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

I decided to go with the HVX. I have a 35mm adapter (Brevis35) and a Miller DS-20 tripod so I'm not spending all my money on the camera.

I really wanted to get the DVX so I wouldn't have to take out a student loan but I'm kind of sick of DV. I have never shot on a DVX but I've used a Canon XL2 several times and I've never been pleased with the resolution and 4:1:1 color sampling. Chroma key and color correction are very hard with DV unless your footage is near perfect to begin with.

I shot Super 16mm recently and fell in love with that, and was hoping to get a DVX and use the money I saved by not getting the HVX to rent an Arri-SRII whenever I need it, but I think I can still afford that. I'm interning at Panavision and I'll be able to get some good rental deals through UCF.

Thanks for all the advice, guys. If I didn't already have some gear and if I wasn't already experienced the DVX would have been the best choice, but you guys convinced me that I should make an investment in the HVX. The low light performance was my only concern about the HVX, and I've seen enough outdoor footage from it to know that I should be fine (those are the only conditions in which I won't have lights).
 
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congrats! i know you're gonna love that bad boy!!! can't wait to get mine!!!

you probably already know this, but the absolute first thing you need to do is to put a clear filter on to protect your lens!!! i've read a few posts from people who didn't do that and scratched the camera lens. not good.
 
"Although I am waiting on a prosumer camera with a 35mm adapter built in to be released..."

I have a feeling that once prices come down we'll be able to get larger chips in prosumer cameras and before long we'll have a full 35mm gate sized chip like the Genesis and the Red. Those cameras don't need an adapter because they already have the proper DOF and they are compatible with all the pro lenses out there (PL and PV mount).
 
slimchrisp said:
congrats! i know you're gonna love that bad boy!!! can't wait to get mine!!!

you probably already know this, but the absolute first thing you need to do is to put a clear filter on to protect your lens!!! i've read a few posts from people who didn't do that and scratched the camera lens. not good.
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Thanks man, and thanks for the reminder also. I hadn't ordered a UV filter yet. Hope you get your camera soon too. :)
 
oh yeah, not sure if it's in the thread already, but i'd recommend a good hard case. i have the pelican 1510 for my dvx, but other hvx users have said they use the same case for their hvx. check this thread out: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=84701. it has a nice handle, wheels, and is legal size for bringing on a plane. you don't want to have to check your hvx!!!
 
Thanks man, I might get that case or a slightly bigger one to hold the rest of my gear. I'm definitely going with Pelican, though. :)
 
Just don't feel frustrated on low light situations- invest some money on lighting. And HD is a lot less forgiving than SD. You'll definetly learn faster, tough. Good choice!
 
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