35mm converter or trade for 7D?

[Rev_Jeff]

I'm somewhat disappointed that the value of the HVX200 has gone down so fast, and that if I would have waited a little longer to buy one, I would have probably purchased a Canon 7D instead, as this was just before they came out...
I'm wondering if it would be worth it to save up and get a 35mm converter, or just trade/sell the HVX and get a Canon 7D with more lenses and accessories... The only drawback I can see is that according to the website, you can't shoot 24p in 720, which I would want, but wouldn't be absolutely necessary...
I just feel like although the HVX is a good camera, it's just not very practical for most applications, especially since the price of P2 cards is still ridiculous.

 

[wgzn]

nah. you did fine.

i dont know how much research youve done. but a DSLR is absolutely NOT a direct replacement for a traditional video camera. they are different tools for different uses.

an hvx200 is still a very viable camera. are there newer/better options out there? SURE! but a DSLR by definition is NOT one of them.
you can still slap any of the better (brevis, redrock, letus, sgpro) 35mm adapter rigs on an HVX200, get a few good fast older lenses and do great work.

although the HVX is a good camera, it's just not very practical for most applications,

an hvx200 is "practical" for just about any application. its the DSLR that isnt practical in MANY situations

especially since the price of P2 cards is still ridiculous.

again, this is kind of a misconception. the P2 workflow wasnt intended for wedding shooters or hobbyists or young kids who blew ALL their birthday money on a camera.
if you are shooting video professionally, the P2 workflow will pay for itself in a few shoots in saved time and hassle from NOT using tape.

 

[maranfilms]

I agree whole heartedly with Wgzn. You can buy a great DOF adapter for five or six hundred dollars. This will give you the same shallow dof as the 7d. The only other con is that you need to shoot with a good amount of light. And to be honest, shooting with a dof adapter is what taught me to properly light a scene. I feel if I had never used a dof setup, and just bought a 7d, I would be no where near as good as I am with lighting. Not that Im a pro. But decent. It's helped emmensley.

Plus if you want to do event shooting, you can, so much easier than with a dslr, and the 4gig limit on the 7d sucks. Lens cost will be a never ending endeaver. plus you will need a rig to properly shoot with it, No audio, thats worth using on the 7d either, unless for synching. I don't think anyone should buy a dslr until they have used and learned how to properly shoot with a camcorder. So I think you did the right thing, People still think im whacked for using a couple xha1's. Which will make me 1,500.00 for 5hrs shoot time this week. I know it's not much compared to what others are charging, but it's extra dough, made by cameras that are paid for. And the image quality is sweet if you kinow how to shoot with them. So don't beat yourself up, just shoot and enjoy yourself.

 

[timtorpedo]

I debated a long time between DSLR and HPX. I eventually went with the HPX and a 35mm adapter (Letus Elite), for the exact reasons maranfilms is mentioning. I am actually putting for sale my adapter to get an AF100. I am still keeping my HPX, because I do believe for certain type of work, the HPX remains a better tool than the AF100.

 

[David Saraceno]

I just feel like although the HVX is a good camera, it's just not very practical for most applications, especially since the price of P2 cards is still ridiculous.

Barry's statement is my experience as well.

"The 8GB card, when introduced in late 2005/early 2006, was $2200. That's $275/gigabyte.

Today's cards are $10.86 per gigabyte. That's a price drop of 96% in the space of five years. Not too shabby. Plus the cards are twice as fast now as they were then, although with the shorter ultimate lifespan."