DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

the_Andyape

the_Andyape

Active member
Right, then. I WILL be buying either the DVX100 or the DVX100a within the next few weeks (absolutely determined there). My budget, however, is hovering at around $3,000, give or take a few hundred. Every penny counts. Gotta pay for college too. Sure y'all can identify.

Anyways, I had a few questions that need answering about the two cameras before I take the leap-

First- Profeel has the lowest prices for the cameras that I've seen- $3,157 for the 100a and $2,880 for the 100. Is it worth paying almost $200 for the newer model? I know the technical differences between the two, but do they really matter is use? (Or will I regret it later if I purchase the older one?)


AND...

Is there anyone (besides the grey market dealers) selling the original DVX100 for less than $2800? Should I bother continuing the search?

Thanks for your help in- um- advance. We'll see how this goes. :-)

Andy
 
Re: DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

i own the dvx (not "A") and would spend the extra 200 for the newer model if i were you. Although i'm happy with mine, id probably pay $200 for the upgrade if i could. There are some really nice new features in the "A" that make life easier; but nothing mindblowing.


;D
 
Re: DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

Do not go gray market, you will regret it. It may cost less than $2800, but in the end, what you get may be worthless, and any stress you save will be worth the money.

Also, get the 100a--no question about it. If you're doing ANY shooting in 24p mode, the lack of gain adjustment in the dvx100 is very bad and I hear that the 100a produces slightly better pictures because it sees in twelve bit color, instead of 10 (though both downsample to 8). Some have gone as far as to call the dvx100 the "prototype" and the 100a the "finished camera" but I would not say that. I would go as far as to say that the 100a has a whole lot of new features and small improvements for 200 bucks and you'd be crazy not to buy one.

Lasty, I am in the same position as you: I'm going to college next year and buying a dvx100a perhaps as soon as next week. I've never worked for more than 10 dollars an hour so for me, too, this is quite a major purchase.

Where are you going to school, btw, that you need such a high end camera?
 
Re: DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

I'm going to Savannah College of Art & Design, though I won't be needing the camera there for at least a year or so. (Apparently major film/video projects don't come into play much when you're a Freshman.) :-)

What I WILL be using it for is a pretty elaborate project I've been developing for the past 6 months or so. This'll need to be the movie that shows off the best that I can do, as it'll be the last major project I'll have time to work on in the next 4 years. (I mean- I heard somewhere that college keeps you fairly busy, or something to that effect...)

Agh- you're right about the grey market cams... it's so tempting though!!!

Incidently, where will you be going to college? What are you needing the cam for?
 
Re: DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

What do you mean when you say the "grey market"?  I saw the camera for about 2300 at camera shops in NY.  It's about 2hrs away from where I live and would be worth the drive.
Do you guys know something about these shops that I don't?
 
Re: DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

[quote author=jkc123 link=board=nws;num=1082854073;start=0#6 date=04/25/04 at 06:43:53]What do you mean when you say the "grey market"? I saw the camera for about 2300 at camera shops in NY. It's about 2hrs away from where I live and would be worth the drive.
Do you guys know something about these shops that I don't?
[/quote]

Let me expand on this question as I am in exactly the same boat. I just came into about $8K and it's ALL going toward a DVX100A and tripod/head, lights, sound, MCE QuickStream, cases, tools & accessories. So I spend hours - days even - looking for the best prices. Most will be comming from B&H or direct from manufacturer, but for the jewel in the crown - the 100A, this is what I've found:

B&H - $3690
AbesOfMain - $3080
BroadwayPhoto - $2899
DigitalLiquidators - $2479
EVS - $3480
InoaX - $2979
MrAccessory - $3050
PCVideo - $3078
Profeel - $3158
StarlightCamera - $2549
TriStateCamera - $$3170
US1Camera - $3100

Which of these are "grey market" and which aren't. If some have less than stellar customer service, I don't care - there's a range of over a grand, here! But I DO want the Panasonic warranty and a camera with a serial number.
 
Re: DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

I checked out resellerratings.com, and generally, any place that's offering the cam for under $3,000 should be cnsitered grey market. Read some ofthe experiences people have had with Broadway, Starlight, and Digital Liquidators and you'll see what I mean. Abe's of Maine seems like a decent place, and I know from experience that Profeel is an excellent company.

That said, my original question about the DVX100 still stands- is anyone selling the thing for a significantly reduced price? Most aren't selling it at all.
 
Re: DVX100, DVX100a... alas, how to choose?

evs and bhphoto are the only authorized dealers on that list.
 
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