the extra 2.5 grand for lighting, accessories, mics and other necessary supplies that'll last you 20 years.

Not to sound too negative - I just am wary of buying HD cameras this young in HD's lifetime - I don't even think HDV will exist a few years from now and ProHD has some work to do to become an economic standard.

Hell for 6 grand I could get an eclair or arri and a buttload of Super16 and it'll look even better - at least I know the camera will be useful for a lifetime.

[donkathon]

4200? Run. That's barely enough for certain DVX100B packages.

Do you even have the hardward to edit in ProHD- keep that in mind pricewise. And can you deliver the final product on a HD DVD/Blue Ray? And will your credit limit cover outfitting the camera with batteries, P2 cards, card readers etc. Otherwise you'll be spending $6K making SD videos.

Just my 2 cents LOL - by the time HD is the standard, the HVX will be 3-5 years old.

Frankly I'd just get the 100b and save the extra 2.5 grand for lighting, accessories, mics and other necessary supplies that'll last you 20 years.

Not to sound too negative - I just am wary of buying HD cameras this young in HD's lifetime - I don't even think HDV will exist a few years from now and ProHD has some work to do to become an economic standard.

Hell for 6 grand I could get an eclair or arri and a buttload of Super16 and it'll look even better - at least I know the camera will be useful for a lifetime.

Well said. I read a lot about the HVX, and I know I wouldnt be able to handle it. The money for all the P2 cards, the Firestore to store the video, the sound equipment, and ESPECIALLY the lighting. HD shows everything, so lighting will be key.

[Saiaf]

Alright guys, I've read and re-read your comments many times, have gone to other threads and shopped around to finally come to a decision. You men are quite wise, putting a lot of money down on PRO HD editing software and having to light a scene more than usual (because hvx catches EVERYTHING) are the main factors of me not wanting to buy it. I have just placed my order on the dvx100b from a very good company on ebay, I am so excited and cannot wait for its arrival. Thank you guys so much, I will use the extra money for audio equipment. The suggestions of what Jack Stanley wrote a few posts up look nice, if you guys have any other audio suggestions you'd like to tell me I'd be extremely grateful. I was planning on spending $400-$1000 for audio.

[JY_Blue]

not to alarm you, but my impression is that the words "ebay" and "camera" do not play nice together. what company specifically?

[robotriderdh]

I tried to purchase a panasonic pv-gs400 on an ebay site, without much knowledge of the seller. the item caught my eye particularly because he was offering it brand new for $700 (which is rediculous, as most others were from $1000-$1200). i almost went through with the purchase until i asked the seller where he/she was located and by wat method i was going to pay him by. he said that he was located in california and that i would use paypal. i searched through his records to find that he was from romania (which explained his oddly broken languge) and that i was to use a digital money transaction.... :furious3:


I backed out quickly after that, only to find out a week later that my friend had been scammed by teh same seller, and lost $800 for a camera that he was trying to get... be careful, that's all i'm saying.


in my humble opinion, if the company is charging less than 5500 for the hvx, don't even bother. especially 4200? You should just buy from bhphotovideo.com at least you know you're gonna get the product. You get what you pay for, and sometimes you don't even get that. Why take a chance? 4200 or 5500 is a lot of money either way. That's my .25/cent
jason



i agree completely. i bought my GL2 from B and H, and have gotten great support and got exactly what i payed for.

[Saiaf]

No this is a really good company known as ENR electronics. I've bought quite a bit of things from them in the past and they're perfect. One day shipping free. 5 year warranty on everything, labor, cleaning, transferable. Comes with extra battery, 2 lens, hard cover case, soft cover case, cleaning kit. They have 98% possitive rating from over 25,000 people who bought from them. Talked to the customer service, extremely helpful, so it's going good. It arrives tommorow. And if for any reason I don't like the camera I can return as long as I haven't done anything to it. final price is $3,496.97

[JY_Blue]

as long as you understand that you're most likely getting a grey market camera and the accessories will be junk. all in all not a disaster as long as you get the camera, but you will probably be a victim of deceptive or false advertising.

[Kyle Stebbins]

ah man, i almost purchased my dvx100b from Abes of Maine... a huge scam store located in Brooklyn. The price was 3,069.99 --> i did my research. Too many people lost money with the store, no way was I giving them over $3000. I visited Panasonic.com, found an official Panasonic dealer nearby (Video Services of America), and they found me the DVX100BP for $3231. I told them I could give them a cash sale to the amount of $3200, and they did their job. I pick up the camera in two weeks, and that is when I pay for it... when it's in my hands. Abes of Maine was going to charge me $99 for a tripod thats worth $21 everywhere else!! Be careful, that's my advice. Do your research. Just google the name of the store along with the word "scam" -- thats your best bet. Or go to bizrate.com

[Saiaf]

Now it arrives tommorow and everything went well. The transactions and what not, but lets say, for the sake of argument, how will I know if its grey market? Are the words all in japanese or something? Will it not work on some t.v.'s or computers? How does that play out?

[JY_Blue]

if it is grey market it will work fine. same camera. just not same guarantees and extra goodies. no us warantee and no whatever panasonic is giving away these days to guide people away from grey market stuff.

[Saiaf]

The camera has arrived with 3 batteries, 2 chargers, a 150 watt light, tripod, hard case, and 5 year parts, labor, transferable and cleaning warranty. Lens cleaner, 5 tapes, 2 head cleaners, and 2 lens (wide and something else). All this came for the 3,449 price. I have also placed an order on a 12 foot crane which shall also arrive soon. If any of you live in Arizona (mesa), I'll be more than glad to work with you and let you borrow my new beauties. Thanks to you guys for leading me the right way, sometimes I'm not too suprised by my own stupidity about how to buy things, but you guys kept repeating what you believed and I appreciate that. Now comes audio. Any suggestions for booms ranging from $300-$900?

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Alll you need to know:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=27879
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?f=29

[Saiaf]

Jack thank you so much, thats very helpful and informative. I'm gonna read it all so I can come up with a decision within the week. I appreciate it man.

[creativeye]

make sure its an authorized dealer, or else panasonics warranty is not in tact. speaking from experience, bought a p2 card off ebay had to go through hell to get it replaced after it broke.

[insanityfw]

Saiaf,

Mesa? I live in Gold Canyon. Before you buy any other gear please contact me. I sold my DVX, but still have access to it, but I have just about everything else.

You sound a little green when it comes to production, but maybe i can lend you some kind of service. I don't usually like to loan out my gear, but I've got enough to make a nice, indie feature and most of the time it's just sitting around.

As for some of the gear I have:

3000watts of lights
Bogen tripod
Provista tripod
Azden boom mic (OK, but not great)
Audio Technika wireless mic
Cobra Crane 2+
Magiqcam Steadicam (this thing rocks)
Rowe Cine dolly
High-hat Dolly
6 C-stands
Sandbags
ditty bag
flags
and various other things.

Get in touch if you're interested in talking about what you've got coming up.

Later,

Jason