HDR-FX1 or DVX100B

John Scott

John Scott

Well-known member
I can get them each for about the same price.

I just shot a short over the weekend with the DVX100B and I enjoyed using it.

But do I want to make the move to HD? The DVX looks good on the LCD screen but when I was editing (and outputting) the quality wasn't what I thought it was originally in some cases. I am sure a lot of that has to do with the fact that I had no idea what I was doing with the camera and that I could probably get better images with the DVX than I just got.

I also read that the FX1 wasn't a great camera, basically just a bumped up lower end comsumer model, not quite the piece of work that the DVX is.

Any thoughts?
 
As a current owner of the FX1, and a previous user of the DVX, I can make a statement, knowing both sides of the situation.

Get the DVX. The FX1 is a nice camera for the features it offers, but the DVX has the potential to look much better in terms of filmlike result.

However, I have been able to achieve very cinematic results with the FX1 when used carefully, so dont always blame the equipment.

Ultimately, you will have to make the decision for yourself, just make sure its something that you are going to be happy with in the end.
 
I use the Z1U, which is very similar to the FX1, at school all the time. I'm also a current DVX user, so I think I'm also in a pretty good position to make a statement on one of the two.

The HD resolution of the FX1 is really nice, there's no denying that. However, like InvisionProductions said the FX1 always turns out looking just really like...video. It's much easier to get filmish results that look fantastic out of the DVX than the FX1. Of course as previously stated, if everything is lit correctly and you know what you're doing, it's not impossible. It's just a little easier with the DVX(the 24p doesn't hurt either.)

I'm also not too big of a fan of the HDV codec, as the rendering times are quite ridiculous. I'll just leave you with the fact that I ended up shooting my last film for school on my DVX rather than using the schools camera, the 24p and film-like look just has that appeal to me I guess.
 
InvisionProductions said:
As a current owner of the FX1, and a previous user of the DVX, I can make a statement, knowing both sides of the situation.

Get the DVX. The FX1 is a nice camera for the features it offers, but the DVX has the potential to look much better in terms of filmlike result.
Click to expand...


Exactly what I was going to say. I'll also add, however, that the HDV format is still pretty newfangled and has some glitches that need to be worked out. I owned two HDV cameras and traded them in for a DVX. I haven't looked back.
 
Dont base your decision on 3 or 4 posts, instead base it on multiple threads on the boards, as well as upcoming events like the new Canon rebate on the A1 or the expiring DVX rebate which might be extended or increased next month.

One really helpful thread on here is
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=85687

There are also rumors of a DVX100c coming out next month with 16:9? Im not sure how likely that is...

Anyways just keep reading to find what meets your needs.
 
Are you guys kidding? There is no comparison between FX1 and DVX. I've worked with both thoroughly and own a Z1 myself. 24p. So what? Somebody really sold this to you. You can always de-interlace and it's going to look nearly as good. THe film look depends on how crafty you are (good lighting, good 35mm adapter, good optics, wise use of all the elements altogether, etc).

And it's going to look soooooo much sharper than DVX when you downconvert to PAL or NTSC.

And the color response of the FX1 is great.

But the most important thing is the grain. The FX1 has the smallest grain out there in the market (true). Not like the DVX/HVX or even the XLH1 that are grainy as hell.

You should definitely try both and make the decision for yourself evaluating the results.

Bests
 
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