Another "which camera should I buy"

He also mentioned he had no problem working with dv tapes on a new hvx. If he's not experienced then that's a great way to grow into your' own camera. If he was experienced then maybe he would know exactly what workflow he needs. That being the case , the hvx is the right camera to grow with. But i do agree with you Duck, the canon can pack a whop. It does have a film look, no one said it doesn't. At the same time you are on a dvx (Panny) forum, so you're swimming against the tide.
 
dogcat said:
He also mentioned he had no problem working with dv tapes on a new hvx. If he's not experienced then that's a great way to grow into your' own camera. If he was experienced then maybe he would know exactly what workflow he needs. That being the case , the hvx is the right camera to grow with. But i do agree with you Duck, the canon can pack a whop. It does have a film look, no one said it doesn't. At the same time you are on a dvx (Panny) forum, so you're swimming against the tide.
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Yeah, which is viable, if one could actually hold off from the HD section, and not turn around and get the P2 cards/Firestore/what have you the next day - if this camera would actually fit his style of working - but you did also read the part about his purchase of an HVX would prompt him to have to move back in with his mother right? It's obvious that his set of circumstances are such that, at the very least, the HVX is out of his price range in and of itself - which is probably a good enough reason to rule that camera out in favor of an XH-A1 or at an even lower price point, a used DVX. All things that were responded to him in the thread.

Well aware this forum was originally formed as a DVX forum, I have been here since close the beginning, when Noah first started the thing shortly after the camera came out. Just because the name of a forum is one thing, it doesn't mean that someone asking a particular set of questions should get a pat answer without taking into account their circumstances, especially when another brand of camera is part of their original question. His set of circumstances were docs, "maybe" narratives, HVX will make me move back with mom. If even talking about, or suggesting someone take a look at non-Panny camera, based on the needs of the person, & the merits and drawbacks of all three models, is enough to say someone's swimming against the tide, you might want to read Barry's posts as well.

How buying the HVX, with those circumstances taken into account - and only to use it as a DV camera - is the best suggestion, or possibly not the worst choice for him between those three cameras with his specific needs in mind is beyond me. He's more or less starting from scratch, and getting the camera is the least of it. This thread made it this far WITHOUT turning into a pissing match between the HVX, XH-A1, and the DVX somehow - they are all just tools after all, and you've got to pick the right one for the job - and you'll see above the poster is quite happy with the advice he's received.
 
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I HAVE received some great advice in this forum and I feel comfortable with my choice. I'm not ruling out the HVX for the future (quite the opposite) as directing/making independent films is a dream of mine as well. Unfortunately, at this point in time I'm not surrounded by people who share my interest in film and as much as I'd like to do it all, film is a collaborative effort. Hence the move to Orlando this fall. I'm pretty much starting from scratch as Duct Tape pointed out. A documentary would be an easier project to start off with as it doesn't necessarily require as much of a crew (or even any). My first project this fall is a travel style documentary with a friend of mine that lives in a small town with a rich history on the East coast of Florida. Not much, but it's start. When I first started reading this forum I was very concerned about the "film look". The more I learn, the more that expression makes me cringe. Whether or not it's your taste in movies "28 Days Later" (filmed with a Canon BTW) proved that it's the story that makes the difference. My opinion is if you don't have a good story with compelling characters (or can find someone who does and can write) why bother? As my needs change I'll probably get an HVX down the road or I may find that the Canon will suit my needs for narrative as well. As Duct Tape also pointed out, getting a camera will be the least of my challenges :) I appreciate ALL the advice and it's nice to see a forum where people aren't ripping each other to shreds.

Mark
 
:beer:

Ordered my trv280 + battery today, might try some fun stuff soon. Probably will be choosing Vegas as my NLE. (will probably add photoshop later).

Thanks again for the great info and attitudes here, I'm glad there are mature people around :)

(oh, also will be re-watching my copy of 28 Days Later carefully, never knew it was shot on a Canon)
 
ZephyrStar,

It is nice not to have attitudes here, especially for a newbie like me. You bought a trv280? Hah! What a piece of crap. Loser. LOL...just kidding :)
I might need to get that one too as I have some wedding videos that I filmed in Hi8 for relatives that I've been promising them for oh I don't know...about 5 years now. Digital 8 is a great format...miss my old HI8 camcorder :(

Mark
 
Guys, one thing i couldn't really see in here is just how much the DVX100b camera is?

I live in the UK so i would be purchasing one from here, just to be on the safe side. Can someone tell me where the best places to buy one are, and how much (preferrably in pounds) one costs new and used?

I've never owned a camera before but im DESPERATE to give film-making a huge shot. I've got ideas buzzing around in my head but with no means of turning them into a reality without a camera, and i'm thinking the DVX-100b looks like a great camera for both newcomer and expert alike.

Hope someone can help me out here and i hope i've posted this in the right area... If not, correct me and i'll move it to a more appropriate area :)

EDIT: I've also noticed there's a DVX102B camera. I live in scotland, just what one should i be going for? I'm guessing PAL version is my best bet.

I'm so clueless in this field... Everyone has to start somewhere though, so hopefully someone can guide me in the right direction :)

EDIT (Part 2): Ok, just found the camera here for £1999

http://www.videokit.co.uk/cgi-bin/store1/commerce.cgi?product=CAMCORDERS!PANASONIC&pid=72.htm

Is this probably the best price I can hope for for this camera in the UK?

Also, my work has a lot of tripods available; will this camera work with most tripods? Is there a standard?
 
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WOW this thread is refreshing. Lots of great advice and narly a whisper of my gun is bigger than yours.

DirectX I got your email, and seems others have really said enough about camera choices. But based on other things you mentioned I wanted to somewhat point you in some directions for further information.

First point of call is the Audio section of this forum. Go back as far as you can and read as many posts as you can about mic choices for situations and how best to get the best audio for your budget. There are AUDIO pros that use the audio forum and lots of great info. Dont spend a cent until you have a grasp on what you actually need , and cant rent (cheaper and will getter you better equipment for your $ - better yet hire a sound guy with his won equipment). You may prefer your own, but still save your $ until you have a clear understanding.

Lighting - do the same. Then go to a retailer and if they have lights out - see if you can turn them on to see what lights mentioned in the forum are what. Then once your done there (especially as you stated you wanted to start on doco) - for one mans perspective on head shots for interviews (a perspective I happen to subscribe to) get The head shot and light and shade - both DVDs by Walter Graff. Available from here: http://www.bluesky-web.com/new-pagemerchandise.html

A book I recommend to you - since youre alone in the world on this right now - and one that will give you a good perspective on what your aiming for is Sidney Lumets - Making Movies.
 
Simmy said:
Anyone able to help me with my questions earlier on this page?

Thanks :)
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I don't really know how much the DVX and the A1 goes for in the UK but here in the US the DVX isn't priced attractively enough at this point. It's roughly $3300-3400 without a rebate while the A1 is $3500 with a rebate that brings it down to $3250. Comparatively priced, the A1 is the better value because it does MOST of what the DVX does, and it does it in HD. I would recommend you wait a few months to see if Panna decides to bring down the price on the DVX, because if you're looking at prices, A1 currently offer better value for the money.
 
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