DVX or HVX

floatingtrem

floatingtrem

Member
Hey Guys, I'm new to the forums, and looking to get my first camera.

After much deliberation I have narrowed my choices to the DVX100 and the HVX200. I had done some work with the some DVX100's awhile back, and was reasonably impressed, granted I wasn't behind the camera, and those in charge of the project really did not know what they were doing. Since then I've done alot of work with the Sony PD100 and a little bit with the PD150. Suffice it to say, I can't stand the 100. The only camera I've used extensively and been happy with is an Arri 16s, but thats another animal.

Now... to the task at hand, DVX or HVX? On the one hand I have fallen in love with HD footage lately, and have seen some breathtaking stuff shot on the HVX, on the other I'm not sure if the extra goodies are really worth the extra dime. I'm a big time sound guy, I hope to eventually go into sound design and mixing, and I wonder if that extra money should be going towards some nice mic's or a mixer. And when it comes down to workflow, do I really have the hardware to be editing in HD? Right now I'm running FCP on my PowerBook G4, is that going to have the juice to let me efficiently edit in 720, letalone 1080? It feels sluggish enough with SD.

How about media? While P2 cards are pricey, one doesn't need to worry about wearing out your heads, or a deck. But with MiniDV I can always get ahold of some low end camcorder to use like a deck, can't I? How fast can I dump a P2 card? Fast enough to let it not get in the way of my shoot?

I would love to be shooting in HD, but I think I'd be happy with just SD. What do you guys think? Is the jump to HD worth it?

EDIT (this is the wrong place for this isn't it...)
 
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Look at your post. You have already answered your own question. Buy the
DVX100b and don't look back.

Charli
 
If you can't get your answers from this website, don't kow what to tell you... There's tons of articles, web links, friends on-line, forums, and "Screen Grabs" - that are tests and footage shot with both cameras.

I'd go with the DVX-100 personally. HD is beautiful, but it is still very new and un-tested in alot of respects. It is not that HD is bad, but the DVX aready looks like HD quality, why not save the money and go with the DVX. With the P-2 cards so expensive and is it really a luxury? I'm still ok with tapes. Compression is an issue with me and that is another topic you can find and read about.

Tom
 
Buy the DVX, save all the packaging and every little plastic baggie that comes with it. Take very good care of your DVX. But shoot the hell out of it. If you still find yourself wanting the HVX, you can sell your DVX for not much of a loss.

The important thing is you need to make sure you use it enough.

I use mine to make shows that air on national basic cable TV shows.

You will also discover that the camera is only a small expense compared to the boom mic, wireless lav, good tripod and head, Portabrace bag, etc. that you will need. The money you save with the DVX will allow you to purchase good stuff to use it to its fullest.
 
one option is to buy the HVX but shoot primarily in SD with tapes. You'll have a 16x9 sensor and the ability to shoot HD if and when you need it.
 
dustino said:
one option is to buy the HVX but shoot primarily in SD with tapes. You'll have a 16x9 sensor and the ability to shoot HD if and when you need it.
Click to expand...

Thats an awesome idea, nothing like spending an extra 2 or 3 grand on something you won't use very often.

Thanks for your you suggestions guys, its really just what i wanna here. I was looking through some prices last night, and for the cost of the HVX i can get 2 shotguns on booms, some sticks, a lighting kit and more, so I really think the HVX is gunna be the way to go. Maybe I can even squeeze a DAW controller in there....

And if I really need to shoot HD, I can rent an HVX, I know a place that I can get a discount at... comes with 3 4gig P2s, and only 25 extra for that hard drive you can dump em on.
 
floatingtrem said:
Yeah, I saw that too, but if/when I jump to HD, I don't wanna be stuck with just the HDV option, and with how much the G1 costs I'd rather buy an HVX.

Thanks for your help guys, I think I'm gunna end up going with the DVX100!
Click to expand...

Why would you buy the G1? If you like the p2 thing buy the hvx200. If you can't afford p2 but still want HD buy the Canon A1 ($4000). Seriously the A1 is a hell of a deal. If you don't need the HD get the dvx100. It still got a lot to offer. :)
 
floatingtrem said:
Yeah, I saw that too, but if/when I jump to HD, I don't wanna be stuck with just the HDV option, and with how much the G1 costs I'd rather buy an HVX.

Thanks for your help guys, I think I'm gunna end up going with the DVX100!
Click to expand...

The Canon is only going to cost you a few hundred more (of course no rebate etc) so a bit more than just a few hundred. In the end of course if you love the DVX go for it! But Im not sure why anyone would pass on a 1080 cam that costs so little more and has so many improvements.
 
I suppose on one level, no, there isn't any reason not to get the Canon, but I don't like the idea of being one of the first people using the camera. I wan't to give it some time on the market, see how people like it, what its quirks are, what the footage looks like. And in addition, in terms of workflow, with a 24F HDV tape, what are my deck options? Most HDV camcorders are upwards of 1000 anywho so its not like i'm going to take that route, and I don't really wanna use the camera as a deck.

I'd rather go with what is a tried and true camera, while maybe not as feature rich, than a camera that yes, can shoot HD, but doesn't provide me with an HD workflow I would be comfortable with.
 
All fair points. Good luck with your purchase and may you love the DVX as much as I have.
 
i think before you look at dvx or hvx.
you must first ask yourself ...your purpose for the camera?

if you are doing broadcast or tvc.
pls saved for hvx. coz i think thats the way to go.

if you are doing more of wedding,event, short film making.
whenby HD is not a must yet.
i think the dvx will be the best SD camera to get .

If you are looking at your first camera.
why not get dvx first, coz i think you will learn
a lot from this camera. As some of its control
are as good as boardcast camera.

Just 3 things i dont like about my dvx.
no timelapse.
no HD
no vary speed recording

Just 3 things i dont like about HVX
Too bulky for handheld with firestorage
cant record HD to tape
Cost factor


Hence look at your need.
for our company, we are looking at purchasing a HD camera
next year. Looking at fast the market are moving toward
HD. Once the technology settle down, than its
time to move in.

www.vocaremedia.com
call to inspire.
 
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