DVX100 vs DVX100A

[lycrarob]

I currently have the Panasonics DVC-30 camcorder and love it.
But when I saw the JVC100U HD, I thought mabey I should think about up grading my camera. I just bought my camera last year Dec 04 2004.
I phoned my camera dealer and asked if they can get me the new Panasonic in Nov this year, they said yes, but the Canadian list price will be around $10.000 - $13.000.
JVC100U will be around $8000.00, JVC has the price beaten hands down.
My dealer talked me out of buying a HD cam and to mabee consider a used DVX100 for around $2500.00 Canadian. A new DVX100A goes for $4600.00 Canadian.
Im thinking about keeping my DVC-30 and mabee buying the used DVX100 as a second Camera.
What do any of you think of the DVX100 vs the DVX100A, is it worth buying the lesser of the two? Or should I wait?
Thanks
Rob

 

[David Jimerson]

With either the 100 or the 100A, you’d be using the wrong camera as 2nd. That would be the DVC30’s job, and it makes a great backup for the DVX (as long as you’re not shooting 24p).

The 100A is the better cam for numerous reasons . . . but it’s not $2100 of better. If the $2500 100 has low hours (especially below 150) and is in excellent shape, I’d go with that unless you really must have the extra features on the 100A.