Very seriously considering a DVX100b - QUICK, talk me into an A1!

[MikeZas]

Ready, go?!?

But seriously, while I love high definition, when it comes to strictly standard definition viewing, I prefer the DVX's image to the A1's.

$3000 is already pushing my price fronteir, and I'd really love to keep the $1000 in my pocket, or buy a nice tripod and a mic.

I also love to color correct the hell out of everything, so (and I might be getting this totally wrong), the DVX's improved lattitude and less compressed image might be good for me, right?

I'm already very framilar with the DVX100, and have used a 100a extensivley, wheras the A1 is uncharted waters.

At the same time, I, like everyone, love big giant pictures. And the DVX is such an old camera...It's a tough call - I'd really love to hear what A1 fans would have to say, because I don't want to regret getting a DVX, thinking I should have gone the extra mile. If it helps, I'll be shooting a pretty even mix of videography and short films.

[prodigywookie]

get an a1 and use color correction.. ive already messed around with the clips provided by kaku, and it is just amazing.. the color you can get out of it.
I also think the a1 is a better investment.

thats just my opinion

[MikeZas]

This topic now has a brother over at: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=749820#post749820

Which basically elaborates on my situation and adds a few options, like a used DVX100a or b. But I still want to hear what the A1ers think.

[Kholi]

These threads are totally useless. Why should anyone have to TALK you into a camera purchase? GO out and explore and read and figure out what you want to do with your money.

Geez.

[MikeZas]

They're not useless at all, thank you very much. I'm always interested in why people make the decisions they make, particularly when they are decisions that I have to make myself. I've done plenty of my own reasearch and thinking, but that doesn't change the value of advice. No matter how much of your own research you do, there's always someone that knows more, and, much as I'd like to be the reigning expert on all things XH-A1, I'm not. Specifically speaking, even though there have been lots of hints of why the A1 is better than the DVX on these forums, I have yet to see a place that actually elaborates on them. Thus, my thread.

And saying "Talk me into purchasing..." was basically just a different way of saying "What's so great about..." Figure of speach, ya know?

[rawfa]

I don't know if you do professional work or if you want a camera just for personal projects. If you need it for professional work I would buy the A1 for sure. I have A LOT of clients requesting HDV. If you only need it for your own personal projects and the budget is not much I would get a second hand dvx100 for 1600$

[henry cho]

for what its worth, here's my 2 cents. i pre-ordered an a1 for the following reasons:

hdv may be a medium that's not going to be around forever (so is every other medium i can think of, so i never understood that argument), but the output video isn't. the best xlh1 footage i've seen, hdv and all, is TIMELESS.

the hdv cams shoot native widescreen, the dvx's don't.

the canon hdv cams deliver superior resolution to anything else out there even close to their price point.

the hdv cams can be downconverted to sd via firewire, and you automatically have tape backup of everything.

expounding on the last point, tape is cheap.

personally, i would have a hard time spending anywhere close to 3k for an sd cam at this point, but that's MY choice for MY reasons. however, i understand saving 1k is a big deal. my advice would be to consider your budget first, desired features second. Then purchase the camera thats best for YOU.

hope that helps.

[Elton]

Mike, if you can stretch to purchase the A1 you will simply have more versatility than a DVX could offer. If it's too much of a leap financially, get a used DVX and be happy.

From a videography perspective you will have more telephoto range, superior OIS, image controls and format options. From a filmmaking perspective you will have a camera capable of everything from excellent film-outs to stunning HD DVD's.

The bigger the screen, the better the A1 will look.

[Sean Michael]

I have a DVX100a. For my next camera, I'm looking at both the A1 and the upcoming Sony V1U. I'm leaning toward the Sony due to HDMI out, and the optional factory hard drive (plus, I already have some Sony hardware).

I got my hands on an A1 last week. It was a hand-built prototype. Overall, I really like the A1's form factor. I suspect that the A1 (and/or the V1U) will become the true successor to the DVX.

Honestly, my first reaction when seeing the A1 was, "What's this thing gonna do to DVX sales?" To me the extra cost is a no-brainer. The DVX is a great camera, but limited by SD. The image quality of properly displayed HD is stunning.

[Bogdan]

If $3k is your limit and you need a camera asap for your work, then go for DVX. Surely it will pay for itself and in a few months you will be considering HD cam with your pockets full o'money.

However, if you can wait, save extra $1.5k and get XH-A1. SD will be around for many years, but you know how it works... As soon as more people hear about and see HD in action, more and more people will be asking for it. It's in human nature to explore new territories, but A1 is not uncharted waters. It employs the same core imaging technology as Canon XL-H1 which proved to produce the most stunning images money up to $20k can buy*

I think Kholi was right to certain degree. This subject was beaten black and blue in many forums and threads. Exploring them would be probably the best idea, but final choice depends on how urgent this investment is for you.

* As of Oct 31 2006.

[Elton]

I remember how much I loved getting progressive 24p SD with the DVX just a few short years ago, and HD still seemed like a distant dream.

Now the choices are incredible for the money. How can anyone complain? Getting near-F900 quality for $4K? Insane.

I expect to see alot of HD at Sundance this year and the next...and fewer and fewer 16mm films.

"Affordable HD" is the new DV. :)