Need basic, straightforward answer/details.

D

Dreamcor

New member
Hi everyone.

I've been researching a multitude of DV and HDV cameras with the hopes of choosing the best one for a low-budget feature film with a shot-on-film quality. After reading dozens of websites and reviews, I've decided the DVX100A (maybe B) would give me the quality I need. But reading many, many posts about this camera didn't give me the straightforward, easy to understand answer about shooting mode, etc.

My project details are this: Full-length feature film mostly aimed at the DVD market but with possible submisson to film festivals and a chance of eventual big-screen distribution(unlikely, but one can dream); will be edited with either Final Cut Pro HD or Final Cut Express HD (based on your recommendations); mostly shot indoors in a house or apartment setting; intercut with city stock footage (from a site such as Artbeats, originally shot 35mm but converted to digital, downloadble as NTSC or PAL Quicktime files -- or HD if needed).

So, can anyone give me the best suggestion as to which format I should use for shooting? 24P or 24PA (or something else)? And although I'd prefer to use the less-expensive FCE, I can use FCP if I must.

Also, while I want an eventual 16:9 appearance (most likely letterboxed as it will probably just end up on DVD), should I shoot 4:3 and letterbox it in editing, or shoot letterboxed or anamorphic in-camera? I can choose to either intercut what I shoot with stock footage that comes in a 4:3 NTSC format or use the widescreen HD footage and downsize that to SD size. Which do you recommend?

Any simple answers would be appreciated :)
 
You don't want to shoot letterboxed. Put the letterbox on in the editing process. That way you give yourself room to make adjustments that would be impossible if you put the letterbox on with the camera.

Also, while FCE does a lot of things editing-wise, it cannot use a lot of the plugins available that you will invariably want to use to make your movie better. You'll want FCP for that.
 
Well, in my opinion for the "film look" the DVX is the best camera in it's price range capable of delivering. I have worked with final cut express (not HD) and wasn't really impressed, so I would suggest that you go with FCP. You'll want to shoot with a "thin" vertical detail frequency (can be found in the scene file settings) and also shoot "cine like" gamma, as it will give you the most info on the tape. These will help you maximize the resolution of the camera. As far as the other settings go, play around and go with what you like. You may also want to look into a 35mm adapter, either renting or buying, Or, you could go with anamorphic, but I say stay away from letterbox, as it lessens your options in post.
 
Watch Barry Green's dvd, "The DVX DVD". It really gives a great overview of the DVX and its capabilities.
 
Thanks for the responses so far. I'll try to get Barry's DVD as soon as I can.

I figured FCP would be better for me than FCE, but who can blame someone wanting to save money? :) And I already had a feeling I should shoot 4:3 and letterbox it later; I'll buy one of those static clings for the LCD to mask the eventual letterbox bars to help set up shots.

But I guess now my biggest concern, if I do indeed go forward with my intent to use one of the DVX models, is 24P or 24P Advanced. I know one is preferred over the other for direct-to-DVD material, but I am thinking I should go with the one that works best for transfer to film "just in case." Do you agree?

By the way, I was initlally looking at both the Sony HDR-FX1 and HDR-HC1, leaning toward the HC1 because of its similarities in quality to the FX1 but at a much smaller size and much lower price tag. But because the DVX cameras got better recommendations over the FX1, I assume the HC1 definitely wouldn't come close to what the DVX can do in terms of film-like quality. Agreed?
 
The 24P/24PA question is one of "how do you intend to edit the footage"? If on a 24P timeline, definitely unquestionably shoot 24PA.
 
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