Buying DVX100b: What else to get?

J

Jim Duggins

Active member
Hi, I've got a $6000 budget and want to buy the DVX100b to make independent films. I had considered the Z1 and V1 but they aren't true 24p and cost more. The HVX200 is out of my price range.

I've been doing a lot of research and have come up with the following package. I'd really appreciate your advice on whether this is the best possible package for me to get. I'll be buying everything possible at B&H.

1. $2,899.95 (after $500 rebate) DVX100b

2. $269.95 Audio-Technica AT897 - Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone Kit (includes Rode SM-3 shockmount)

3. $110 Rycote 14cm Softie

4. $179.95 K-Tek KE89CC - Aluminum Boompole with Internal Coiled Cable

5. $269.95 Porta Brace DVO-2U DV Organizer Case with Universal Cradle

6. $439.95 Smith-Victor K33B Attache Tungsten Light Kit - consists of: 3 700-SG Quartz Lights 600W, 3 Lamps, 3 4-Leaf Barndoors, 3 Stands and 650 Attache Case - 1800 Total Watts

7. $254.95 Panasonic PV-GS80 Ultra-Compact Mini DV Camcorder (to be used as a capture device)

8. $69 Spiderbrace 2 Shoulder Mount

9. $79.95 DVXuser 5600 mah battery (Panny is $149.95, why pay that?)

What kind of filters should I get? I was looking at $81.80 Tiffen 72 mm Soft F/X 3 Glass Filter and $98.95 Hoya 72mm (Moose) Warm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter. What about a standard UV filter?
 
Zim said:
are you covered for a computer and editing software?
Click to expand...

I've got an imac 2ghz duo core, 1 gig ram, 160 gig HD with a 17" monitor. I'm new to editing and want to build an edit suite...

I plan to get Final Cut Pro. What else do I need? Do I need a second monitor for dual screen? Special keyboard? External hard drive? Converters?

I will have about $1,000 left in my budget after purchasing final cut. This is my edit budget, not my $6,000 camera equipment budget.
 
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Definitely an external hard drive or two (FW400 7200rpm minimum, don't go USB)... no need for a special keyboard. 2nd monitor is nice, but not necessary (depending on what size your imac is).
 
Yeah, that's a good setup. The Bogen 503 would be a good choice, my school uses the older 501's and they work fine for DVX work.

However, I must say that since NAB is just about a month or so away, I would recommend that you wait to see if there's anything new coming out and not feel buyers remorse later or anything like that. Also, if you're going to be spending so much money, shouldn't you look for something that is HD-capable? I would think the Canon A1 would be the better deal for the price, whether you film in HD(v) or not you at least get native 16:9 out of it.
 
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First, thanks everybody for your advice! I really appreciate it.

What if I got the Canon XHA1 instead? Only $600 more for HD and native 16:9. Would this solve my problem as well as futureproof me for the next 3-4 years?
 
You shouldn't ask people on this forum what you need, because they'll tell you you need 10 grand worth of accessories. You need to figure out for yourself what is essential, what you really "need". But everyone's definition of that is different. I'm not telling you to get absolutely nothing either. Just that you should figure out for yourself what you absolutely, positiviely need. Personally, I'm a minimalist. You also have to decide how much you really care about technical bullshit and how pretty you want your pictures to look. Just don't lose sight of what's really important when you make a film. I'll probably be mauled by the other memebers here for this post.
 
No worries, Billy. My camera + edit suite budget are firm. I still have some dough left to shoot my movie and that's all budgeted out, too, so whatever I can save on the camera or edit budget can go into production as part of the contingency fund.

All I want is to shoot a movie in 24p and have it look like it was shot on film. The acquisitions directors viewing it aren't techophiles themselves and probably won't notice the difference if it's filmlooked close enough... I only need to fool them and the average viewer.

So do I need some kind of 35mm adaptor for the A1? It was pointed out to me on another forum that the DVX100b on its own isn't "good enough" to fool anyone and I would need a 35mm adaptor to pull off the illusion.
 
Just curious..Why do you want the Soft FX3 filter ? Do you shoot fantasy weddings ? I'm not making fun of you...It has it's place ,if you like that look, but wouldn't be my first choice of practical filters.. I like the idea of a warm ND, a regular ND is great, as well as the ever present "clear" UV filter , to protect your investment...FX #3 is a bit heavy, unless you have been hired to shoot Barbara Walters...lol
 
Jim Duggins said:
I've got an imac 2ghz duo core, 1 gig ram, 160 gig HD with a 17" monitor. I'm new to editing and want to build an edit suite...

I plan to get Final Cut Pro. What else do I need? Do I need a second monitor for dual screen? Special keyboard? External hard drive? Converters?

I will have about $1,000 left in my budget after purchasing final cut. This is my edit budget, not my $6,000 camera equipment budget.
Click to expand...

Okay, thanks for the advice. I'm going with the A1.
 
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