Another DVX vs XL2 question, but wait!!!!

If you are still undecided I would lean toward the DVX with the RigPro shoulder mount.
If you are going to be doing a lot of walking with a camera it is THEE solution.
Trust me, your back will thank you, and you will thank me for the advice.
As for image I don't think it matters a damn what camera you use. They are both great tools.
 
rcbrown23,

LOL, it may seem that way but I'm actually trying to find a way to stickwith the DVX since I love the smaller design and it's WAY easier to transport throughy airports.

Sparticus,

On the youtube video, both cameras were handheld, just to try and make the c omparison better, I didnt even set the XL1 on my shoulder, I held it out in front of me like the DVX.

These are company projects so they pay for any and all equipment requested. How much we're going to use the new cameras and for what is never really a consideration. The equipment we're looking at will most likely be used just for this DVD series (3-4 DVDs) we're going to be shooting over the next few months and that's it. Once we decide to shoot a project in 16:9 or HD, we'll probabaly end up getting new equipment for that as well.

I would actually like to use the DVX with some sort of stabalizing rig, but one small enough so once again, I can go through airports with it. so I'll read up on the Turtlerig and the rigpro. Also, Only if we go with the XL2 for these shoots, we're also gonna HAVE to pick up the 3X wide-angle lens for indoor interviews and a glidecam-4000 which is bigger than the glidecam-2000 we would need if with the DVX. Since it's all company funded, they really dont care about the amount they allocate for the project (to an extent).

I'm flip flopping between the two cameras because they are 'SO' close in quality. Either way I have to decide today so maybee, I have a conference call in a few hours about it and I have to give them my final products order.

I really do appreciate all of the advice so far. The suggestions are trully welcomes and I'm learning quite a bit about the differecnes of these two units.
 
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Correct. But, this project will specifically be shot in 4:3 NTSC for DVD release and television broadcast. There is no point in shooting in HD as once you convert everyting down to the 4:3 format, it usually looks WORSE than if you shot with a camera that natively shot the material in 4:3 NTSC. (or am I wrong about this) I never actually looking into the HVX because it was HD and those capabilities will most likely never be used with that unit.

FYI: This equipment is ONLY for this video series. I think when we begin producing in HD, our company is already set on the XL-H1, or whatever comes to market that will shoot in 1080p instead of interlace. With HD-DVD and Blueray sales still extremely LOW compared to that of standard DVD, there's still no reason to begin producing in the HD market for monetary reasons. It'll be at least 3-5 years according ot our market analysis.
 
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Kindredmachine said:
Correct. But, this project will specifically be shot in 4:3 NTSC for DVD release and television broadcast. There is no point in shooting in HD as once you convert everyting down to the 4:3 format, it usually looks WORSE than if you shot with a camera that natively shot the material in 4:3 NTSC. (or am I wrong about this) I never actually looking into the HVX because it was HD and those capabilities will most likely never be used with that unit.

FYI: This equipment is ONLY for this video series. I think when we begin producing in HD, our company is already set on the XL-H1, or whatever comes to market that will shoot in 1080p instead of interlace. With HD-DVD and Blueray sales still extremely LOW compared to that of standard DVD, there's still no reason to begin producing in the HD market for monetary reasons. It'll be at least 3-5 years according ot our market analysis.
Click to expand...

Hm, no offence but for a decision maker you need to do your homework...:beer:

The HVX can shoot 4:3 SD, even on miniDV tapes, just like the DVX.
The HVXs SD looks stellar, maybe even slightly better than the DVX.
The HVX shoots 1080p.

But there is on MAJOR reason to go with the HVX for SD, be it 4:3 or 16:9:

The HVX gives you DVCpro50 for SD shooting, which is comparable to DigitalBetacam quality wise, giving you a 4:2:2 colorspace over DVs 4:1:1 or 4:2:0.
A better recorded picture will make a better looking DVD...

So if money is no concern, the DVCpro50 of the HVX makes it worth the purchase for SD aquisition.
 
Hmmm... well I appreciate the constructive criticism and I would agree with you. I just began looking for new equipment 3-4 days ago so research is what I'm trying to do.

How does the OIS stack up between the DVX and the HVX? All of the other specs I'll go dig up right now. It seems like with a glide cam or shoulder mount, the HVX might be the way to go.
 
You seem to be hung up on the OIS Kinder.
From what little I know any OIS system will degrade your image.
The solution may be finding another way to ensure rock solid shots, if that's what's important.
I've always found the tripod helpful for this, or the next-best-thing a RigPro.
The Cinesaddle may also be worth a look.
Hopes that helps.
 
Don´t have a comparison, sorry.
I also would test the camera you decide on before buying.
The HVX is pretty wide, running around with OIS on looks smooth enough for me.
Zooming in completely is another thing, here I definetely would get a mount to aligne the cam with my bodymovements.
I use a MultiRigPro for that. Sometime next year I´ll probably add the turtlerigX.
I also have the glidecam smoothshooter full-rig, but setting up is a PITA and I can´t even imagen handling the glidecam without the vest...
 
Another question for you :-) When using the glidecam w/ vest of course, are you able to touch the camer and the zoom controls without affecting the movement too much or should I go with a remote system for zooming as well?
 
The camera is in equilibrium, you don´t want to touch it, you do minor adjustements at the gimbal only.
Remote zooming and focusing is done wireless on steadycams by an AC.

Maybe you tell us a bit more about your shooting plans, a steadycam has it´s limitations and probably doesn´t fit your project...
 
well, there's no better way to explain the type of video we shoot than to simply show you.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fqsjN-ST624

As you see, most of our footage is "in the field" spur of the moment shots. Very run and shoot sort of documentary work. The link above is part 2 of a TV documentary, entirely shot with an XL1 - no stabalization help, just resting on the shoulder. I want to make sure the footage taken with the Panasonic will look "at least" as smooth with about the same level of flexibility.

BTW: We just cancelled the order on the XL2. We're gonna go all Panasonic for this DVD series.
 
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i always thought my english was good enough, but i didn´t get what remote viewing is about... telepathy?:huh:

Anyways, forget any steadycam, really check out the turtlerig (turtleX), you´ll get a nice bagpack and stabilization in one - perfectly for taking long trips through hard terrain...
Good luck!
And don´t forget 4 32Gb P2 cards (= 4 hours of FVCpro50!!!), you said price wasn´t an issue...
 
Yea, Remote Viewing was some military program that was declassified in the 1990s... hey we get hired to film the stuff, thats it LOL. Thank you VERY much for all of the help. I think we're all set now :-) I really appreciate all of the advice.
 
Spartacus said:
And don´t forget 4 32Gb P2 cards (= 4 hours of FVCpro50!!!), you said price wasn´t an issue...
Click to expand...

Once we begin to cross a certain $$$ point then people get unhappy... We always have to justify what we're ordering :-) These are usually lower budget documentaries so... you know...
 
Never used the turtle, but can swear by the DV RigPro http://dvtec.tv/index.html.
One advantage is that it is easy to take off and set down.
The weight is distributed to the right shoulder and hips. I have shot uninterupted with this device for hours with no fatigue, using DVX100a..
AT least give it a try. It is so exactly what your need for this kind of shooting.
Anyway, I'm going on and I don't own shares in DVTEC.
At any rate good luck with the project. Safe travelling.
We'll have to take a course on RV so we can see your progress.
Santa must RV,----"you better watch out!"
If he's reading this, a new HVX200 in my stocking would be great!!!
 
Peabody said:
,----"you better watch out!"
Click to expand...

ROTFL!! I actually laughed. Some of these guys we work with or a little.... "off", as least we also get to work on normal documentaries lthat include interviewing the most boring geologists in the world... zzZZzzzz.

Anyway, I really appreciate all of the info. Placed the order last night for all of the equipment. Decided to get a shoulder mount AND a glidecam just to play with, it looks so neat :-)
 
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