dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying advice

briankay

New member
I'm about the make the plunge on a new camera, for use in no-budget short-films and perhaps documentary work. In a perfect world I'd get the dvx100a, but the idea of saving $1200 by getting Panny's new dvc30 and using the saved money for other equipment is also tempting. Can anybody give me an impassioned plea to go one way or the other? How much will I be giving up by going from 1/3"CCD's to 1/4", from true 24p to fake 24p, from the full cinnegamma features to (I've heard) a more limited set? As an ambitious amatuer, should I buy high-end for the sake of upward growth, or save some money now to use on other things like lighting equipment and mics? Thanks!

-Brian
 
Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying advice

Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying advice

DVx 100 fir sure. You will regret trying to skimp.
 
Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying advice

Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying advice

Well I own both and it all depends on the look you want and your standards. The DVC30's frame mode looks fine but it has a loss of resolution. It's not going to give you the level of control the DVX gives you either. The DVX's progrssive 24/30 fps wins hands down compared to the DVC frame mode.

Now for 60i shooting the DVC30 holds up quite well to the DVX. Check out Adam Wilt's review at Dv.com. He says it's image is as good or better than the DVX. Also the DVC is a lot of fun to use with it's small size. You can take it a lot of places discreetly and not be noticed. 16X and 100sec slow speed zoom are nice features as well.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying advice

Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying advice

Generally speaking, people who settle for less than what they really want for the sake of a few dollars end up regretting it, and the more they rationalize it, the more they regret it. Sounds like what you really want is the DVX. If you hold out for it, you won't be disappointed.
 
Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying adv

Re: dvx100 vs. dvc30:  looking for buying adv

Another option if you really can't spare the money is to buy a used DVX-100 with low hours. I was in exactly the same position as you and decided on this route because I knew I would regret not having the camera I originally wanted. I managed to buy a DVX with 12 hours on the heads for $100 more than a new DVC-30.
 
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