DSR-450WSP vs DVX.

[adam powell]

Hi ive been commissioned for a short advert, we dont have the budget for HD but we do have access to DVCAM (SONY DSR-450WSP) this may seem like a silly question but do you think I should shoot with that or just use DVX.

The reason for asking is that I think it would be good to get quite a filmic look wheras DVCAM is going to look like video shot for TV.

obviously the DSR-450WSP will have a higher res but Im just wondering if anyone could offer any advice, maybe someone has a bit of experience with DVCAM because I've only just picked this camera up and had a look at it. (we will have a professional OP for the shoot)

Thanks in advance,
Adam Powell.

 

[mikkowilson]

DVCAM and DV are equal, so it comes down to the controls on the camera, and more importantly, the business (front) end.

What do you want it to look like?

Also be sure to check with your op what s/he will be comfterble using.


- Mikko

 

[vidled]

Out of those two choices, assuming you have access to lenses as well for the DSR-450, I'd choose the Sony any day. But like Mikko wrote, make sure the OP is comfortable with it first.

If you want a specific filmic look, that you find the DSR-450 can't give you, there's always post.

 

[Ralph Oshiro]

Holy crap! You have access to a broadcast-class, widescreen, 24P, 2/3"-CCD camera? Shoot with the DSR450. No question about it!

 

[Ralph Oshiro]

DVCAM and DV are equal . . .

While true, the HUGE difference here is the 2/3" 16:9 CCD of the DSR450 vs. the 1/3" 4:3 CCD of the DVX. What does this mean to you, Adam?

1. DSR450 more than two stops faster than a DVX100 (need less lights).
2. DSR450 is a 800-line camera (much sharper image).
3. DSR450 is a 65dB SNR camera (way quieter than a DVX in the chroma/luma noise--i.e., no "grainy" pictures).

 

[Matt Gottshalk]

While true, the HUGE difference here is the 2/3" 16:9 CCD of the DSR450 vs. the 1/3" 4:3 CCD of the DVX. What does this mean to you, Adam?

1. DSR450 more than two stops faster than a DVX100 (need less lights).
2. DSR450 is a 800-line camera (much sharper image).
3. DSR450 is a 65dB SNR camera (way quieter than a DVX in the chroma/luma noise--i.e., no "grainy" pictures).

Agreed, and you STILL get 24p right?

Go with the DSR-450.

 

[adam powell]

thank you for taking the time to answer my question,

I didnt realise the camera shot 25P, Im a bit new to all this broadcast equipment but you have to start somewhere dont you.

ok so Sony it is...I think Im going to try and use the varicam if the OPs here have experience with it but that might be biting off more than I can chew.

at least if we use the sony the ops here are very familiar with it, the short just has to be very high quality

again thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, it means a lot to be able to talk to such experienced people.

 

[mikkowilson]

While true, the HUGE difference here is the 2/3" 16:9 CCD of the DSR450 vs. the 1/3" 4:3 CCD of the DVX. What does this mean to you, Adam?

1. DSR450 more than two stops faster than a DVX100 (need less lights).
2. DSR450 is a 800-line camera (much sharper image).
3. DSR450 is a 65dB SNR camera (way quieter than a DVX in the chroma/luma noise--i.e., no "grainy" pictures).

Quick follow up.
Yeah I was refering purly to the recording format with DVCAM and DV.

I too didn't realize that the 450 did 24/25p. (oops...) Either way it would have been my choice, but with the progressive there's no reason to use the DVX.


- Mikko ... "size does matter"