DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

CodyBrown

CodyBrown

Active member
I am facing a very tough decision at this moment in time, and I would love it if you could help me somehow.

I am a filmmaker from Denver Colorado, I have been making movies for a while, shooting on my Cannon ZR-20 and whatever I could get my hands on. The time has come and I have been working very hard saving money for my next camera. I hope to start producing professional Music Videos and shoot a feature film this Summer with whatever camera I get.

The choice comes down to the Panasonic DVX and the Panasonic DVC30:

DVX: Price tag $3000. That is where my main problem is. It's so expensive, I simply can not afford it, and don't know how to afford it other than saving up more. It's a ferocious beautiful beast of a camera, a pit bull of the highest breed. Choosing the DVX I would get all the technical advantages, as well as expanding with Matte boxes and XLR sound recording. The DVX demands respect and can really impress possible clients. The option of shooting 24P is also enticing, but the cost is holding me down.

DVC30: Price Tag $1700. I can afford it. I hear it's an excellent camera that produces footage that is just as nice if not better than the DVX (Source: DV Magazine article). It's looks are decent but nothing compared to the DVX. It's a smallish camera and can easily be overlooked as non-professional. But if there is one thing I have learned over the years with such a consumer camera, it's how to milk something for all it's worth. Besides the light weight and smaller size of DVC could be used as an advantage especially when producing travel films. It doesn't shoot 24P which will harm my 35mm blowup ambitions. But $1300 is a ton of money and could be used (although I don't have it) for other things that would go to my various productions. I major advantage to this camcorder, is that I can afford it right now.

-

That's my dilemma guys. I have dreamed of owning a DVX for quite some time and just the possibility of actually owning one has made me think about saving even longer.

Keep in mind that I'm 16 years old and money is very hard to earn during the school year. I work on the weekends catering. If I were to continue saving it would probably take me to about April and that's if I don't spend anything and my work load remains constant.

I understand that this forum is biased and may not know to much about the DVC30 but I am interested in what you guys have to say.

Many thanks,

-cody
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

YOu do have a dilemma indeed. And yes, there is going to be some bias on this forum, but I can tell you legitamately right now, the DVC30 in no way can compare to the DVX100a as far as image quality and image control. IT has smaller CCD's and is not progressive scan. That being said, it is a very competetive camera with cameras such as the GL2 and VX2000, which have both been used for years in lower budget film making. But if your in love with the way that the DVX looks, then there is no other way that you could mimick this with any other camera, save the XL2. I'm not telling you to wait to buy the DVX or to go ahead and get the DVC right now. That is entirely up to you and what you want to do. It also would depend greatly on your past experience. IF you have a great deal of film making background and you are looking for a big leap in quality over what you have been producing, the DVX may be your camera. However, if you want to continue learning the tricks of the trade and build up more of an understanding and appreciation for film making, the DVC could be your man. Good luck in whatever you decide, and also remember that by april you could be looking at a whole new ballgame, with whatever is the newest and greatest camera, and it will probably be within the same price range as current DVX prices, so you never know.
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

I own both cameras and I was somewhat in the same position when I needed a second camera. Being you are kinda young and starting out, the DVC30 would be a great first cam. Adam Wilt's review said the DVC was as good as the DVX in 60i mode only. The DVC30's frame mode in no way compares to the DVX at 30p or 24p. And there are many other areas where the DVC30 simply is not as good although it does offer a lot for the price. The DVC30 comes out of Panasonics pro line and is not considered a consumer cam. I don't think you would be disapointed with the DVC30 but it's not comparable to the DVX in the extent of image control and of course progressive mode. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Good luck
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

Dont forget about the dvc 80 its discontinued but if you can find one the dvc80 would be a great first cam.
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

You do have a third option. Buy a used DVX. You should be able to get an original DVX100 for ... what's the going rate now, $2000? $2200?

The DVC30 is a nice little camera, but if it's not what you want, why spend a bunch of money you don't have to get something that doesn't do what you want? You may (read: may) be happier with a used DVX that shouldn't take you too much longer to save up for. Your call, of course.
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

Listen to Barry, he knows what he's talking about. I bought a used DVX100 for $2,000 and have never been happier (except for the time I dated a cheerleader in High School. Seniors Rule!!!) I looked at the DVC30 for a long time. It's a nice camera, but somewhat limited. If you can afford the step-up, get a DVX. Good luck!
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

Thanks guys

If I can find a used DVX that would be amazing. Any ideas on where to look?

And just thought I would let you know that this is not my first cam. I have been making movies since my early teens and have shot on an XL-1 and other cams. Although you could say that this might be my first "real" camcorder.

Does anyone know the depreciation value on a camera like the DVC30? It's possible that I could buy it and as I obtain more clients and money I could sell it and put it towards a DVX.

Thanks everyone,

-cody
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

A good place to figure out a cameras resale value is to check ebay. I found numerous DVC30's and DVX100's there. Used and New. If you're lucky you can find a used DVX100 for under $2,000. Make sure you buy from a seller with great feedback and check how many hours are on the meter and why are the selling it.

Cody, a word to the wise, don't ever say "camcorder" on this forum. DVXusers do not react kindly to that kind of foul mouthed talk. :D
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

Cody,

I live in Aurora, CO. I first learned about the DVX through people in 2 local groups:

colorado actors and screenwriters assembly website: http://groups.msn.com/ColoradoActorsScreenwritersAssembly/_homepage.msnw?pgmarket=en-us

and Group101 Films Colorado website:http://groups.msn.com/Group101FilmsColorado/

There are a number of people who use the DVX who are members of one or both of those groups, including myself. Maybe you can get in on a project with somebody to take the DVX for a spin. Trust me, you won't settle for less after that.

You can also check FVESCO at 9th and Jason. http://www.fvesco.com I know they rent the DVX, so they might sell them used. They will also let you go in and take a hard look at one. I spent about a half hour in there, shooting first with my zr-20, then the dvx to compare footage. It was the dealmaker. They sell the DVX new as well. But I don't know if they are an authorized dealer. Based on the size of the operation, I would think so, but, I'm not sure.

I'd be happy to get together with you sometime after the holidays. You can PM me if you like.

Be patient. I know it seems like you need to get a camera yesterday, but it's always better to hold out for what you really want.
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

I like the DVX too. But there other factors that made me get the DVC30, which are important to me like portability (or size) and weight (easier with hand held shots). I’m not going to compare the DVX to DVC30 as the DVX is the higher end unit and the best in it’s class. But I will point out some things about the DVC30.

As I said before it’s smaller and lighter for those hand held shots it sure makes it easy plus it well balanced too.

The DVC30 uses the same processor as the DVX100a "12-bit A/D and RGB Gamma Processor". It doesn’t have progressive CCD only interlaced. For 1/4” CCDs the low light performance is surprisingly excellent with the correct settings. The cams Scene files give you very good control of the picture. The “Movie-Like” Scene file uses the same gamma as the DVX’s Ciine-Like_D. The Scene files don’t let change the gamma but you can change many other settings and save them too.

It has a 16x zoom lens and the zoom rocker control give you excellent control. Since most of my shots are close up I also have the Panasonic’s 0.7x Wide-Angle Lens.

You can connect XLR mics via the optional XLR adaptor box. I highly recommend getting the XLR box as the onboard mic will capture the handling noise and I find it a bit on the bassy side. There is also a MIC connector to connect a stereo mic I have the Audio-Technica Pro24 stereo mic that works very well for close shots. I aslo recommend a a better shockmount to stop the handling noise the Audio-Technica mic comes with a sloid plastic mount, not good.

It has 3 user buttons that can be configured to your likings for your shots.

The LCD 3.5" is nice and large or you use the viewfinder that can be color or BW. I also have the 4" Hoodman for the LCD. You can set Zebra stripes (for viewing overexposed lighting) from 80% to 105% to view on the LCD and viewfinder.

For Zero LUX shots it has IR (Infrared) light too that is in BW video. (I have no need for it but it came with it) ;)

I highly recommend using this cam in manual mode to maintain the best image quality and auto focus likes to hunt a little too much.

There are more things but these are things that come to mind. I’ve been so far very happy with the DVC30. I would recommend 1st downloading the User Manual and the User Guide from Panasonic’s website then renting one to see if it meets your needs. I think you’ll be surprise with its performance.
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

The rocker and lens and balans are good, but you can't find good rainprotection for the camera, and for travel movies you will need them.
There is a general kata crc-14 and a portabrace qs-m2. Both dont fit realy nice but you have to go with it until portabrace makes another thing.
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

Ok guys, just thought I would let you know that I am going to try and save for the DVX!

Right now I have about $2000 and I'm looking for places to buy it used.

I checked ebay and so far this looks like the best deal: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20332&item=3861464875&rd=1

I will hopefully be selling copies of my DVD( http://codyb.com/mirou2.htm) and getting some extra shifts at work.

Jim that's awesome that you live in Colorado. I have heard of Group 101, I have a friend that goes to it. Ken Hendrix, maybe you know him. Have you heard of the Bug Theater's Emerging Filmmakers Project? A couple of my films have screened there. Shoot me an email.

But anyway thanks for all your help guys!

-cody
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

Hi,

angelo913:

May You send any picture from video of DVC30 (and that picture from DVX)?

THANKS ;)
 
Re: DVX Vrs. DVC30... I need help

i bought a used DVX100 too for 2200$. im a lot more happy with it than any other prosumer camera i've used although i havnt used the dvx30. its far better than the sony vx2000 or the 2100, the xl1s and i prefer it over the xl2. and mines not even an A!
 
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