Introduction and Question

A

AnarchyiNtheUS

Active member
Hello, Just wanted to introduce myself as a courtesy. Also I have a question well I was wondering would the DVXA be overkill for someone like me and my friends. You'll probably need some background info for this well I'm 16 and the same goes for most of them. We haven't gone to any film school or anything of that sort. We do however love filming and is big part of us we've filmed acouple of shorts but on a different format mostly Hi8. Been reading older topics and info on other websites about the AGDVXA and trying to get as much as I can out of them but their are still some technical jargon I do not understand. Well just want some opinions about this. Thank you.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

I would suggest getting a MiniDV camera like a Sony TRV, or something of that sort. Something under $1000, but has everything you need. That's what me and my buddies did when we were 16. Now I'm 19, myself and 2 other friends are on our ways to various film programs. I got a DVX and my other friends got XL1s. It gets expensive, make sure your in it %100.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

There's a certain amount of gear-envy among guys, I know I suffer from it often. Try not to fall into the trap of wanting the best and baddest available. The DVX is a great tool for making movies, but I don't think it offers more opportunity to learn then a cheap video camera does.

With a DVX, you'd have one of the best cameras out there to learn inside and out, but it alone can't offer you a complete picture of production. That comes at a far greater expense, including lighting, camera support, grip equipment, sound equipment, high-powered editors, and such. You can learn how to use all that stuff in school when the time is right, but the things you can learn with a few friends and an inexpensive video camera will be invaluable when you finally reach the point when you want to expand your technical abilities.

Get yourself a nice miniDV camera, a capable computer/software package for editing, and a stack of DV tapes. If you can’t make something new each week, make something each month and you’ll be far ahead of your contemporaries when it comes time to consider a career or education in filmmaking.

Also, whatever camera you get, keep coming to the DVXuser board...it’s like a free daily film education, and there aren’t that many subjects here that are dvx-only.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Hey, thanks for the replies. Well I've taken your advice and might wait awhile longer for the AGDVXA and will instead get a more affordable camcorder. Well I was searching yesterday and I found a deal on B&H on the Canon Optura 20 it was on special from $999.00 to $459.00. It has many of the same featues as the new Canon Xi. Do you all think this is a camcorder is a good start for a beginner or do you all have any other suggestions. Thanks again for the replies.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

sounds like you really need a DVX. if you can afford it. just get it.
but if you take heed of the wise here then that optura sounds like a deal since it's got manual features. If it has any manual features, you got it made to some degree. ok not really... those features have to be useful to come degree too.
but if I were you, I would spend the money on extra lighting, batteries, decent tripod for your mini dv, and the effort(food, travel) to get some basic filmmaking styles down. It'll only do you good in the long run. and come back here and share your experiences and share the knowledge you obtained as well as questions, if you have 'em.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Well I've put much thought into this and not to be rude to TC or J_Barnes I took your replies into deep consideration.

But I may just have to go with the AGDVXA. I do have the money, no not from my parents,I'd been working at a Car Wash for a while. All the funding is from me I collected my pennies and have around fivethousand. So when I get the camera I'l probably get some good audio equp. (Audio Technica 4073A Kit) and filters most likely the UV and Polarizer. Then a decent Tripod or stabilizer system also xtra batteries most likley the ones that are sold here. Which leaves me some extra money for lighting and other expenses. You may all be wondering why I'm doing such a rash move but the Indie filmmaker inside me just took over, the first couple of weeks with the cam. will be nothing but experimenting. Oh as far as editing goes well my friend Alix he to been saving. Probably a PwrBk G4 17" FCPHD, DVD studio 3, OSX 10.3. Hes the lucky one cause his mom is our cafeteria worker at school so he can get the student discount what normally would have been 4K he's getting for 3K. Well I'll keep posting and coming this is a great site.

Most likely get the cam around Oct most likely from Rush.

Oh anyother Equp. that I might need mostly for short films both Int. and Ext. shooting.

Well thanks for replying, again this is a great forum nice people quick answers. What more can you ask for.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Good Decision AnarchyiNtheUS.

However before investing ur hard earned money, pl make sure to get ur cam from a really really reputable dealer. Avoid grey market at ALL COSTS.
YOU.. shoud not get stuck with those guys.

Best of luck...and welcome to the forum... :)
 
Re: Introduction and Question

also i know this is off the camera subject,but you might want to tell your friend to get powermac instead of the powerbook.My reasons for saying that are the powermac is twice as fast as any mac laptop plus doing film and compositing stuff is one or the hardest things our computers can do. Not to mention that everything about a laptop is more expensive-RAM,Hard drives,etc....
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Nice bro, go with the DVX. Make sure you take good care of it...stay with one brand of tape stock. Do some weddings make all the money you put into it back...improve your skill...enjoy life :)
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Oh, and start understanding technical jargon...its all good stuff to know. Get some digital filmmaking books and absorb yourself with information...
 
Re: Introduction and Question

[quote author=AnarchyiNtheUS link=board=nws;num=1090370277;start=0#5 date=08/03/04 at 19:15:03]Well I've put much thought into this and not to be rude to TC or J_Barnes I took your replies into deep consideration.

But I may just have to go with the AGDVXA. [/quote]

You can only know what's goign to be best for your situation. ONe thing is for sure, the DVX certainly won't dissapoint you!

Just make sure it doesn't sit in the case too much, get out there and start making things. Learn what you shouldn't do before people have the opportunity to tell you, and you'll always have a leg up on the competition.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Thanks for the support. abba, Convinced Alix to go with the PwrMac Dual 2GHz. Now we picked the comp. but now we're having trouble we don't know about a monitor. We can't afford the Mac cinema displays the Mac studio display we could. Is this a decent monitor any other suggestions around $800. We are also add options to the G5 as in 1GB of memory and 250GB hard drive. Any other upgrades to consider. We had not thought about doing weddings until Kyle brought it up and well yea thats a great idea thanks.
Thanks for the support. You guys are great. Love this site.
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Hey...just some other suggestions for ya that might save you aggrivation down the road:

1. Go with the Panasonic 63MQ master tapes, and only those tapes. NEVER mix brands of tapes.
2. Purchase the cheapest mini-dv camcorder you can find to capture and play back your footage on...don't use the DVX for that, it will put un-neccesary wear on the heads. Any mini-dv camcorder will play back the footage you record at full quality.
3. Most definately purchase a UV filter and keep it on the DVX at all times to protect the lens.
4. Purchase a dv converter box, such as the Canopus ADVC-100 or 300. You will need that to send the dv signal from final cut to a tv-monitor or television for viewing. A computer monitor won't give you a true representation of the footage you shot, especially for color-correcting.
5. A monitor for your G5 in the $800 range...well, the FORMAC 19" monitor is only $850 at B&H Photo, although I don't know how well the quality is. Just a suggestion.

Good luck!
 
Re: Introduction and Question

Welcome to the forum.

If you are really, really serious about moviemaking, then the DVX is the way to go; you won't exceed its limits for a few years.

Ok, if you've got $5000 then here are some suggestions:

1) DVX100a at $3500 or so.
2) get some sort of bag for your camera and accessories, $75-$100
3) Get a UV filter AND a circular polarizing filter, for those outdoor shots, $80-$100 for both.
3) Sony 19 inch montor, $475
4) TWO S-Video cables, two S-Video baluns, 50 feet of ethernet cable, $200
5) Two 3500 milli-amp-hour batteries from this site, $100
6) Bogen tripod and fluid head, $300
7) Dan Selakovich's "Killer Camera Rigs That You Can Build" book, $40. This is the single best investment you'll ever make, other than buying the DVX100a itself.
8) Senheiser shotgun mic or Audio Technica, plus 50 foot balanced XLR cable, $200

The only thing lacking from this great starter kit is professional lighting equipment. You can use Home Depot shop lights, as the mighty Matt mcDermitt does (search this forum for mention of him), but eventually you'll want to get a good Lowell or Arri kit.

If you get the above items, then you have all the hardware you need to make professional broadcast-quality content. The rest is up to you and your crew then to learn the ins and outs of filmmaking. Read this forum heavily, and good luck!
 
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