dvx100a/b vs dvc30

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emereica_zr

Active member
how does the dvc compare to the dvx a or b???? i want a b but i dont know if i can wait that long to save up for it... would it be ok just settling for a dvc30 if im just planning to film some skateboarding and a bit of other stuff and build up my portfolio for film school.. is this cam suitable for my needs?
 
To the best of my knowledge, the main differences are that the DVC30 does not shoot 24p (like the DVX100-series). For "skateboarding" and other action sports, it may be preferential to not shoot in 24p, or your action will be jittery and not smooth. If you're filming dramatic sequences for a "film school" reel, then 24p may be beneficial. Keep in mind, that in a pinch, you could create a 24p look from your 60i footage, with software in post (won't look as good as shooting 24p, but will be cheaper).

Also, it has 1/4" CCD's, rather than 1/3". In good lighting (sunny, outside etc), you may be hard-pressed to notice a significant difference in chip-size. But in all other situations, the 1/3" CCD's (DVX100-series) will look clearly better.

Just, IMO.
 
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I've heard a lot of people here say filming skating in 24p might be too jittery. It's not. I got my DVX last week and filmed a ton of skating since, all in 24p. None of it is jittery like I've heard people say. I'm not sure about the DVC, but I'd go with the Canon GL2 for the option of the frame movie mode (fake 30p) The Frame mode on the GL2 was much more preferrable for making short films with but skateboarding , now that was too jittery; overall the frame mode looked pretty good. The GL2 is also a 1/4" CCD. You can find GL2's in new condition on ebay for around $1700-1800. Hope this helps.
 
mehnkle said:
I've heard a lot of people here say filming skating in 24p might be too jittery. It's not. I got my DVX last week and filmed a ton of skating since, all in 24p. None of it is jittery like I've heard people say. I'm not sure about the DVC, but I'd go with the Canon GL2 for the option of the frame movie mode (fake 30p) The Frame mode on the GL2 was much more preferrable for making short films with but skateboarding , now that was too jittery; overall the frame mode looked pretty good. The GL2 is also a 1/4" CCD. You can find GL2's in new condition on ebay for around $1700-1800. Hope this helps.
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I agree, I had a debate with about this with a random guy with some old school DVCAM about 24p in sports. Unless your shooting something with extremely high motion and sensitivity 24p works fine for sports, I see skateboarding shot with 16mm and sometimes 35mm all the time at 24fps looks awesome. Yes I would prefer 60i for a sport but 24p sports looks fine. Also for tons of football highlights they overcrank and use 30p and do the 80% slowmo for 24p.

But yes if you have the money go for the dvx it will give you a greater range in shooting.
 
i was in the same boat about 3 yrs ago... i wanted to shoot snowboarding. i thought of getting a GL2, but at the time, a GL2 costed around 3800 new. whereas the DVX I got costed 5200. I'm glad i got the DVX, cause I knew i'd want to eventually upgrade my GL2, had I gotten it.
If you're goin to film school, you'll have a camera you won't have to upgrade, plus sports in general seem to look better in 24p... but that's just my opinion
 
i own 2 dvx100b's and 1 dvc30.

I first bought the dvc30..it did a great job..way better than the 3 ccd gs series.

But when i got my first dvx..the dvc just doesn't look as good. Esp if shooting in 30p..compared to the dvx 24p...the angles jus dont match up. The 60i looks great tho. The 30p feature on the dvc30 is jus OK. For the money the dvc30 is a great deal tho.
I might sell mine if you want a deal. I also have a xlr box and wide + fisheye lens for it..+step up rings.

I dont use the dvc anymore now that i have 2 dvx's. I did capture some stunning stuff with the dvc..dont get me wrong. + the nightmode/infered works great and perfect for hidden camera stunts.
 
I have used my friends 30 and i recently got a dvx. they both have scene files which is cool. no progressive on the 30. the dvx has that sweet wide angle wich you will want for skating. the 30 is a heck alot lighter which is nice too. the 30 has more dof I think the than gl1 jus my thought. If you want something light to have fun with def go with the 30. if you wnat something that will leave you options in the future for bigger productions wiht otu a doubt go for the dvx. cuz once u got all the stuff to make ur 30 comparable to dvx(xlr box, wide angle, 24 softwear) you spoend as much money, be the same weight and still not get the same picture. And a mpc looks kinda funny on a 30
 
Dvc 30 Match Footage With Dvx ?

Dvc 30 Match Footage With Dvx ?

I am wondering if the DVC footage can be made to match pretty well in interlaced mode with the DVX. I had the bright idea of using the DVC on my Merlin as a second camera. Since it is lighter to begin with, it will take less weight to balance as well, resulting in a significant weight advantage.
 
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