Need DVX purchasing help and advice

Alternative_3

Alternative_3

Active member
I finally have enough money in the bank to buy what I have been saving for-the DVX100A. But now I am torn between the 100a and B. I plan on shooting my first feature with this camera. Can you guys tell me if I should break the bank and go with the new model, and what significant additions set apart the 100B from the A?

Also, where is a good place to purchase the DVX100A? Do any of these authorized dealers still carry it, or do I have to chance eBay?

And one final question-I want to shoot in widescreen-I know it has a squeeze mode and a letterbox mode-are either of these actually widescreen, or is it just overlaying black bars on top of a 4:3 picture? How bad does the picture look in squeeze mode since I hear the resolution takes a hit?

So far, I am leaning towards the 100a and a anamorphic adapter. Is this the way to go?

Thanks for your time.
 
http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/100b/ READ THAT FIRST.

The best place to buy one is EVSonline.com. Ebay sells grey market cameras and they don't come with the warranty or free magic bullet software.

The DVX does not shoot wide screen you'll have to buy the Anamorphic adapter. Letter Box mode just puts black bars on the bottom and top but some people say it gives the image better color.

Good luck.
 
Did they remove squeeze mode from the dvx100B? I hadn't heard that, if they did. I know they removed interval shooting. Anyway, maybe Panasonic realized both of these functions were not used by many users? Nevertheless, I say buy the DVX100B because it does have some (in my opinion) very worthwhile improvements over the A. And the price should be about the same! That said, you might find the dvx100A's going cheaper and cheaper by the day as retailers try to unload these "old" cameras. If I had known about the B, I would have waited and bought it over the A, however. Mainly because of the remote control focus/iris on the B (the A only has remote zoom!); the higher resolution viewfinder; and the slightly improved picture quality (less noise in low light).
 
Whats your budget?

If I was you I'd buy the 100a and save some money for equipment, like a mic or a tripod.
 
I have about $3600. Maybe a tad more. I would buy the 100a, but I'm having a hard time finding it at authorized dealers. I have found some at Express Camera for $2800, but I'm not sure about them.
 
Express Cameras are not an authorized dealer. If you look at their reputation on resellerratings.com, you probably wouldn't want to order from them.

There are no 100A's anymore. It's been discontinued for months. If you want a 100A, you'll be buying used, most likely.
 
Wow Barry, you're absolutely right. I just read the reviews for Express Cameras. Ha! Nary a positive review in the bunch! So thanks for the heads up. You saved me a lot of heartache.

If I were to try and find a used DVXa, are there any sites you could recommend, or am I basically looking at buying from a private owner, such as off eBay?
 
It's a big purchase, so you might want to go with a company that will back you up, like EVS. I would just get the "b".:thumbup:
 
Get the 100B from EVS. Tell Rush you are a member of DVXUser.com and you will get the Forum price. You will have about $100 left over from your $3600 and then you get a $200 rebate directly from Panasonic.

In my own case my net was $3440 +$54 shipping - $200 rebate = $3294

The 100B has a couple of dozen improvements over the A and about 48 improvements over the original 100. Most notably better low light performance, higher res underscan EVF and LCD, better tripod mount, better tape drive, increased mic sensitivity, ability to monitor sound live or off tape, etc etc etc.
 
Alternative 3, if you're looking for a DVX100a, I have one with a bunch of accessories with under 8 hours on it and a Firestore that I'm going to be selling. Let me know if you're interested and your time frame. I was going to sell and now have decided to hold on to it to shoot one more small project, but I'm open depending on your schedule.

Best,

jason
 
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