HVX SD vs DVX

jaypass

jaypass

Well-known member
Hey all,
Been around all the DV forums lately, gathering info for my first big camera purchase. I've narrowed it down, I definitely want a Panasonic...Now I'm just trying to decide if the HVX is worth the price jump. I won't be using HD yet, but it makes sense to be ready...In the meantime, I'll be using SD. My question is, how does the HVX in SD compare to the DVX? I've seen posts referring to the HVX's heavy need for light, is this just when shooting in HD, or no matter what format you're in? I don't have much lighting equipment yet(Actually, just what I can borrow) so this would be a big deal. The DVX isn't as much of a problem when it comes to light, correct? Any other major differences in the standard definition operation of the two cameras?
 
the HVX doesn't need any more light in DV mode it's very very similar to the DVX.

If I were you I'd get the HVX, shoot in HD and the down res at the last stage before you deliver as SD.
 
This has been covered pretty thoroughly on this forum. If you search around a bit you can find some pretty detailed posts about it.

The short answer is. Yes, the HVX is better in SD than the DVX. Almost across the board. Especially better in 16:9. Pretty much everything but 60i. In 60i in MiniDV, the DVX is better.

If you get p2 cards, you can also shoot DVCPRO 50, and have some really rockin' SD.

Later,
Jason
 
The HVX is no more sensitive shooting SD than HD. The HVX is rated at 320 ISO while the DVX is rated at 640. That's one stop difference which means you need twice as much light when shooting on the HVX.

That said, you will still want to light for the DVX. Don't depend on light only from practicals unless you are doing something artistic with them. Flourescents and other typical indoor lighting sources are very limiting.


Marco
 
Can someone refer to a thorough existing thread regarding this matter? I too would like it resolved, as it seems there is significant disagreement.
 
Can't find one at the moment. But, you've got the info in this thread. Overall picture quality is the HVX in SD mode (except for when shooting 60i)

DVX is faster though, like marco said... one stop faster in progressive. 2 stops faster in interlaced.
 
Thanks for the help. I searched the forum and found a bit more info on the topic. I'm still not sure which directoin I'm going to go in, especially since I have no idea when I'll need the HD. Plus, with the DVX, I'll be able to afford more accessories now rather than waiting and picking them up over time. Then again...HD is pretty sweet.

Thanks again.
 
I have been going through this dilema, right now. I put my HVX on the market, because all I do is shoot concert video, which alot of the time is low light. I have been having trouble getting a light enough image. Then after I did that, and figured out one other problem, sort of, I decided that when I do have good light, the picture is too good to downgrade to SD. Especially with all of my new TV's being 1080P.

So now I am holding off and doing some more experimentation. The main problem is that I get permission from bands to video, but most of the time the lighting isn't that good, and they have no control over lighting.

But the HD is so damn nice when the light is right. :)
 
It is a very tough decision. How does the XH-A1 compare in low light? I use a DVX and HV20 for when HD is essential.
 
i basic concert spotlight should get you a decent exposure on HVX. i just shot a concert for MADBALL, and they had a basic lighting setup, and it lookedfine even at 1/120th shutterspeed.
 
Pretty much sold on the HVX at this point...seems to be the most flexible choice, and as long as I can get a good financing deal, I don't see any issues in affordability. Going to check out B&H tomorrow, can't wait.

Finally on my way as a videographer!


Thanks to everyone who answered my questions recently, you've all been quite helpful. Hopefully I'll be knowledgeable enough to answer questions here one day!

:dankk2:
 
Barry_Green said:
Both. And 16:9 DV as well.
Click to expand...
A further question. Is it possible to deliver DV 4:3 out from S-Video or composit when shooting 16:9 P2 othervice (to card or Firestore).

Would need this when shooting live to screenmixing and P2 for later editing purpose. The screens are 4:3.
jussi
 
I basically only shoot HD nowadays, so I never really came across the HVX's DV recording problems untill very recently.

I can honestly say that the DVX, in DV mode, is better than the HVX. The HVX produces stairstepping and croma noise (Reds specially) when shooting dv that the DVX doesn't. This is not much an issue in dvcpro 50 or when downconverting dvcprohd to sd, but in direct SD DV recording, the dvx is better.

Even in progressive modes.
 
I own the HVX200 and i used to own the DVX100a. I have to say the biggest image difference that i notice shooting in Standard Def on the two cameras, was that the HVX200 reacts much better to over exposed images and light sources. When the DVX100a was over exposed the skin tones and reflective light looked more "videoy" (if that is a real word) and the HVX200 when over exposed, the skintones look much more filmic. I have actually done some shoots with the HVX200 intentiontally overexposing the image to create a "Hype Williams" music video look. This was not possible with the DVX100a

The biggest things that i have noticed in general is the skin colors and scenic skies tend too look closer to film. Once again, i had the first DVX100 - so there may have been developments since, but in general in standard def - i like the over all image of the HVX200 better. If you are going for a project that you want to appear more like fiilm, it gets the job done. Much better than any proconsumer camera (Cannon, JVC, sony etc.) Also, the camera records on DVC PRO HD and is great for any type of HD project. A better investment overall.
 
SPZ said:
The HVX produces stairstepping and croma noise (Reds specially) when shooting dv that the DVX doesn't.
Click to expand...
Yes, the HVX has a much-lamented stair-stepping problem, but only when recording 60i -- it is not present in progressive modes.
 
How often do people actually shoot in SD on the HVX? Is the common workflow to shoot in HD and downrezz, or do people often use the tape deck? Just curious.
 
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