Of course you can't compare cameras to decide if one is "better" then the other, because it depends on the intended use. But you can compare them to decide which is best for your own personal style of shooting. I've always prefaced my comments by noting the type of films I make, and the look I prefer.. Other people have different needs. That's what a forum like this is all about.
BLAIR WITCH wouldn't have had the same impact if it had been shot with an HPX500, similarly a film like JESSE JAMES wouldn't work shot with an HVX200, lens adapter or no lens adapter.
Many people don't like my style of shooting - mostly handheld, usually darkly lit. For my needs the 500 at 720/24pn is the perfect video camera, and it satisfies the people who do like my style.
When I shoot commercials I always try to convince the client to shoot 35mm, because for a 30 second spot it isn't cost prohibitive - but for a feature length documentary even super16 is outside of my budget capabilities now.
There are still many excellent films being made with the DVX and the PD150 too, I see them all the time.
Point is - a person who wants to lay down hard cash for a camera needs to consider his or her own subjective vision and working habits, not just "resolution" as the deciding factor.
I'm lucky - I own an Aaton super16mm camera, an HPX500 and an HVX200 and an M2 adapter, so I can chose the tool for the job.. and, in most cases it's the 500 for the reasons I've already mentioned, but that doesn't make one "better" than the other, just more appropriate... And I may get a Sony when the bugs get worked out for those times when that camera fits the bill. The operative word here is "tool". I don't know any carpenters that think one type of hammer is better than another.
I do miss using the Aaton as much as I used to though...
BLAIR WITCH wouldn't have had the same impact if it had been shot with an HPX500, similarly a film like JESSE JAMES wouldn't work shot with an HVX200, lens adapter or no lens adapter.
Many people don't like my style of shooting - mostly handheld, usually darkly lit. For my needs the 500 at 720/24pn is the perfect video camera, and it satisfies the people who do like my style.
When I shoot commercials I always try to convince the client to shoot 35mm, because for a 30 second spot it isn't cost prohibitive - but for a feature length documentary even super16 is outside of my budget capabilities now.
There are still many excellent films being made with the DVX and the PD150 too, I see them all the time.
Point is - a person who wants to lay down hard cash for a camera needs to consider his or her own subjective vision and working habits, not just "resolution" as the deciding factor.
I'm lucky - I own an Aaton super16mm camera, an HPX500 and an HVX200 and an M2 adapter, so I can chose the tool for the job.. and, in most cases it's the 500 for the reasons I've already mentioned, but that doesn't make one "better" than the other, just more appropriate... And I may get a Sony when the bugs get worked out for those times when that camera fits the bill. The operative word here is "tool". I don't know any carpenters that think one type of hammer is better than another.
I do miss using the Aaton as much as I used to though...
