Getting a dvx

mattmatheson

mattmatheson

Well-known member
Well right now I have a Gl2 and I've been wanting to get a dvx for a while now so, I guess you've read these topics before. I'm mainly gonig to be shooting documenteries, school stuff, and weddings. I know I can get a good deal on a regular dvx100 so I'm asking is there a HUGE difference between the dvx100 and dvx100a. I know theres the charts on the a and b but I need to know about the reg and a. Thanks
 
Per Adam Wilt

http://www.adamwilt.com/24p/

What's changed:
  • Video
    • In-camera 16x9 using 4x3 CCDs; very good in progressive mode
    • More gamma and matrix settings; knee present in cine gammas; more latitude (pix below)
    • Adjustable knee in video gammas: auto, high, mid, and low settings
    • Adjustments for vertical edge enhancement and detail coring
    • New color matrices and changes in color rendition
    • M.O.D. at telephoto reduced from over three feet to 1 foot 8 inches (i.e., from “50” to “37” units)
    • New prism for improved color reproduction; less flare
    • Slow shutter speeds: as slow as 1/6 in 24p, 1/4 in 60i and 30p
  • Audio
  • Progressive
    • Gain boost (to +12dB) and color bars in progressive shooting
    • “Focus assist” in progressive (auto-focus, but slow!)
    • Instantaneous switching between progressive and interlaced modes
  • Operations
    • EVF DTL – peaking in the EVF and on the LCD to improve focusability! Hooray!
    • Zoom ring has viscous drag for much smoother manual zooms
    • Raised guards on audio pots and scene file dial
    • Slower power zoom speed (30 seconds vs. 15 on my DVX100)
    • 3 USER buttons instead of two, and two additional options for those buttons
    • VF readout of zebra setting when MODE CHK is pressed; high zebra extended from 100 to 105 units
    • “Marker” numerical exposure readout extended from 90% to 99%, with a center target zone for the spotmeter shown in the marker
    • More scratchproof EVF lens (I am told; I didn't test it!)
    • Color / B&W mode for EVF; more EVF and LCD adjustments
    • MODE CHK shows user button settings
    • Improved lens cap
And what hasn't changed:
  • The stabilizer still “clunks” when the camera is shut off and tilted back and forth.
  • The color saturation patterning problem still exists.
  • Same size, weight, lens threading, tripod socket, etc.: all DVX100 accessories will fit the DVX100A.
  • Same exposure responsiveness, manual controllability, etc.
 
And I have said to Adam more often than not that the chroma-patterning problem is not as big of a problem. In fact I included a green screen piece on our demo DVD from the DVX100 to show its performance. This green screen was shot by Noah Kadner and included the color red. It looked terrific.

To me the differences should be weighed in on how much money difference are we talking. I am sure there are DVX100As available, find one and compare the price. Both can make great pictures, the DVX100 was used in making Murderball, November and Mad Hot Ballroom, all purchased for major distribution.

So while there are nice things that you get for the DVX100A, it really is more about the talent behind the camera. If you are still trying to find that out, then the DVX will be just perfect. Make sure in your dealings that you are woking with someone that is reputable and you can drive over and see. I have read one too many horror stories about the eBay ripoff guys. Check in with the authorized dealers and see if they have any that they have taken in for resale, or some rental folks may be looking to upgrade their rental stock.

Anyhow good luck to you.

Best,

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