dvx100b 800$ more worth than the dvx100a?

X

Xsjado

Member
Hi I'm gonna buy one of the dvx models from b&h, either way PAL.
My heart was first set for the newest model, but to my surprice b&h just lowered the price of the 100a to 2800$ vs. 3600$ for a 100b

I do think the new improvements sounds interesting, and I really like the new color.
But 800$ is alot of cash, and I'm on a tight budget, plus I have a tendence to sell my equipment within a year or two. I'm gonna be shooting mainly for 4:3 so the new widescreen options are not that important for me... the major atributes with the 100b for me is surperior battery, fullframe viewing, and the new menu esign sounds cool...

Guees you can hear that I'm leaning towards the dvx100a, so is there anyone who like to talk me out of it, and have me go with the newest ****?

Thanks
 
Well, word on the street is that the "B" has less noise in the image.
That's really important to me, as is having remote focus and iris control.
Don't forget that the viewfinder is much sharper as well.
But if your using the LCD most of the time, then it doesn't mattter.

Are these things important to you?
If not, save $800 bucks.

-BillP
 
I'd like to get a good side-by-side of the noise difference with real world tests if anyone has both cams.
 
I'm not in a position to post any test footage but I can tell you that the difference between the A and B noise level is very minimal. The improved resolution of the LCD really helps with focussing but I find the overall sharpness of the LCD to be a little less than the A. I can't explain that given that it should be the other way around.

The improved triped mount plate on the underside is a welcome addition but the ability to see the underscanned image is worth every penny, in my opinion. Another time saver is the ability to see what you have just recorded without having to go into play mode.

If I were buying my first DVX at this point, I would choose the B.
 
From Jarred's review:

End Search in Camera Mode: Previously if you wanted to search to the end of the tape, you had to swap to VCR mode. That took several seconds and it would also erase your custom scene file settings (if you hadn’t saved them). Now with the DVX100B you can use End Search right from camera mode – it’s a small thing, but a very welcome thing that makes the camera just that much friendlier to use.
 
!00 A or 100B

!00 A or 100B

Xsjado said:
But 800$ is alot of cash, and I'm on a tight budget, plus I have a tendence to sell my equipment within a year or two.
Guees you can hear that I'm leaning towards the dvx100a, so is there anyone who like to talk me out of it, and have me go with the newest poo poo?

Thanks
Click to expand...

The 100A will perform vey well indeed and if you watch your light levels and scene settings noise may not be an issue. But in a year or two value of the A will be way down if you try to sell and the B will still have a higher residual value. Also one or two paying projects will quickly pay for the $800 gap. BTW you can get the B for average $3500 and possibly $3400. After $200 rebate your looking at $600-$700.

I have both and I admit to now using the B as primary and the A as a backup or to pick up "B roll" footage.

You will do well with either.

Stephen Cannon
 
disjecta said:
From Jarred's review:

End Search in Camera Mode: Previously if you wanted to search to the end of the tape, you had to swap to VCR mode. That took several seconds and it would also erase your custom scene file settings (if you hadn’t saved them). Now with the DVX100B you can use End Search right from camera mode – it’s a small thing, but a very welcome thing that makes the camera just that much friendlier to use.
Click to expand...

Oh, I had thought that meant it'd automatically find the end of your last recording on the tape for you....
 
Virum said:
Oh, I had thought that meant it'd automatically find the end of your last recording on the tape for you....
Click to expand...

Yeah it does. As long as you haven't taken the tape out of the camera since recording.

Example: I just shot a scene, director wants to see it played back.
I rewind the tape and show them the scene.
Afterwards, I press "End Search" and tape goes right back to the last frame recorded, without losing timecode.

-BillP
 
Whatever you do, I wouldn't buy from B&H. You can defnitely find it cheaper elsewhere and with definitely better sevice. Just my advice. Good luck either way.
 
Chroma noise is noticeably less on the 100b... when you used a warm WB on the 100A, especially in any cine setting it got REAL noisy, much better on the B.


ash =o)
 
Also, If you're planning to use an anamorphic adapter, consider that the "B" will display the correct aspect ratio in both the LCD and the VF with no need of any 3rd party adapters (anamorphic eyepiece, etc) that would cost hundreds os $.

Lutnik
 
lutnik,

could you direct me to a link or two for an anamorphic eyepiece or some lcd that would give the widescreen view on the dvx100. I am going to get the anamorphic adapter this spring, so I would love to get some chance to view my footage the way it will be...
 
Draccan said:
lutnik,

could you direct me to a link or two for an anamorphic eyepiece or some lcd that would give the widescreen view on the dvx100. I am going to get the anamorphic adapter this spring, so I would love to get some chance to view my footage the way it will be...
Click to expand...

Century Optics has both.

The Widescreen Eyepiece (code VSWSEPDVX) is not listed on their site any more but it can be ordered it from any large on line seller (B&H, Adorama, etc). Definitely not cheap, but with a bit of patience you'll find it on eBay at half the price or possibly less.

They also make an LCD widescreen magnifier

http://www.centuryoptics.com/products/dv/lcd/lcd_ws.htm

but I think it only fits 2.5" displays. You'd better email them for more details.

Ciao

Lutnik
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top