I've got the same problem choosing among them. I will use Breavis like adaptor and possibly HDMI recording 4:2:2, but I can't understand $2000USD e-bay prices for plain DVX100A.
Total budget is ~1200USD, so I cant afford DVX100a/b easily.
HV20 costs only $900 which is much better (I will not use "low light environment" where the 3CCD has a greater sensitivity).
Eric Piccoli: As dvx100b user please explain me "weakness" of HV20 except low-light sensitivity, manual focus and XLR lack.
I would recomend the DVX100 without reservation. The HV20 gives you nice resolution gain but not a lot more. I have a XHA1, which I like a lot, but I will never get rid of my DVX100a.
I recommend the HV20. The HV20 might not have as much manual controls on its body like the DVX, but if you are going to use an adapter like the Brevis exclusively with the cam then it (HV20) will be just another cam head where you will manipulate more of the adapter functions instead of the controls on the cam's body. Plus...the resolution speaks for itself.
With only $1300 you are stretching yourself to get a DVX in good condition. If you had the money, I'd say DVX. But with a tight budget like that go with the hv20. It doesnt look like much, but getting great reviews against any other cam in it's class. Thinking of getting one myself, but won't get rid of my DVX!
If you use the hv20 with a Blackmagic Intensity card, you can capture the 1920x1090 image in 24p @ 4:2:2, otherwise you'll be capturing 24p (in a 59.97i format) @ 4:2:0, and resized to 1440x1080 to fit the HDV standard. It's still got a lot more picture information than a standard def camera.
On the other hand, I've been very happy with the quality of DVX footage projected onto a big screen in a theater. For my money though, I'm getting an HV20.
My reason is that I will be using the camera primarily with a 35mm adapter, so the camera is just there to take the best picture possible, with focus and aperature settings being determined by the adapter lenses. Also, I think standard def is on its way out. However slowly that might be, it's definitely old tech.
Incidentally, if you want to record in 4:2:2 colorspace at 24p, you can get the blackmagic card and hv20 for under $1200. But you still have to worry about disk space to store all that footage, and a couple extra batteries for the camera would be nice too.
Ya I can understand how we are all freaking over how the hv20 looks. I just bought a hv20 and a xh-a1 and I'm considering sending both back to buy a dvx100b!
You know why? because I shoot to show others. not to look at threw my viewfinder.. That is what bugs me, The choices for distribution stink. and I think it is going to take a long time before it becomes affordable . a blank blu ray cd 11.00 each . burner 750. ... and so on. and its a 1x burner!! we are starting all over.
I think by the time we can use the cameras they will have full hd cams with no sd on them. then it may be time to switch.
This decision is the hardest thing I ever had to think of.. I have been on my computer for weeks trying to make the right decision. so I don't get burned and can have a camera that I can actually use for a little while. look how long the dvx has been around. You think we will get that lucky with our investments with a hv20,hvx200,xh-a1,z1.......
I watch everybody dumping there nice sd cams (Just like I did) to go hd and stare at it or maybe upload a video to you tube .. I don't know what to do anymore.
I already sold my brand new sony vx2100 for a dirt price. now at least if I could replace it with a dvx100b for the same money. atleast then I can say I got a good deal.. or did I.......keep the xh-a1 and send back the hv20..no keep the hv20 and send back that xh-a1 so you dont have much money invested....send them all back and go to sleep.....:violin:
This debate is killing me. I am curently in the same situation, deciding between hv20 and dvx100. I am leaning toward the dvx100 firstly because i hate the idea of some cheesy consumer device with only 3 buttons on it, and a four way joystick for navigating an onscreen menu, and those awful things.
The camera is going to be for shooting soccer games that will be distributed on DVD, but also for my personal use, to explore the endless ideas i have for music video and youtube sensations. I hope to make stuff I can put on a demoreel and get hired at a cool agency somewhere far away.
The main tradeoff in question here seems to be , do i want HV20 Sexy High Resolution or DVX100 Dynamic Range and Manual Control (and a downright tonally superior picture)? Certainly the HD rez would be better for sports where the light is abundant and rez really helps to capture detail far away. Plus we have an HDTV to plug it right into. I am trying not to underestimate that benefit.
On the other hand, I have seen footage of the HV20 and it appears the sensor has a much narrower dynamic range than the DVX100. HV20 skies are blown out and shadows are mud. The cinegamma stuff on DVX100 seems to produce a magical advantage! If someone can really explain or demonstrate that there isnt' much of a difference, that would make it easier for me to get the HV20. And tell me, doesn't HV20 video smashed down to web res look far inferior to the DVX100? I am almost positive in my opinion about this. Maybe it's only because amateurs are posting HV20 test clips. I dont know.
There is one last thing pushing me toward the DVX100; the footage will be much faster on the computer compared to HD for editing. But...a moot point if the HV20 can playback to capture in 24p SD. I'll be grateful for any response. thanks all..
If your main distribution outlet is going to be DVD, the DVX beats the living snot out of the HV20 in every imaginable category (as it should, since it's 3x the price).
The HV20 exists for one reason only: cheap 1080/24p. Higher-than-standard-def resolution isn't going to do much of anything for you on a DVD though.