N00b looking to learn, need advice on HVX vs. A1

[Tyshalle]

Hey all, I've been lurking around here for a while, searching the forums and doing a lot of research, both here and elsewhere on the web (plus buying a lot of books on the subject). Basically, I'm a total newb to all of this. Making movies has always been sort of a dream of mine, but I've been much more focused on writing (novels and short stories, not screenplays), and I don't think I've so much as picked up a video camera and done anything creative with it.

I don't really know the lingo or the technical jargon of this stuff, but I'm looking to learn pretty hard core, gathering as much information as I can and pumping myself full of knowledge in overdrive. I'm starting on a path to doing my own small time, no-budget projects, but I'm looking to have some decent equipment to do all of this with. I'm pretty much designating the next year to buying all film-equipment.

So far I'm pretty light, I've got a $400 piddly little JVC Evion camera, a ZOOM H2 audio recorder, and I've got the boompole/shotgun mic/shock mount coming in the mail. I've got Sony Vegas (the $100 version) on my pretty amped up PC, and I figure this is pretty much all I need in terms of the starting blocks to make my own stuff. But I'm looking to upgrade to an Apple, maybe a desktop but probably a laptop, we'll see, and get Final Cut Studio with the decent student discounts that come with it.

But then there's the camera upgrade, which is probably going to be the most expensive purchase I've ever made in my life (I'm young and not especially wealthy). I considered the DVX for a long time, but I think the A1 is starting to look much better. Then there's the HVX though, and I just can't decide between the two of them.

I'm not going to be making money off of this stuff, it's just for small-time projects, but I'm looking to give them a professional quality and feel to them, so I'm not interested in going with the A1 simply because it's cheaper. Saving money is nice and all, but I'll save a lot more money in the long-term if I get a camera that's going to last me for a long, long time. I'm worried that, especially as my skill increases and I start to learn all the advanced techniques of this craft, I'm going to start missing a lot of features I won't have if I go with the A1. But at the same time, I'm wondering if a lot of the features of the HVX are going to be more suited to a much bigger production, that involves a lot more money.

Keep in mind I'm not looking to shoot weddings or documentaries here. I'm looking to shoot feature-length and short-films on a small (or no) budget.

I'll answer any questions I can if anyone requires more information to help me out here, and don't take this post to mean that I'm not willing to do my own research. I've been doing, and I intend to do a lot more research about all of this. But I think that advice geared specifically toward me, rather than varying degrees of advice that might not apply to me at all would probably be pretty beneficial to me at this stage.

Thanks in advance.

 

[David Jimerson]

There could be many complicated answers, but it pretty much breaks down to this:

The HVX gives you many more tools. The A1 costs a lot less.

Only you can decide which picture you like better.

 

[Nexis]

in the same boat

in the same boat

I'm in the same newb category. Unfortunately, I live in Canada and in order to take advantage of the bundled P2 card (and save about $1500 in cost + taxes) I'm getting an HVX200 from an authorized dealer in Western New York. If I lived in Manhattan, I'd go pick it up today, but I don't so I'll have to wait 4-6 weeks.

I too have done a fair amount of research, and I've talked to a number of indie filmmakers of various genres here in Toronto - all of whom recommended that I go with the HVX200 because of the number of features, many of which a newb like me can grow into.

If you look at the list of filmmakers, broadcasters, etc. who are using it, it's hard not to be impressed. I mean, if Clint Eastwood uses it, who am I to argue?

If you still have any hesitation, go see one in person. You'll fall in love immediately.

 

[TheMacB]

i say buy a used DVX. spend the money you save on dolly, jib, steadicam, etc. Because as soon as you start making stuff you're gonna wish you could move the camera. And lights. All kinds of stuff. The DVX is enough to win Best Cinematography at Sundance and its a perfect starting place for someone just getting into this.

P.S. don't say "upgrade to an Apple".

 

[Zack Birlew]

Based on what you've described, it sounds like the HVX200 will be the better camera for you. Don't buy into the used DVX stuff, it's either HD or nothing these days for filmmaking. HD just makes sense for so many reasons, especially for someone starting out. Granted the DVX, only when it is in the right hands, has won cinematography awards but that is based on talent. If you can't get a fantastic cinematographer, the least you can do is make sure you're using a higher quality format especially if it is financially possible.