DVX100A vs. Consumer HD Handycam

M

malmsteen

Active member
Hello,

I'm not sure whether this is a correct section to post this issue, but here it goes.

I currently have DVX100A, 3 years old, still in like-new shape, but since nowadays everything seems to be moving to HD, I think it's about time I upgrade my camera too.
However, I really can't afford Canon A1 or HVX200, and I was wondering how DVX 24P quality compares to consumer HD handycam with 24P capability, such as Canon HV30 (around $700).

I work as an editor and my director shot a couple of scenes with HD handycam, and I though the quality was very good, in fact, I did not notice much difference between HDX900 and handycam! (probably noticeable when online editing though)
But of course, you don't get much weight out of it so not quite as stable as DVX, but just as general quality issue I'd like to hear some opinion on this.

Would it be worth to sell my DVX and buy a HD 24P consumer handycam?

Any input will be appreciated.
 
You could sell ur dvx and build a hv20 rig. i've seen some monster looking rigs( with the hv20, shoulder mount, rails, adapter ect) so if its stability you;'re going after then there you go. And you selling the dvx would get u well on ur way. I think people shy away from the handycam thing cuz of a lack of manual controls.

Ever thought of keeping the dvx and using instant HD from red giant to convert ur sd ? i've never used it but i hear it works good.
 
I never used the HV20 because I use an andromedized DVX for HD, but people say a lot of good things about the Canon HD consumer cams.
But in my opinion the pixel count isn't the most important thing. I think manual control over the important functunal characteristics (sorry but the translator didn't come up with the word I was looking for...but I hope U understand what I mean...) is more important. There are lots of good HV20 vids around the net...dont get me wrong...it surely is a good cam, but there are tons of DVX footage (uprezzed or not) looking wonderfull on big screens and also tons of HD consumer cam footage looking horrible even on SD screens...
Anyway, the most important thing is the story and the persons behind the cam and not the pixel count...
If you don't need to deliver certain HD formats to your client, you should keep the DVX. That's my opinion. If I was in your place I'd wait for the camcorder producers (JVC, Panasonic,...) reactions on the DSLR video hype that is currently going on. Those DSLR's aren't good camcorders, but they will accelerate the engeneering of affordable but still good prosumer/amateure HD-camcorders (which todays consumer HD cams aren't )...
 
I can put a lot of feedback into this one.

HD is definitely a HUGE step that you would want to make from standard definition. I have had an hv20 for 2 years and as great of a camera as it is, it lacks SEVERE manual controls. There's no manual focus ring for one, and it is at HEART an automated point and shoot camera.

Sure the difference between HD and SD is a huge one, but the dvx crushes the hv20 in every circumstance. You have complete manual control with the dvx that annihilates the automated hv20. Save up in the meantime, and when you're ready to make the jump to HD, get an Xh A1 or.... a Panasonic hmc150!!! (which is what I have)

Hope I helped.
 
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