It's 2008 - Should I buy the DVX100B?

E_D_N said:
^ yeah, I bought it. Lucky too, cause the girl who posted it got tons of emails and calls. Happened to see it first.

Not only is the thing in excellent condition physically (very few scratches. barely visible) and mechanically - it also came with a Petrol Panasonic bag worth $150. I was just lucky.
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:shocked:, yes really lucky. You can't even get a hv20 with that price.
 
That's awesome! Just goes to show that all you really have to do, is put in the effort to find a bargain and there's usually a gem amongst all the rubbish.

-Kegan
 
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Hi, I have been facing this myself in the last few months, though I am developing a documentary not a feature. I have worked on shoots where I used a DVX-100B and there a mixture of DVX-100s and HVX-200s. I have not seen the footage yet, but I may see some of it this week, in which case I can update.

It really depends on where you are going to deliver your film? A broadcaster even told me this. If you are going to deliver SD, then shoot SD. I wanted to buy an HVX-200 and I am hoping the funding will come in to do that. Meanwhile I had to start shooting so at this point I am shooting the interviews with a DVX-100B in 16:9 SQUEEZE and I hope to shoot the B-Roll and beauty shots later with an HVX-200. I don't think you will want to do this in a narrative film, you will want to use one camera to have a consistent look and it would be better if I did that too, but I feel I have a little more latitude because in the doc I will likely have archival footage, stills, etc. I am already mixing media and formats.

I can reiterate that the DVX works wonderfully in low lighting. I want to go HD because the scenery and beauty shots I feel need detail and this project may take a year to shoot (I want 4 seasons to show the different seasons) and it may take up to a year to edit. I think by that time it would be desirable for it to be in HD. I also want the film to look good widescreen on a theatre screen.

By the way, last year I saw a narrative feature that was shot letterbox with a DVX-100A and it looked very good. I just want more detail on scenery shots where there is lots of light.
 
Nick, You mention a mid-range boom kit. I have a dvx 100b and am just now looking for more mic options: I have an Evolution G2 wireless setup and a Sennheiser shotgun mic. Can you suggest a good mid-range boom kit for beginners? Thanks.
 
Most of my work is with a dvx. Get the dvx or hvx. As a freelance cameraman I get almost no requests to shoot with a cannon.
 
I wanted the the HVX so bad I could feel it in my palms but after doing the research and realizing that I would have to do a massive computer uprgrade if not buy another, more powerful G5 (and I have Monster now) plus the cost of memory (p2 cards, firestore, Etc.) that I may be pushing close to 10 grand for the flawless workflow that I desire. dayum that. I have 2 kids and both are in diapers. I will wait and sell my next feature out of the trunk just like I did with the first one and buy it then. For now the DVX is perfect for my pockets.
 
I'd get the dvx100, $2300 compaired to hvx200 at $3900 brand new. Then $3200 for the Canon xha1. Never used a xha1 so couldn't recommend it. Its cheaper then a hvx, still $900 more then a dvx tho. Those are the prices for the packages on ebay, including 2 lenses, tripod, and case etc.

Don't forget about audio. It's extremely important. I'd Spend the difference you save on a good boom. Then pay rent with the rest.
 
There are some good buys to be had on eBay for USED equipment. You really need to be very careful (and know what you are doing) to avoid ripoffs on eBay though. There are a ton of scammers there.

eBay is NOT a very good place to purchase new equipment. More often than not, for new equipment, you will wind up paying more (sometimes a whale of a lot more) than you would at B&H Photo (and purchasing from B&H is a heck of a lot easier and way more reliable). Those "packages" on eBay are almost always just like the other junk packages at cheesy storefronts on the web. You're almost always going to wind up with dollar store quality (if that even) junk for tripods, lens filters, etc.
 
rarofilms said:
This summer I'm shooting my first indie narrative, but right Now I'm confused, I want to buy the DVX100B, but I'm not sure if i'm doing the right thing because with all the HDV out there. I could only afford the DVX100B now. I love the way it looks. I'm i doing the right thing in buying the DVX100B? Anybody outt here reach and let me know if I'm doing the right thing in buying this camera or what should I get that is as equal as the DVX100B for that price or under?
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If you are looking for a decent quality three 1/3" chip HD camcorder, in the same general price range as a DVX, you might want to consider a used HDR-FX1. If you shop around, you should be able to find one in great shape, for a price in the low $2000s nowadays.

I have both an FX1 and an XH-A1. In most regards, the A1 is a better camera. It shoots a bit sharper image, and the image is very tweakable manually. However, I do find the FX1 to be much easier to focus manually, on the fly. The viewfinder on the A1 is pretty weak. For that reason alone, if I could only keep one of the cameras, I'd probably keep my FX1.
 
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