Looking for advice shooting with DV tapes on HVX

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pixiejunkie

New member
Hey everyone... I'm a total novice and am just now getting my feet wet with shooting video. I have a personal project I'm working on, but it's one that – if done well – might see life somewhere other than my computer monitor or online.

Anyway, I'm looking at buying a camera to shoot this film. I'm trying to decide between the DVX100B and the HVX200A. I am not ready to "deal" with the P2 phenomenon and will be shooting on Panasonic MQ miniDV tapes.

Does one of these cameras have an advantage when shooting that format? I've seen some posts claiming one is better than the other, and vice versa.

Also, It's important to me to have the final film be letterboxed 16:9.... but I've been around others that have simply shot to DV tape on the DVX100B (in 4:3) and have used black gaffer tape to block out the monitor.... then added the letterboxing after the edit.

KNowing that I'm shooting DV tape, is this "as good" as using the native 16:9 in the HVX200A? Or is there going to be a quality bump, even with DV tapes on the HVX?

thanks for any and all advice...

Ignorantly yours,
Jeff
 
from what ive heard there isnt a dramatic difference in SD shot on a dvx100 and SD shot on an HVX. and to be honest if you have to ask this question, whatever difference there are - wont make or break your effort.

what id suggest is go with the HVX200a that way when you are ready to go HD/P2 your camera will be ready.
 
I bought the HVX200 to be able to later upgrade to P2 and HD. For two years I shot only on tape (weddings, events, corporate). I don't have any DVX experience, but I can say that using the HVX is a joy, and the SD quality is great.

Last summer I finally sprung for two 16GB P2 cards, and I've not shot tape since. I am now HD capable (including BR if a client wants it), so I'm glad I made the intial investment.

If the money is not a huge issue, you should go with the 200A. Then you can move to HD when you are ready, and you already know the camera.
 
If you're shooting 16:9 24pA, the HVX200A is going to be significantly sharper than the DVX, and about as sensitive, with much less noise.
 
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