Advice on whether to get DVX or HVX based on my needs as a film student

marco0782

marco0782

Well-known member
I'm a film student at UCF and need to make a camera decision. Most if not all of my films will be screened from Mini DV tapes/DVD. I am leaning towards the HVX because of the variable framerates and the 4:2:2 color space which will make post easier for me, plus the downconversion will result in a clean image. However the HVX costs $2k more and I would have to use a student loan to make up the difference.

Is there anything else about the HVX that would make it a better choice if I am going to be screening in SD? Also, is the low light performance of the HVX a problem when compared to the DVX? Just how light sensitive is the DVX? I was impressed with low light footage from the XH-A1 but I'm not interested in that camera because of all the problems with the HDV format and I want the Panasonic CineGamma.

Thanks!
 
The cost difference between the DVX and HVX is probably greater than $2K once you figure in editing hardware/software upgrades that may be needed and archiving. If you create SD content, unless you absolutely need the unique features of the HVX, I'd stick with the DVX.

Regarding light sensitivity, the HVX is two stops slower than the DVX.
 
Thanks a lot for your info.

I'm on a MacBook Pro with a FW800 drive. I'm pretty sure that will be quick enough to edit DVCPROHD, right? Also, what is the battery life of the battery included with the HVX? Is it 5 hrs like the DVX100b?
 
Yes. the macbook pro will be fine. Battery life is a good 3 or 4 hours. depends upon whether you are using the LCD. The zoom motor, phantom powered mikes, etc.


Yes. it will be quite a bit more than 2k to get set up. I'd consider the canon HD.. or something else in that price range... up to 4k.

I'm in Orlando as well. have fun at UCF. Glad it's not fullsail. Yikes. 70k for a marginal education.. now theres a nice racket.
 
i have the dvx100b and love it, but if i could go back i think i would go with the hvx. you can always accessorize as you go, but when you do it's gonna set you back.

i'm waiting until i can "scrape" together about 10 grand. the hvx is gonna run around 6 grand depending on the p2 cards i get with it. add the 320 gig cineporter (which isn't out yet) for $3499 and with tax, and i'm right around 10 grand. and that's not including final cut studio and the mac i already have. of course, that's a pimped out camera. :)

but if you do go with the dvx, you won't regret it, and you won't have to take out the loan.

are you from orlando? i grew up in lakeland just up the street.
 
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You can pick up the 100 real cheap 2nd hand these days.

Buying new?
I'd think long & hard on the HVX.

The HVX has two major SD features over the 100.
1. Colorsampling (in DVCPRO 50)
2. Native 16:9 chip

But here comes the big question:
Will you be able to freelance some while @ school.

If yes:
Go HVX

If no
hm...
Don't buy the HVX. It will be outdated when you're finished.
-;)

Gunleik
 
don't spend all of your budget on a camera.
make sure you get good lights, good mics, good tripod, and what ever is left spend on the camera.

there is nothing worse than, shaky, dark shot's with inaudible audio

ian
 
ian hunter said:
don't spend all of your budget on a camera.
Click to expand...

that's a very good point.

also, since you're in o-town you can probably hook up with some full sail guys looking to build up an audio reel to do some sound work for you. i had a friend who went there about 10 or so years ago. way overpriced, but thanks to him going i got to play with lots of shiny things. :love4:
 
I'd look into a DVX100 second hand and then buy lights and a 35mm adapter. the SD will be easier on your hard drive space and when you upgrade in a couple years the lights and adapter will still be usefull. (Although I am waiting on a prosumer camera with a 35mm adapter built in to be released...)
 
When I was a student when the DVX was introduced. We all wanted it, mainly for the 24p. If I was a student now I would be the HVX for all its features.

Depends on how experienced you are, but if it is your first "real" camera, get the DVX, it has less formats for you to worry about, and since your final product is dv or dvd it's perfect. Hopefully it will be more time shooting and less about technicalities. DV works great on a mac. If you do a masterpiece you can transfer it to 35mm. I've seen it done with great results.
 
Dig around and find Barry's report on the latest canon camera vs the HVX. His conclusions were great and he ended up saying that at its price point the canon was pretty much a DVX beater.
 
Unless you need good low-light performance but not really HD -- then the DVX would still be a better choice.
 
Coming from a fellow film student (in the thick of things) it all depends on your financial situation. Because nothing hurts a film maker more than running out of money and in your case, not affording school itself. If you can reach for the HVX without breaking your wallet, then I would say go for it.

I have owned a DVX since the first year it was released (I now own 3 for business). I love that camera and it has taken me everywhere, but in today's market, its about staying competitive. Whether that be commercially, or independently, the change to HD is occuring right in front of us. So with a DVX, you are essentially investing thousands into a format that may or may not be in high demand within a year or two. Its just not the same as film where my bolex or SR2 can shoot just as great of a product as our panavision setups. Digital formats can be greatly hindered by the support that the public gives them (or lack thereof). Especially now with the move to HDdvd and BlueRay.

Now, I own a 35 adapter for my DVX and when lit right, it produces some KILLER footage all for under 5 grand. Does it compare to our M2/HVX setups...no. But by anyones standard its a great package for filmmaking.

So my point is, like someone already mentioned, where do you see yourself going years down the road. If you freelance now, an HVX gives you a great advantage in the market. I love pitching to clients the fact that their stuff will be in HD for the price of a competitors SD package. But as a growing film maker (and in school) a well equipped DVX can deliver a beautiful project when well executed.
thats my .02
 
If you're already spending $30K or more for a college education, what is a few thousand dollars more for the HVX? Really, think about it. HD is the future. By getting the HVX you will be learning all things HD on your own. The cost of the camera is probably a better deal in terms of what you will learn than the cost of tuition for a semester.

That being said, the DVX is a very nice camera even though it will become more outdated within the next couple years with all the new prosumer HD cameras on the market today. HD is beautiful, I'd say get the extra loan money for the HVX.
 
And don't forget, for now you can use the Mini-DV side of the HVX and later grow into the benefits of the HVX shooting in any flavor of HD.
 
I've been told all my life, "you probably won't need all that power/flexibility/quality" when it comes to technology. I say bullshit. And what fun is that, anyway? I had the DVX for three years, sold it, bought the HVX, and never looked back. Can't afford it? Neither could I. The variable frame rates and the 4:2:2 color, the res, P2, and SO many other things make it worth it. Good tools are important. The DVX is a GREAT camera, don't get me wrong. But it's NO HVX.

That's my nickel and toothpick anyway. Good luck in school! By the way-- an extra 2K on a school loan is NOTHING. If you're good, and you work hard, the thing should pay for itself in no time. If it doesn't work out after a couple of years, ebay it.

Either way, I say go for it!
 
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