DVX100 viable choice?

Well the dvx heads are good for 2000 hrs say the manual. So I guess u can judge from that. A LOT of users here got there's used. U just hav to ask the right questions to see if it was taken care of well. Find out the shooting conditions...cuz 300 hrs shooting in a studio is better than 100hrs in the sahara :) . Find out the type of types they used. Sony is wet lube everyone else is dry. Don't mix those 2....so if they were using sony tapes b4 just continue with sony. If u want to change then get the heads cleaned then change to a dry lube and stick to that. Find out if they used it as a capture cam. Rewinding and fast forwarding a lot( to capture) is more wear than just recording, even though they say that's overblown. Anyway those are a couple things u can ask. There are good used dvx's out there. Try looking in the marketplace section of this site.

I'm out :) good luck
 
Good thing about getting the dvx used now is that people throw in barry green's dvxbook and all kinda useful stuff.
 
I guess, I am going to try to gather my camera budget up.. and see about getting a DVX100A or B used.. if that doesn't pan out.. I can look at my other options.
 
any filmmakers using the DVX100 currently that are running the festival circuit, and trying to get distro?
 
DVX100p is what I recommend, or if you want that "warmer" look get a VX1000 they're hard to find but they're definately worth it for the colors.
 
Azmyth said:
any filmmakers using the DVX100 currently that are running the festival circuit, and trying to get distro?
Click to expand...

I'm in the middle of shooting a feature now on the DVX and I have one I finished on the DVX a few months ago that will be distributed at the beginning of 2010.

Hi-Def doesn't matter. What does matter is decent looking footage PERIOD. I'm guessing everyone is in the same boat as I and all the folks I know and are distributing via DVD, and that means Standard Def...true you have more options(cropping, moving your final frame around, etc, etc.) and may get a tad better picture from a Hi-Def master, but when it all comes down to it the DVX has what we all need...manual controls and a good looking standard def image.

I would get a DVX and then start getting the best accessories with an upgrade to a different Hi-Def camera in mind. I myself have a rail system, mic, boom pole, 35mm adapter, lenses, etc. etc. etc ad naseum....and that stuff will follow along with me when I upgrade from my HVX-200 to a HVX-800000 that shoots 8k video or when I just show up to a set and someone wants to shoot on a DVX.

Camera's are temporary...Accessories last a lifetime. Buy a camera, but don't get attached....you're prolly just renting it for awhile. You'll buy it at $1300, or whatever, and prolly want to upgrade down the road, and then you'll sell it to someone else for $1100

Worry more about those accessories...alot of those are for a lifetime.
 
Hey Azmyth,

I was in your position last year, I never owned a prosumer camera so i didnt know alot about em. It finally came down to Canon's Hv20, XH A1, and the Dvx. I spent 3 sleepless months trying to figure out what i wanted lol. I choose the dvx not only because i've seen what it could do, but because there is sooo much support and information about the camera. I knew if i had a question about anything to do with the dvx, someone on this forum or elsewhere whould know the answer. Plus it came with magic bullet and instantHD.
 
To honor your stated budget, I'd echo that a good used 100b would be an excellent choice and far more useful as a learning tool than a consumer grade camera.

If HD is a major consideration, the Sony FX1 can be had used for a similar price point and provides similar capabilities plus the option of 1080i HD.

Tapeless work flow is the future but there are options for adding this to older cameras. At this point a 100b or FX1 and a decent mic (definitely research the audio forum before spending $$) should serve you well . . . . .provided you've got a story worth telling.

Best wishes and good luck.
 
JONJON said:
Hey Azmyth,

I was in your position last year, I never owned a prosumer camera so i didnt know alot about em. It finally came down to Canon's Hv20, XH A1, and the Dvx. I spent 3 sleepless months trying to figure out what i wanted lol. I choose the dvx not only because i've seen what it could do, but because there is sooo much support and information about the camera. I knew if i had a question about anything to do with the dvx, someone on this forum or elsewhere whould know the answer. Plus it came with magic bullet and instantHD.
Click to expand...


Yeah after doing some figuring.. these are the numbers I came up with...

Plan A.

DVX100A or B
I will buy used either from this site, or a reputable dealer. Somewhat afraid of ebay for something this costly. most of the ones I have seen and have been offered have more than just the camera with them (this is a plus) If I could luck out and get a camera, a few batteries, and a decent tripod.. I'd be golden. (I've seen some with mics included as well.. also a nice bonus)

price: 1000-1750 (just from what I have seen online)

Plan B.

HV40 new - about 800.00
Tripod - 150 - 200.00 for a fluid head (this is on the cheap end)
Static 35mm from twoneil - 200.00 (can't afford a spinner or vibrator)
Azden Mic - I've seen some on ebay for like 150
35mm lens - 100.00 or more

by the time I buy all the extra stuff to get the HV40 in condition to actually shoot my films.. I'm still lacking controls, and I've easily gone over my budget.

If SD footage from the DVX can be uprezzed, and people are still using them (obviously they are) then it seems like its easily the winner in terms of value and quality and usefulness for my purposes.

I'm shooting for DVD distribution, and if the distributor wants it in HD. they can worry about that.

I don't have all the money yet for the purchase, but those of you who have PMed me about cameras. I'll be trying to get back with you as soon as I am able. You've all been extremely helpful, and I agree with the stocking up on accessories that will still be usable on future cameras.. instead of trying to worry about what camera to get.. Upgrading is inevitable. I'd rather invest in stuff that has been a standard, than have a bunch of junk I won't be able to sell for half the price I paid for it in 6 months time.

VX1000's are still selling for a good bit, and I believe they are even older than the DVX correct?
 
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