camera to compliment dvx

Z

Zach

Member
I do lots of theatre taping, it's normally a three-camera production--my DVX, a cheap Sony camera as a full-stage shot, and just recently I got a Panasonic pv-gs400.

I'm rather unhappy with the new camera. Specifically its low light performance (important for my type of work) and the ease/steadiness of zoom (anybody aware of a good, steady zoom controller for this camera?).

I bought it because it was recommended by someone else using it for 3-camera shoots and they said it blended well (i dont use progressive when doing these). I also liked that it had zebra pattern and manual iris control and listed the f-stops like my DVX. I assumed (wrongly) that the brightness would be about the same between the two. Its actually much darker at F2.0 than the dvx and I have to go into the gain side to get it as bright, and at that point the colors wash out. My cheap 1-ccd Sony seems to match better.

So i'm trying to decide if I should sell it or not. My questions are, will I find any consumer camera that will (closely) match the low-light performance of the DVX or should I stick with what I have? Could be any brand. At this time, I can't spend any more than I did for this camera (around $1,300--so no DVC 30). Zebra pattern is nice but i guess not critical. A steady zoom (or lanc for zoom controller) is important. Most important is color and brightness to match the DVX.

I'm not really able to test nice equipment anywhere locally (that i'm aware of) so i'm relient on suggestions. Thanks for the help!



zach
 
I think you should stick with what you have. Are you shooting 30,60i with the DVX or 24p? I'm guessing you are not shooting in 24p mode. When money is tight, work with what you got and do the best you can with it.
 
your alway's going to have problems when the ccd size drops, I think the gs400 has 1\4" ccd's so I wouldn't have thought it to that bad.. I have a gs200 and wouldn't use it anywhere in low light, but find it's picture to be acceptable in brighter situations. it's a 1/6" chip. i don't know off hand what would be better for cheap
maybe try looking for a used cam of a higher end. :thumbsup:
 
I'm using 60i on the DVX. The GS400 isn't horrible, just not what I was expecting.

If I found an alternative I think would work better, I'd put the GS400 on eBay and go for something else. What makes me think I could find something better is that my old Sony 1 CCD seems to do better.

So...if anybody has any specific recommendations i'd appreciate them. I don't have access to test much before I buy or access to people locally w/ this type of equipment.



thanks

zach
 
Zach, I loved my GS-400 but sold it and picked up a used DVX-100 for $1800. I am so happy now. I thought hard and heavy and am so glad I went this way. Look around .........I've seen them for less w/ low hours.
 
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