100A or B, both have a attractive point...

D_Odell

D_Odell

Active member
Hi,

I'm in for buying my first DVX, and there’s been a lot for finding a cheap A used or an expensive B new.
The price difference is 1100$. What would you go for?

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/100b/
After reading that one you easily pay the extra bucks.
But for me who need a cam pretty fast and aren’t in a position to earn a lot of cash.
I have a producer for the project I’m doing for the moment. But the way I see it this cam will be my first for the coming years.

Another angel is, a XH A1 compared to a new 100B only 350$ expensive here in Sweden.

So the choice is: used A for 2000$ and B for 3550$ or XH A1 which is 4000$. (SWE price in dollars.)
If someone could help me decide.

Regards
 
Last edited:
If money's tight, I don't see anything wrong with getting the used camera as long as you get a good one. There are lots of nice improvements in the 100B, but you're talking about 75% more expensive...
 
In addition to the reasons from Barry's article, I personally would go with a B. I was in your shoes a year ago and opted for a B and I'm so glad I did.

In comparison shoots where I've used multiples of both cameras, the B footage with identical scene-file settings is a bit brighter and the colors more closer to what I see as natural. The A footage drifts towards the reds a bit more than I prefer.

Not to mention my B footage is usually sharper than the A footage. I can't put any quantitative evidence to this with a res chart, but to my eyes it looks that way.

Another big difference I've found is the gamma-curve of the B's in how they treat very saturated reds. The A seems to blow-out much easier and severely artifact, whereas the B is able to handle it with much less artifacting and keep it manageable in post.

You can usually find a used B on the for-sale forums here, keep an eye out.
 
Keep in mind Panasonic is not making the printed circuit boards for the earlier DVX models. Think long term and invest your money in something that will still have replacement parts available for a longer period of time.

There is still a "component level" of repair available but...there are many down sides to leaving that as your only option.

Especially when buying your first camera.

I'd suggest the B. It's newer and going that route fits the adage "you get what you pay for". :happy:
 
Do you have a tripod, case, lights, audio equipment and a way to edit the footage? If not, you could consider getting the used camera and throwing the extra cash toward those other essentials.
 
Thanks for replies,
but the case for me is the lack of money.

I made a deal with the 100A vers. It was in a very mint condition.

The package which I got 200$ cheeper, includes a DVX-100AE, Audio-technica mic (smal one with sender), some XLR cables and a Petrol bag. So I'm satisfied. I even bought from a seller here at DVXuser an used M2 adapter and followfocus. And having a great deal of money left than buying a new 100B.

So I think it's a well done deal.

Regards
 
Last edited:
Enjoy the camera. We all have to live within budgets. Buy the best you can afford at the moment. The DVX takes great pictures and will leave you no excuses when you want to expand your creativity.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top