DVX-100A vs. Sony DSR-390

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Hello. I've been reading the wealth of information this site has to offer steadily for two weeks now. I had pretty much decided to shoot my next short on the DVX-100A. But now I learned that I have access to a Sony DSR-390. So this is my dilemma. I would just test the cameras myself and find out which one to go with, but that's not a possiblity right now. The DSR-390 has 1/2" chip compared the DVX-100A's 1/3" chip, and it has a higher resolution of 800 lines compared to the DVX-100A's 500. The short that I will be shooting will have a final ouput to DVD. So my question is: is the higher resolution of the Sony a reason to choose it over the Panasonic's "film-like" motion and cine-gamma qualities? Which will give me the better image for a dramatic narrative film, in your opinions? I greatly appreciate the input of all you qualified DVXusers. Thanks.
 
Re: DVX-100A vs. Sony DSR-390

Its all a matter of taste. Both cameras can produce image quality sufficent for final output to DVD, so it really depends on the look you want. The sony is a very nice camera, however it'll tend to have the "video" look compared to the DVX having the "film" look. You have a little more flexibilty with the DVX as far as the look you can achieve.
 
Re: DVX-100A vs. Sony DSR-390

If you are willing to work in post to deinterlace/color correct your footage, I think the output can be even more pleasant than the DVX's. I guess you can simulate in post what the DVX can do, but you can't simulate top quality glass and 2/3" CCDs...

But to tell you the truth, are you the one to be carrying all the gear? Because, call me lazy, but I'd give up the larger camera in favour of the small DVX, even if that accounts for a small compromise in image quality. To me they are close enough in image...
 
Re: DVX-100A vs. Sony DSR-390

I've used the DSR300 (forerunner to the 390) quite a bit. I'd say if you want to make dramatic narrative work, go for the DVX. The DSR300 is a superb video camera, but it is unquestionably, absolutely, without-a-doubt "video".
 
Re: DVX-100A vs. Sony DSR-390

I have a similar dilemma with the opportunity to buy a basically new DSR-300 (20hours) with the 18x lens, two batteries/charger for just $5K.

Upsides to the 300 vs DVX100:

--with that great lens and larger chip size, I can switch between focal planes more easily, and I'm as obsessed with that as everyone else.
--the 300 is a great low light camera

Downsides vs the DVX100:

-- heavier, cumbersome. I'm in NYC without a car, so that might mean trouble. I might break my back with extensive shoulder operation.
-- Doesn't have 24p

I have the Magic Bullet suite, so the big question for me is how good the 60i > 24p conversion is with that software. If I can run the Sony footage through that and have it look great, well...
----
What I'll shoot: Corporate and wedding stuff on one hand, but arty-farty short films on the other.

Gosh, with the XL2, and HDV stuff out this is a tough week to be choosing a camera.
 
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