DVX and Sony HVR-A1U

S

skeletons

New member
Hey y'all!

I've read a few threads about this, but they're all from a while back... thought maybe there's some new opinions...

Been going crazy on the internet researching and saving up some cash. I was all set on buying a used DVX100a, or 100 - then started looking at the A1U. I have a friend who does video art, loves the DVX, getting an HVX... then another friend who has a HC1, shoots mostly live music, needs it small - as he put it "I want to GO to concerts, not go to FILM them...".

At work I use the Z1U, captured using a KONA card and the ProRess422 compression... looks very nice... and I've read that the A1U's image is super similar. I'll hopefully be able to use the work setup for my own work: documentary, live music/music videos, and some narrative/art projects.

The Sony's have a grainy quality I'm kind of into... I looked at the Canon A1 too, looked very nice... but when I side by sided the A1 and the DVX, I liked the look of the DVX better... depth of field and color seemed more "realistic"...

On the DVX, I'd be shooting squeeze or letterbox anyway (shoot it now on a TRV33!). The most important features beyond that are: pro audio and manual controls as I'm updating from a consumer palmcorder... which both have in various forms.

So, DVX100/100a's are between $1600-$2000 used, A1U $1950 new after mail in rebate + the A1U comes w/ a shotgun mic... Anyone's "Get this!" would be super helpful... Thanks much.

-Matt
 
I have always believed that the A1U was, although an nice camera, a more consumer rig. I think the DVX would be better unless you are set on hi def.
 
The A1U is a fine camera for the most part, however the tape mechnism is bottom loading, which really sucks because you have to detatch it from whatever mount you are using every tyime you need to load or unload a tape. The design also makes the bottom of the camera incredibly weak - you can see it bend and bow when you put pressure on the threads.

- Mikko
 
that whole "bottom-loading" thing was a turn-off for me too when i was researching it a while back. treat yourself to a nicer camera overall and go with the dvx. i'm almost one to talk from experience lol, mine will be here tomorrow.:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
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