DVX100B noise levels - what to buy?

[mgalvan]

Hey,

Anyone here with experience with the DVX100B ...

How much of an improvement is there to the signal-to-noise ratio compared to the DVX100a? I'm hearing there has been some improvement, which is great, but I'm torn between buying a new 100B or just buying a used 100A and saving a good $900. But if there is a significant improvement in noise reduction, especially in low-light, then I'd be willing to buy the B version. Anyone shed any light? :undecided

Thanks.

 

[Barry_Green]

There is a reduction, yes. I don't think it's night=and-day, but it's definitely better. But that's not the only change, nor the only reason to get the 100B -- the elimination of the echo, the full-screen display, the aspect-ratio-changing display for the Squeeze mode, etc... there are a lot of very nice upgrades in the 100B.

 

[Ed Kishel]

There is a reduction, yes. I don't think it's night=and-day, but it's definitely better. But that's not the only change, nor the only reason to get the 100B -- the elimination of the echo, the full-screen display, the aspect-ratio-changing display for the Squeeze mode, etc... there are a lot of very nice upgrades in the 100B.

As camera aficionados, we tend to get up close and look for the differences in picture quality, and when we see them, its like night and day to us.

That being said, yes there are a lot of great improvements on the B model, but its this SN ratio that I'm most interested in.

So-I propose this Pepsi challenge: A and B side by side, would the average viewer off the street be able to tell the difference in picture quality?

 

[thisiswells]

elimination of the echo

You would know better than anyone Barry, but what I'd like to know is if the 100B really does get rid of the echo or if it just gives you the option of handling it different ways like the 100 and 100A, where the 100 didn't have an echo in the headphone monitor, but was offset by 2 frames on tape or like the 100A where the sound was fine on tape, but was delayed (by 2 frames?) in the headphone monitor? Does the 100B get the sound right on tape and the headphone monitor at the same time? Or, does it just give you a choice between the two? It isn't clear. Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[Barry_Green]

A and B side by side,

Well, I can't do a side-by-side now, I've got a 100B here but no 100A; in comparison against my old DVX100 there was a visible reduction in noise. I would classify it as noticeable, but not drastic -- it's not like it instantly became noise-free, but it definitely was lower noise than the 100 was.

As far as the echo, it refers in the menu to "live" or "tape" (implying confidence monitoring). What I can confirm for you is that if you put it in "live" mode, you will hear no echo whatsoever, and the audio will be in perfect sync on tape. If you put it in "tape" mode, you will hear the same echo as on the 100A, and the audio will still be in perfect sync on tape. So whatever they did, they fixed it the "right" way.

 

[taubkin]

The advantages of buying a B over a used A are the sum of the advantages of buying a new camera over a used one plus the added features of the new model. Point is: if you are thorn about buying new vs. used, well, this is the time when the difference between the two options is the greatest (do you get the logic?). Of course maybe for you, the option of buying used might be the best choice even now. My opinion is that the DVX100B will be worth more money in the used market in a year or 2 and if you are not planning on selling it, a new camera will last you longer (and there is something cool in "earning" all the dents and battle marks). So I'd buy it new if I could.

But if you need to put it to (good) work and you don't have the proper acessories or more money to get them, then yes, buy it used and spend the rest of your money on acessories. Afterall it all comes down to how much money you'll be able to make from it, it being a PROFESSONAL camcorder anyway...

 

[Ed Kishel]

well, my biggest concern was the noise level. So from what I have learned, its an improvement, but not phenomenal.

My first instinct was to trade in A model for the B, but I talked myself out of it. I just got my A model like 3 months ago and I'm already thinking about upgrading!?!

No, I think I will try and get the most out of my 100a, as this will be my last SD camera. I have just opened up a separate savings account, and will put in $200 a month. In a year and 1/2, along with selling the A, I will get a HVX200A.