Hate to do it but....Which camera?

[CNewstetter09]

I have about a 2k budget for a camera and need to know what I should be looking at. Maybe a used DVX100? How about the older XL1, VX2000, etc? I found some deals on Sony A1U in my price range but haven't been able to find ANY footage taken on it and I'm not sure if it's what I'm looking for. I'd like to be able to get a decent look on it (not like local commercials around here that look and sound like crap). 24p would be nice, as I've heard that gives a nice "film look", but if there are other, more reasonable options out there I'd like to hear them.



Thanks for the help , guys.

[Joshua Provost]

If you want 24p, then a used DVX it is! There really aren't any other cameras in the price range that will give you 24p.

The new Canon HV20 does 24p and HD for around $1200, but at the cost of some easy to use manual controls, XLR audio, and other pro features.

[MakeshiftKnight]

Personally, I would go with the standard DVX-100. I've used all of the above mentioned and nothing seems to come close the DVX. For one the compression ratio for the DVX is 4:2:2, which is far better then any of the others which stand at 4:1:1. Basically what I'm saying is that the colors are going to be much more vibrant and "film like" then any other prosumer camera. Unless you're looking to go HD or have enough money to go HD, I'd stick with the DVX.

The DVX also has some great gamma settings, which also give you that "film look"

[William_Robinette]

for the DVX is 4:2:2, which is far better then any of the others which stand at 4:1:1.


The HVX is 4:2:2, the DVX is 4:1:1 just like every single other Mini DV camera.