Is the DVX100B obsolete?

Asking if the DVX is obsolete isn't a very good question. The question is, what do YOU need? If you need HD or want it, go for it, if all you need is SD and your happy with it, go for it. I thinkt he A1 is the perfect HD camera right now because its price is so close to that of many SD cameras, and its HD. People whine and complain about HDV when people are out there using their DVX and shooting on tape. You wont bash the DVX and DV on tape but you'll complain about HDV on tape? The codecs have the same bitrate except for a few small changes. As far as im concerned the view on tape in general should be universal.

HDV is highly capable and its image is great. The codec itself has come a long way since it was introduced so whatever notions you may have towards it might be fixed and or made better as time has gone on. Calling it "useless" is just plain rediculous. If HDV is worthless then that means the DVX with its SD DV is useless because as far as I see its practically the same.

The A1 is an HD camera and its made for certain people. If you need the codecs then that might be the sole reason for a pro to get the HVX. If you want HD, ability to tape a long time, and dont mind tape then go for the A1 because its price is certainly right for what you get.

Personally all this talk of formats, HVX vs. A1, SD vs. HD, etc. is bogus. Get whats right for you, and make something awesome. DVX, HD100U, HVX, A1, H1, who gives a *profanity* people? Ive seen stuff with a 400 dollar handycam with better work than ive seen with some people who lay down the dough for the HVX or other high quality cams so what camera you have is irrelevant. Who cares about formats, of coarse you need to choose which one works for you but don't stamp an assumption on it because its just not for you.

- Kyle
 
lets remember that this thread started with a guy asking a question about what camera to buy.

I advised used DVX or new A1. That's my opinion if I was buying a camera right now at the price point.

Both are good choices.

Then someone spouted off about HDV being a waste of time.

And now its as pointless as an
XL vs. DVX debate
Mac vs. Windows
Vegas vs. FCP
Screenwriter vs. Final Draft

there's no point and no winning, people use all of the above to great success

even though the XL series, Windows, and Final Draft suck :grin:

Hopefully Grebb, whose poor head is probably spinning, has moved on and is ignoring us at this point.
 
Thanks all!
(Yes my head is spinning a bit, Jack)

I'm goin' with a used DVX. It's the best solution for my situation (and wallet)

Greb
 
All this tech talk makes me think of when I shot Super 8mm movies with a separate tape recorder and had to sync it up later. The images were fine as long as the image was 4' x 3' (feet) That would be your big screen today! Bottom line for me... If YOUR idea moves the audience, and is executed well, you will go far. Look at YOU TUBE, those images could be considered 50 lines of res if that! I still laugh my butt off at that stuff in low low res. I love my SD DVX!!
 
I agree with KyleProhaska. It really depends on what you need it for, and what your eye likes.
I shoot almost every day in HD (Rehearsals.com). We broadcast to the internet our music videos. We use the top of the line HD cameras, the best lenses, remote cams, monitors, and it all goes into a huge mac farm. But the truth is, I can't wait to get home sometimes and play with my DVX100b. I love the way it looks straight out in 24p (advanced) mode. I love that I can use pratical lighting and it can still look professionally shot. I'll be buying a lens adapter soon for my cam.
I've used my 100b using it on 24p mode on several pilot shows. I am currently working on a documentary that will air on either the Discovery and/or History Channel where I use the video SD mode on the Panasonic DVX100b. The producer/editor did some technical tweaking to the point that some people thought it was shot on HD.
I think that HD is good for many things--but not all things. It hides nothing....try shooting someone close-up with a few plastic surgeries---HD never lies.
Use whatever tool is best for you.
 
Not for another 5 years..

Not for another 5 years..

greb said:
Pretty new to the "prosumer" camera game. Looking to make a purchase and really like what I've heard and read about the DVX100B (like the price too).
Ho ever, is it bordering on obsolte in this fresh world of HDV?
Don't want an obsolete machine but can't afford the HVX.
Advice?
greb
:huh:
Click to expand...
I cut my teeth in community television over the last 4.5 years, and used a number of cameras (JVC 550, Cannon GL1, GL2, XL and Sony PD-170) for both field and studio production and also sit on the Technology Committees for two stations.

HD has been evaluated (from our broadcast perspective) and the consensus is yes - it is eventually going to be the standard - but the cost to upgrade (both cameras and master control) is substantial - and there are several competing formats (720p, 1080i, maybe 1080p?)

Good SD that is broadcast in digital will be around for several years (check out Diary of a Foodie currently broadcast on PBS if you want to see what a DVX100 can do in broadcast - pretty impressive)

I bought a DVX100B after a long evaluation and having used the cameras mentioned above - plus I wanted to experiment with 24p and the cine gamma. I figure it will last me five years or more - hey - one of my studios is still using Canon GL-1s as the introductory camera (Sony PD-170 is the advanced field production camera) - and the Canons are really used (e.g. beat) by the new producers - probably have close to 1,000 hours each on them - and they are still going strong.

So I wouldn't worry about the DVX100 becoming obsolete anytime soon - unless, of course, you change cameras like some people change cell phones.
 
This is the second year in a row that a DVX doc has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary (following last year's "Murderball.")
 
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