DVX200 vs. Sony z90

J

jadesroom

Member
I'm looking to purchase a good all around camera for run and gun, documentary, corporate, and external real estate video jobs. I've been working with an A7sii, but I really miss the ease and features of an actual video camera. With that said, I've narrowed my choices to a DVX200, a Sony Z90, and--to a lesser extent--a Sony Z150.

Although the Z90 is newer and has some great features--internal 10-bit 422, auto focus, HLG gamma, I love the look of the DVX200 and its larger sensor. I have a Ninja Flame, so I can record the DVX200's 10-bit 422 external output, and I don't mind paying a few extra hundred dollars for a better camcorder.

So, with all this said, why should I purchase a DVX200 instead of a Z90?

TIA
 
It's a hard choice.
Having owned both the DVX200 and the Sony X70 (whose ergonomics and buttons layout are similar to those of the Z90), I would opt for the Panasonic because of:
- Ergonomics. It's a well balanced camera and buttons placement was spot on for my needs. It's not light but again, the weight is very well distributed.
- The screen. It's 4'' and focusing with it was easy. It's not the brightest screen outdoors, but you can add a sun hood.
- 4k 60p
- I hate sony's color science for video

On the other hand, sony's slog 2 is kind of "usable" on an 8 bit camera, whereas v-log on the DVX200 really needs 10 bits and an external recorder. Otherwise it's full of artifacts. I used to have a Pix e5 but I gave up and preferred to record internally using the scene 4 instead. It wasn't worth the hassle in my opinion and the Pix added too much bulk for my taste.

Forget the autofocus on the DVX, it is just ok for initial framing. However, manual focusing is a joy despite the lens uses a focus by wire technology, thanks to its firmware. I can't say the same of Sony. Manual focusing is a mess with ALL sony lenses (I own and/or have used a lot of them).

I can see the Z90 on a gimbal like the zhiyun crane 2, maybe using an extended plate like the one for the 1DX. On the other hand, it was impossible to balance the DVX on the letus Helix Jr, even though I had the large camera plate.

Hope this helps
Diego
 
I ordered the DVX200 today. It just seems to click all the buttons, even for a two-year-old camera. I was persuaded by the larger sensor and the overall look and ergonomics. Besides the Z90, I also gave deep thought within the last couple of days to the UX180. But Panasonic's $400 rebate helped seal the deal. I don't think I'll b disappointed.
 
Hi! Interested to know how you got on with the DVX. Do you have any footage to share? Are you satisfied with the look?
 
So far I'm really liking the camera. It's a bit heavier than I anticipated; but overall, I like the look, the feel, and the features. I don't have any footage to share since I am only a part-time videographer and my first shoot since getting the DVX200 isn't scheduled until next Saturday. Right now I'm practicing with Cinelike D with the Leeming lut. The colors look great, although I'm tempted to try TDCat's profile. My biggest disappointment is with the banding when shooting V-log in camera. I have an Atomos Flame for shooting externally, but the extra weight negates wanting to do any long term handheld work when shooting V-log.
 
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In camera V-log aint the greatest! You really can't push it much. If you need log, best to go external (but that adds to the bulk, workflow, hassle, etc.) No way to get around the banding & artifacts when recorded internally I have learned. However... get the baked in color right and for a lot of work it will look superb and withstand minor color tweaking. The best (for me anyway), hands down, baked in profile is TDCats. My second choice is scene 4 (the GH4 look alike version) run through Filmconvert.
 
MichaelA said:
In camera V-log aint the greatest! You really can't push it much. If you need log, best to go external (but that adds to the bulk, workflow, hassle, etc.) No way to get around the banding & artifacts when recorded internally I have learned. However... get the baked in color right and for a lot of work it will look superb and withstand minor color tweaking. The best (for me anyway), hands down, baked in profile is TDCats. My second choice is scene 4 (the GH4 look alike version) run through Filmconvert.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the input. What do you think of the dynamic range of either of those baked in looks?
 
The range is pretty good, maybe a bit better with TDCats. If at all possible, I've been trying to light/bounce/set fire to/or whatever the sets to bring up lighting and minimize contrast and DR issues... but outdoors... you can get away with a LOT if you can plan your shots! (Soft grad ND's are my friend!). It's about like anything else we can all afford in this range... it does well, we wish for better, and always compare it to what a RED or Arri can do (not a fair comparison, but we can dream!). Plan and light the shots and it will improve the look no matter what you're shooting with. For doc and the real estate stuff you can get away with a lot. The talking heads stuff I always try to light or if outdoors bounce if I can. It works well!
 
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