Second Camera Recommendations

P

Patrick

Member
Hello all,

I have a DVX100a and it's a great camera, but I am thinking of getting an second small camera that I could use in situations I don't want to bring the DVX into.

As an example, I am thinking about doing some shooting on the long backcountry sea kayaking trips that I do. Something like the Panasonic GS300 would be perfect for this as it isn't too expensive, it's small and it's a 3 chip camera with an image quality that would complement(?) the DVX's.

So of course I'm looking at waterproof pen cameras like the Viosport H20 (http://www.viosport.com/store/customer/ourgear.php?page=ach2o_overview). Really nice little multi-purpose that can be used as a helmet cam etc. Unfortunately, the GS300 doesn't supprt LANC so lack of remote control is a little annoying. What I'd end up doing is running the Viosport to a drybox containing the camera.

Anyway, I'd love some advice on a second camera. There are *so* many models out there now I am getting overloaded. This is what I'd like:

-Inexpensive (<$700)
-Small
-Long battery life
-Video-in
-High quality picture (3 chip or nice single)
-Waterproof (ok, I'm not really expecting that, but a guy can dream)

Thanks!
Thanks!
 
Look for an older higher end minidv. I bought the GL1 when it came out so that has become my "2nd" camera, but in order to digitize footage shot w/ it you have to play it back from that camera. I think the heads become mis-aligned or something because the same thing happens w/ a friend's GL1 & 2 so I think it's inherent. But still-if lit properly it produces some very nice images. Also it shoots anamorphic like the 100A.
 
I've always been partial to panasonic pv-dv953 my self. small, 3 chiper and uses same bats as the dvx.
 
I was always thinkin I needed a 2nd small cam as well but due to cash it wwill have to wait lol. Are there any other small 3ccd cameras that use the DVX battery besides the pv-dv953? It's pretty hard to find information on those. panasonic doesn't really have all their cameras on their site.
 
I think the 953 was the last one to use the same. i know the dvc30 and the shoulder cams like the 15-20 use the same bats but not sure about the smaller ones.
 
bighouse said:
but in order to digitize footage shot w/ it you have to play it back from that camera. I think the heads become mis-aligned or something because the same thing happens w/ a friend's GL1 & 2 so I think it's inherent.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify that, it's not that the heads become mis-aligned, it's just that they are aligned differently from other cameras to begin with. For some reason Canon doesn't like to play with others, so their heads are slightly different than other cameras. You can record and play tapes back in the camera just fine, but you try using it in another camera or deck and you'll have problems. I've read more technical answers about this, but the short answer is that Canon has their heads aligned differently than everyone else.
 
I highly reccomend getting a used AG-DVC80....it look exactly like the DVX100 but without the 24P. If you are ever doing a two cam shoot ENG style...then you will look completely pro rather than having two mismatching cameras and trying to explain to your customer why...image is everything. A good used one you can find for aroun $1300...but they are hard to come by...people who bought them...love them.
 
I have an 80 myself and i love it. i saw one for sale at k&p video and one on ebay. ive thought of going with 2 dvc 30's to compliment my 80.
 
I'd go with the AG DVC30 myself--same batts, scene files, IR recording, and nice and small--you can take it anywhere. Also, rugged!
 
i was always interested in the dvc30 but i think that is still a lil too big. It would be good to have more of a came that is more of a "palmsize" but it can be a little bigger. I would probably take it to places where bigger cameras shouldn't go like, down a mountain on a snowboard and just for daily travels. also, when I bring my dvx or any type opf big cam around I always get hassled by people and security. I would like a cam that is to be a little bit more stealthy but still have decent video quality. I think the 953 is the best bet since it uses the dvx batts but maybe i should just spring for a gs400 and just buy new batts.

or maybe the dvc30 isn't as big as it seems? to me it still seems kind of big.
 
Yeah, the 30 is probably big for what you're wanting to do. In all, the battery difference for the 400 is not worth worrying about, IMO. It is smaller than the 953, too, which may be worth it to you. But, if you can find a good used 953, it's a great camera--I dearly loved mine.

(I hope you were able to wrestle something cogent out of that.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top