Hello. Seeking advice on Christmas present for myself!

D

dedallas@telus.net

New member
Hello:

I am new to this forum, although I have been lurking for a while. I am looking to buy my first prosumer camera. My experience is just with consumer models. I have used them mostly for filming my kids concerts, family gatherings, etc.. I will continue to do this, but wanted to get 'more into it', filming music videos (for my son's band), short films, etc.. My knowledge level at this time is low, but I am learning. I am looking at four cameras right now; the DVX100b, the Canon XH-A1, the Sony HVR-V1U and the Panasonic HMC-150. Pricewise here in Canada, the DVX is about 2600, the next two 3200 and the HMC 3900 in a kit with SD card and extra battery. Money is an issue, but not a huge one (ie I can afford any of them). My big issue is learning; I rented a DVX for a weekend and had a lot of fun. There also seems to be a lot of resources for it; this forum, Barry Green's book, etc.. On the other hand, it does not do HD, which I don't need right now, but I'm sure I will. The Canon and Sony have just come down in price and offer HD and other features (Canon lens, great in low light; Sony small size, time lapse, etc.). The HMC is the latest technology, no tape, the future, etc., etc.. I am looking for opinions as to what would be the best choice as a first camera to learn on and grow with. Any comments would be welcome. In my short time lurking on these forums I am amazed at the knowledge level and the easy way many of you share your experiences. I am looking forward to spending much more time learning.

Thank-you in advance for your time and opinions, and Merry Christmas to all.

David
 
Pick the 100B.
It's a fabulous piece that never ceases to amaze me (in what I get with it, and what others get too).
At the price point you can then add a few accessories that help get even better results.
You're further ahead at that point.

Stuff to get:
Good tripod with fluid head
Lighting kit & reflector
Wireless microphone/hand held microphone
Telephoto adaptor (it's a pretty wide lens)
The best NLE you can afford (PP CS3 or FCP Studio 2)

Forget about the ubiquitous 'shallow depth-of-field adaptor', and shotgun microphone.
As you're getting started these things are better left to later, or if you absolutely have to have it (for a project).
[There's an old saying, if you need it once, rent it. If you need it more than that, buy it.]

One thing good about where you are is the inspiring work you obtain from having limited knowledge or experience in the media (video/audio).
You get to 'break the rules' and demonstrate (in doing so) good results are possible even then.

Good luck. Looking forward to your contributions here, and seeing your work!
 
hmc-150 is in a different league from the rest, it has a newer sensor and is smarter than the rest too, so it gives you both the best low light and (i think it's called cine gamma or something) it gives you different exposure levels within an image to avoid clipping, and to top it off, it has much wider view angle.
just for the cleaner image, you can go with the hmc-150.
 
This isn't coming from experience, but word of mouth has it that Canon cameras don't hold up too well. I just ordered a DVX100b so I would love to put up the results when I receive it next week.
 
Movie_Dude_3 said:
This isn't coming from experience, but word of mouth has it that Canon cameras don't hold up too well. I just ordered a DVX100b so I would love to put up the results when I receive it next week.
Click to expand...

hold up to what? I've used my XHA1 on movie shorts, a feature, and for my job as a video journalist. The only complaint I have is the gain. If you set the gain to anything above 0, the video is unusable. I always keep it set to -3 and I rarely have problems, especially in filmmaking where i'm in control of the light. However for news stories and such i often really wish i could turn the gain up to brighten the picture a bit while still having useable footage...

honestly, I would skip the DVX100b. I considered getting an XL2 over my XHA1, and i am soooo glad I went the HD route. SOOOO glad.
 
I would advise going with the DVX100B. I got mine last spring and I have never once regretted it. It's a great camera and its imagery holds up even when projected on a full sized screen in a theater. I have had a couple of shorts shown at my university's film festivals and they were projected onto a full-sized screen in the university theater and the resolution was very good. On both occasions, I had people ask me if my movies were shot on film. With the right scene file settings, using 24p and 16:9 aspect ratio, the results rival super 16mm film in resolution and picture quality, maybe even a bit better.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Paladin0954
 
yommytacoe said:
hold up to what? I've used my XHA1 on movie shorts, a feature, and for my job as a video journalist. The only complaint I have is the gain. If you set the gain to anything above 0, the video is unusable. I always keep it set to -3 and I rarely have problems, especially in filmmaking where i'm in control of the light. However for news stories and such i often really wish i could turn the gain up to brighten the picture a bit while still having useable footage...

honestly, I would skip the DVX100b. I considered getting an XL2 over my XHA1, and i am soooo glad I went the HD route. SOOOO glad.
Click to expand...

Something about a 'Remove the Tape' error. I found the feedback here on Amazon. However, that's for the Canon GL2. I must have mixed that up with the XH A1, my mistake.
 
HMC-150. Period.

The other cams can't touch it, and it will grow with you nicely. It will be a bit harder to learn, but the results will separate it from the others easily. By the way, I've owned a DVX since the thing was introduced. Great camera, but not in the same league with the 150.
 
Thanks all for the responses. Some very good and well thought out opinions. I am leaning towards the DVX100b. As mentioned, it is still a good camera (certainly better than what I have now!) and I can get all the accessories I want/need to make things better. A copy of Barry Green's book will be a huge help as well.

Thanks again and looking forward to participating!

Davie
 
I have a DVX but if i could choose i'd go HMC. DVX is just aging way quicker than the new cameras. It's almost 2009.....
 
I'm happy with my dvx, but it is going to be hd soon for me. the dvx doesn't look bad on an hdtv, but i would like to have the extra resolution. Have you looked into the JVC GY-HD110, i think its in the same price range from B&H. Its got 24p or 30p HD or you can go to 60p in sd, as well as 60i, 24p and 30p in SD. Plus, its very much like a professional eng camera, so you would be learning a lot from using it. The image isn't too noisy either. It really has a grain like film. My next camera may be the HD200.
 
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