New DVX, what should i check for?

[mynamesbuck]

Just ordered it today after a long time deciding between that and the XL2. Just wondering what things i should check streight out of the box to make sure there are no manufacturing faults.
Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[PDX_DVX]

Check to make sure all the scene files are active, make sure your iris works. Check your ND filters. Check to make sure the LCD/EVF's work. Maybe roll some tape, and view it. Other than that, any problems will show themselves pretty quickly....

[HorseFilms]

Make sure that, when you tip it back and forth, it doesn't make a rattling sound.



Just kidding ;)

[mynamesbuck]

Thanks for the help!

[ericyoung]

The rattle should go away when the Power is on. If it doesn't there's something wrong with the Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS). :(

Check box hasn't been dropped heavily in transit before accepting the delivery. If it has, don't necessarily need to worry, as that is what packaging is for - to protect the contents from external shocks. But make a note describing box damage and that contents were NOT checked on the courier's sheet before signing it. ASAP check all the switches and controls operate smoothly and do what you expect (read the manual! ;D).

Check lens for dust BETWEEN the glass elements or scratches, and displays for scratches and dead or stuck pixels (most displays will be perfect but the specs allow for a small number of faulty pixels to be "acceptable" and not covered under warranty). Any dodgy pixels should not be visible on recordings, otherwise the fault is on the CCD sensors and camera should be replaced by supplier. Record and playback some footage to check picture and sound record and playback OK. Switch the mic inputs to external and plug in external XLR condensor mics and check they record and that the +48V phantom power works. Also check that the composite video output and audio outputs on RCA phono connectors behind the plastic covers work. Very useful for external monitoring.

Connect it via firewire to your NLE computer and check you can capture DV from, and export DV back, to tape.

Go out and shoot something, but insure it first!

Enjoy.

[mynamesbuck]

Thanks alot Eric.
I have been making films for a while now, and look foward to posting in this fine forum.