Dvx100, Xh-a1, Hv20

Zim

Zim

Veteran
Well I have narrowed my choices to 3..

1. DVX100b,,,,,all around a very good camera. Plus a large base of users

2. Canon XH-A1,,,,,I really like this one to but unsure on how FCP will work with it.

3. HV20.....the price is great but there seems to be some issues with it .


My target video is web based, dvds and online downloads and a (indie film),,,,so HD/HDV is not a real must. I know I can't edit 1080/24f with FCP 5.0.4 but what about 24f in standard def even in a 60 timeline? What about 1080/60?

The price isn't that much more, but if i can't edit it is useless.

The DVX100b's are only around $2650. With the the hassles I might get from FCP/Canon HDV I wonder if just a good old fashion DVX100 might be better.

So unless there are any FCP /Canon XH-A1 users out there that can help me out,,,,,I'm going with the DVX100b
 
I don't know what you don't get about the A1. Your questions were answered in another thread. You can edit HDV 1080 60i or even 30F (captured with the HDV 1080i capture setup) with FCP 5.0.4. You can shoot regular DV or widescreen DV at frame rates of 24, 30 or 30i. You can shoot with advanced pulldown or regular pulldown with DV 24F (P). You can capture HDV 24F and convert to AIC if you wish through a combination of DVHSCap (capturing as m2t) and MPEG Streamclip. (converting to different codecs at any frame size/frame rate.

As you can see, it's really quite flexible. The only thing you can't do is capture downconverted HDV 24F (spit out as DV via firewire) with advanced pulldown. The camera only outputs 24p downconverts as 29.97 with normal pulldown applied.
 
if you don't need hd, the dvx is a great camera to start with. use it for a couple of years and then make the transition to the hvx.
 
Here's how I'd think about it. Given your goals, the dvx is perfect. Advantages:

1)Better audio
2)Better low-light performance
3)Longer track record
4)More peripherals

The A1 has more controls and HD - but somehow I don't see that making so much difference in your case. What do you gain with the A1? HD is not settled yet - I think you need another 3 years or so for that to happen, at which point the A1 may well be outdated... money still "wasted" as you'll need to get the "real HD" if that's what matters at that point. This is the same as the argument about buying the last PPC versus the first Intels on the Mac. I went with the mature last PPC for an iBook, figuring I know exactly what I'm getting and have a ton of apps and peripherals, and by the time it's ready to be upgraded they'd have the Intel platform mature a bit for the Mac. Same here. The support network for the dvx is awesome - both in equipment and people who have experience with it, so when you're looking for a DP or whatever, you'll have a much easier time.

Of course, it would be nice if the dvx had 16:9 for your indie, and I still think $2600 is a lot for such an old camera, but honestly, in the large scheme of things it doesn't matter - you are getting a proven camera that's been used to shoot award-winning work. It will let you get work done - the most important thing! If you get some fantastic work from this, you won't think about the $2600. IMHO - go for it!
 
Between those three I would get the A1. I don't think the A1 workflow is as muddled as you suggest. And the footage I've seen from the A1 looks gorgeous and sharp.

If I had to buy a DVX I wouldn't buy new, I would buy a used one for about 1700. There's no difference between a new one and a used one, except hours on the tape heads.

The HV20 isn't a professional tool so I wouldn't even put it on the list. Sure you can hack it to keep the gain off, and use a beachtek mixer, but I still don't put it in the same category as the DVX or A1.

From what you mentioned a used DVX would probably best suit your needs for online web/dvds/shorts.

EDIT: Final Cut does work with A1 footage.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=962878&postcount=13
 
Now i did get this email answer from B&H. So whats the deal. Some people say you can and some can't,,,,,

"You need FinalCut 5.1.4 or later to edit 24f."

"You will not be able to work with that camera in HD without 5.1.4. You can down convert to DV and use it with an early version."

I think I will be better off with the DV100b right now.
 
24F is Canon's own proprietary format, and support for it wasn't added until 5.1-something, was it?

You could use it in 60i mode with earlier versions, certainly, but 24F was added in 5.1 or 5.1.1 I think...
 
Zim said:
"You need FinalCut 5.1.4 or later to edit 24f."

"You will not be able to work with that camera in HD without 5.1.4. You can down convert to DV and use it with an early version."
Click to expand...

If I'm not mistaken I think at least two other threads have answered your question that you need Final Cut 5.1.4 to use the A1.

Here's where A1 users confirmed that.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=99391


And you already posted in this thread and it was confirmed.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=99180

And it was confirmed for you here.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=98912

If you're already using Final Cut and own 5.1 this isn't a big deal. Just update your software.

isaac
 
No I'm being told different things,,even by sales people,,,,here is what Elton said just a few post back:

"You can edit HDV 1080 60i or even 30F (captured with the HDV 1080i capture setup) with FCP 5.0.4. You can shoot regular DV or widescreen DV at frame rates of 24, 30 or 30i. You can shoot with advanced pulldown or regular pulldown with DV 24F (P).


He just said there you can edit HDV with 5.0.4. Do you read that?

Now if I read the email from B&H right,,,,I have downconvert to edit,,,you have to have 5.1.4 to edit HDV.

Those were two seperate emails by the way. Like I said forget HDV,,,,sounds like a pain anyway.
 
Let's try this again:

Canon invented their own HDV format. 24F and 30F are new, proprietary, Canon-only formats.

5.0.4 supports 1080 HDV 60i. 24F and 30F are *not* 1080/60i, they are different formats.

Support for 24F was introduced after 5.1, but I don't remember the specific version number. It doesn't really matter, because if you have 5.1 then the upgrade to 5.1.4 is free.
 
I think I'll do the smart thing. Maybe a easier for a rookie,,,cheaper and more proven,,, and just get a DVX100.

Or just go with my gut and get the new Harley Davidson!!!

I really really thank you guys for your help.


2007_5_FLHT_FIRERED.jpg
 
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