DVX102B Vs SONY PD170

[plainman007]

Whats the difference of pict quality between the DVX100 and a sony PD-170. I dont know if this is the right section. But i figured this is where the quality comparisions take place so i decided id post here. Your feedback would be helpful.

[Bezakor]

oo oo oo! let me answer um ..... ah, dont have a clue?. I just love my DVX sorry, you'll get a detailed answer soon, the guys here know thier s*%t!

[Plumhead]

I have a DVX 100B and a Sony DCR VX2100 (which is exactly the same as the PD170 except without the xlr mic) and the quality on the DVX is much higher than the PD170. If I am correct the ccd size on the PD170 is 1/4" while the DVX is 1/3". Another thing is that the DVX has the 24p feature on it which gives your product more of a film look while the PD170 does not. I hope that this helps.

[Policar]

Both have 1/3'' CCDs. In different situations, each is better. It depends what you want it for, but the dvx is better for most situations, imo.

[epsilonbass]

The general consensus seems to be that both are pretty decent cameras. However the documentary types seem to prefer the PD170 where as the indie shorts and features types like the DVX100. I know sometimes its hard to do this, but your best bet would be to try both cameras. But honestly you will most likely love which ever camera you get, neither should be dissapointing.

[Vampiresoup]

The DVX is better Id say just for the wealth of information you can get off this website. People will still help you with the pd170 of course but there are so many dvx users here that are willing to help that it is almost a dealmaker.

[plainman007]

I am also leaning towards the DVX only. But i want to shoot mostly live events. Also i will want to run what is happening live to a projector with a giant screen so that the audience will get a closer view (face shots etc) of the performers on stage. Are all these possible ? With this scenario which cam would be more ideal.

Also in the DVX102B, will i be able to set up all the internal settings such as gamma etc. And then lock these settings allowing a not-so-experienced camera man to shoot the show zoom or some simpler functions ?

[Policar]

Get the new Canon. 4 grand, HDV, huge zoom range (20x wide angle).

[MalcolmOng]

Comparing the DVX and the PD170 alone, for your use of live event coverage, I'd say the sony wins because it has a better zoom, and since i doubt quality isnt much of a concern, it performs better in low light, imo. I've used both the sony pd and the dvx102b in a recent short that i shot, and one of the scenes was set at night. We hadn't thought to bring lights as the shoot was supposed to have wrapped two hours earlier. Anyway, the sony was a clear winner in low light performance thanks to its massive gain(i hated the noise, but in the position i was in, it was more important to just get the picture)

I felt the DVX was a more ergonomic camera as the sony was front heavy due to a heavy lens assembly, which was rather irritating to me. However, if shooting short films is your primary concern i'd say that the dvx wins by a mile - I never really understood what people meant by the over enhanced edgy 'video' look until i compared footage by the DVX and the PD170.

If you dont absolutely have to get those two cameras, then i'd say maybe get a canon XL1 or 2, as the 20X zoom is massive, and seems pretty useful for you. Policar's got a good suggestion too, with the new canon hi def cam if its within your budget

-mal

[plainman007]

We wont need much of zoom. Its a stage illusion act. So more of hand shots etc for the close up magic sequences. Other than that we need to shot music video styled magic sequences that look very movie like, so that they will be projected on giant screen. We are also looking at producing tele-episodes for satellite tv broadcast and retail dvds. Most of our earlier shows were shot on sony PD170. The low light scenes have too much noise and grain. Exactly like you said, edgy and videoish. The dark areas seem to be showing a running noise kinda thing. Like an ond vhs tape. In your last line you said

"I never really understood what people meant by the over enhanced edgy 'video' look until i compared footage by the DVX and the PD170"

Can u elaborate more on that...which of them had the edgy video look and which didnt ? i cant make out from that line !