Worth investing in a DVX at this point?

G

grantly

Member
Hello.

So I'm a long time screenwriter and I'm wanting to try my hand at directing. I really love the look of the things shot on the DVX (especially Iraq in Fragments) and I've used one many times while helping out friends. My question is, would it be better to wait for a price drop of the HVX or perhaps wait for the new Panasonic camera that shoots in HD and accepts SD cards that will be out by the end of the year?

I don't think HD is a necessity for me (I like the gritty look of SD and I don't want to have to worry about make-up) but is it too late in the life of the DVX to spend 2500 on it? Would it just be better to upgrade to a nicer camera this late in its' life?

Thanks a bunch!
 
Well, Do you have a fast computer capable of editing hd? What is your destination format? Bluray, your living room hdtv, film? The fact that the dvx is a phenominal camera will never change, but new, cheaper, better technology is coming down the road, and has been. Whats your budget? How long can you wait for a camera?

All these questions need answers and its the best way people can help you, otherwise you will just receive biased opinions. People always come online asking what camera they should buy, but usually don't give the needed specific information.
 
moviemaker999 said:
Well, Do you have a fast computer capable of editing hd? What is your destination format? Bluray, your living room hdtv, film? The fact that the dvx is a phenominal camera will never change, but new, cheaper, better technology is coming down the road, and has been. Whats your budget? How long can you wait for a camera?

All these questions need answers and its the best way people can help you, otherwise you will just receive biased opinions. People always come online asking what camera they should buy, but usually don't give the needed specific information.
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Couldn't agree more - Bear in mind that there will always be price drops too - the more you wait though, the longer it'll take you to get in amongst it and get shooting! :)

The main reason that I personally went for a DVX was the fact that I had (and still have) no means of HD distribution. Anything I'd be shooting would only be downscaled to SD anyways!
 
SD from the DVX looks amazing and is a breeze to edit. I would highly recommend getting one and just going out to shoot. Think of how much you could learn between now and fall when the HMC150 comes out. Think of how far ahead you'll be.

A used 100a would be a good deal too at probably under $2k.
 
William_Robinette said:
SD from the DVX looks amazing and is a breeze to edit. I would highly recommend getting one and just going out to shoot. Think of how much you could learn between now and fall when the HMC150 comes out. Think of how far ahead you'll be.

A used 100a would be a good deal too at probably under $2k.
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Exactly. Hell, you can get a new B for little more than $2k after the rebate. Work a few gigs, learn a ton and have the camera pay for itself in no time. Then, get an HD cam if you still feel you need one.
 
Man, I totally understand.
I think it will all matter on how much the HMC150 is going to be.
because if the HMC150 is going to be in the $4000~$3500 range, I will just go with the DVX (or go with the HVX at that price) but if it's in the $3000~$2500 range I will wait and get the HMC150
 
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moviemaker999 said:
Well, Do you have a fast computer capable of editing hd? What is your destination format? Bluray, your living room hdtv, film? The fact that the dvx is a phenominal camera will never change, but new, cheaper, better technology is coming down the road, and has been. Whats your budget? How long can you wait for a camera?

All these questions need answers and its the best way people can help you, otherwise you will just receive biased opinions. People always come online asking what camera they should buy, but usually don't give the needed specific information.
Click to expand...

To answer those questions in order:
Yes, I have a Core 2 Duo with a 8800gts.
As for how it would be shown, it would be shown first theatrically (just for friends, I'm a projectionist at a small arthouse so I'd like to show it there) and then released on DVD most likely. I'd like to submit it to festivals though, if it turns out like I hope it will.
As for budget, I'll say that it has taken half a year to save for a DVX. I'm a very poor gentleman, so it would be 6 months at least to afford an HVX, not to mention P2 cards.

I have access to a few DVX cameras so I could shoot on those but I'd prefer to own one myself so that I can learn it. The things I shoot will all look dirty and use natural light, so HD doen't matter too much, but I want to make sure I'm getting something that will be acceptable for years to come.

I guess another question is how many hours can one expect to put on the heads of the DVX until they should be replaced?

I really appreciate the input, thanks a lot!
 
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