Shooting Doc. - Lifespan SD DVX100 vs HD

R

Respics

New member
With an initial budget of $2500 to purchase some equipment for a documentary is the DVX100b the way to go (ebay $1500 - new $2280). Given that by June all TV transmissions and most TV sets will be in HD, is it worth the expense on a DVX100 or should I save more and jump into a Sony FX1000, HMC150, XH-A1 type of camera or get a Sony FX1/Z1U off of ebay to keep up with the times and give my project more distribution options (please no debates about which camera is better, I'm only interested in the lifespan of SD vs HD:dankk2:),.... btw I already own an HV20 but it's not the ideal camera to use on a documentary (b roll yes, main camera no), in essence we're trying to reach real investors so a more serious and professional looking camera would help us in that department.

After awhile you get tired of hearing clients say "wow, I thought your camera would be bigger" regardless of how impressed they are with the results.
 
Respics said:
Given that by June all TV transmissions and most TV sets will be in HD...
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Where did you get that idea? Transmissions will be digital, which is not the same as HD. Heck... Japan had HD analog in the 80s. Standard-def isn't going away anytime soon, and to be honest, the DVX can produce footage that uprezzes very nicely to HD.

Truth is, while many network series and cable network programs are starting to shoot in HD, many of them are still broadcast/cablecast in SD. Even in the digital world. And local stations? The ones here in Knoxville still produce 98% SD. Our NBC affiliate has a few HDV cameras, but they are mostly used in SD mode except for the occasional special.

Respics said:
After awhile you get tired of hearing clients say "wow, I thought your camera would be bigger" regardless of how impressed they are with the results.
Click to expand...

Add a matte box and rails. Your camera will look bigger.
 
Respics said:
With an initial budget of $2500 to purchase some equipment for a documentary is the DVX100b the way to go (ebay $1500 - new $2280). Given that by June all TV transmissions and most TV sets will be in HD, is it worth the expense on a DVX100 or should I save more and jump into a Sony FX1000, HMC150, XH-A1 type of camera or get a Sony FX1/Z1U off of ebay to keep up with the times and give my project more distribution options (please no debates about which camera is better, I'm only interested in the lifespan of SD vs HD:dankk2:),.... btw I already own an HV20 but it's not the ideal camera to use on a documentary (b roll yes, main camera no), in essence we're trying to reach real investors so a more serious and professional looking camera would help us in that department.

After awhile you get tired of hearing clients say "wow, I thought your camera would be bigger" regardless of how impressed they are with the results.
Click to expand...

This actualy a common misconception that the switch to digital means only HD.

I have to explain that one to people regularly. I think that is why many people have shelled-out the funds for faster computers and HD cameras thinking that they HAVE to be working in HD.

SD is going to be around for a while yet and I'm sticking with it for now!

I recently bought a DVX100B and it will do what I need it to do for some time.

Most of the work I do now is for web or DVD delivery and not broadcast anyway.

The only real way that the switch to digital will affect me is having to upgrade my wireless mics so I am in the proper frequency range :):):)
 
C2V said:
Add a matte box and rails. Your camera will look bigger.
Click to expand...

That's only cosmetic... (I already have a 35mm adapter) and those things are great under a more controlled environment having the time to set up and make adjustments... and I know the tricks regarding bright lights and setting the aperture. But nothing beats real control (ie. real focus wheel, aperture dial or wheel, shutter control; without the hoops to jump through. Not to mention real control over looks via gamma, gain, knee, and any in camera color modifications. I love my HV20 but more professional control gives you more options in addition to the development of skills that transfer over to the next level camera.

Regarding the DVX100, thank you guys for your input and the confidence that you have in the cameras ability to remain relevant. Also thank you C2V and R Hudson for the correction regarding DTV.

The Uprezzed material looks good.
 
Respics said:
That's only cosmetic... (I already have a 35mm adapter) and those things are great under a more controlled environment having the time to set up and make adjustments... and I know the tricks regarding bright lights and setting the aperture. But nothing beats real control (ie. real focus wheel, aperture dial or wheel, shutter control; without the hoops to jump through. Not to mention real control over looks via gamma, gain, knee, and any in camera color modifications. I love my HV20 but more professional control gives you more options in addition to the development of skills that transfer over to the next level camera.
Click to expand...

Actually, I was mentioning that for the DVX. Even though it is larger than a "handycam," the entire generation of smaller/small-ish cameras still can cause people not to take them seriously. A tricked-out DVX can make a good visual impression.
 
C2V said:
Actually, I was mentioning that for the DVX. Even though it is larger than a "handycam," the entire generation of smaller/small-ish cameras still can cause people not to take them seriously. A tricked-out DVX can make a good visual impression.
Click to expand...

Word! :)
 
This question keeps coming up, and I keep saying:

IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS.

Google it.
Watch it.
Be blown away by it.
Go hug your DVX!
 
DPStewart said:
This question keeps coming up, and I keep saying:

IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS.

Google it.
Watch it.
Be blown away by it.
Go hug your DVX!
Click to expand...
i just watched an HD trailer for it at apple.com

Good picture for uprezzing...but i think the uprezzing looked just as good on my dog video i posted

I love the cinematography in that movie though. But i don't think the DVX is up for that kinda stuff as i noticed terrible purple outline around dark things on a light background
 
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