New Guy Question.

G

Grizmonger

New member
I just got my DVX-100B this week. I tried to search to see if my questions were already beaten like a dead horse, so apologies if I've missed another thread where these were addressed:

a) what do people generally use as a capture device? B&H told me I had to buy an AG-DV2500 for $1,700 because getting a cheap camcorder won't properly play/xfer 24p (I'll mostly be using 24p). I've seen threads with very mixed messages on this... I thought the DVX-100 records 24fps but puts it on the tape at 30, so it would work. Can I buy a $350 Panasonic (or other) camcorder and use this to transer tape to computer in 24p? If so, any recommendations for camcorders?

b) I know the mic on the new 100b is improved - has anyone used it enough to know if it's sufficient for most close up work or should I get something like a sennheiser ME64/K6 before I start? any other "must have" accessories?

c) I've seen some chatter about 24pa vs. 24p - do most editing programs these days support 24pa or do I need to be sensitive about that? I'm hesitant to shoot in 24PA for now. Also, any advice on the "best" editing s/w for a PC? I assume the latest Final Cut Pro on the Mac but my Mac isn't coming for another month or two so if I wanted to mess around with a PC for now, any advice? I'm sure there are lots of opinions but is there a good program for new guys who want to mess around with most of the features without getting too in the weeds?

thanks!
 
1. That is a bunch of crap. Any cheapo minidv camcorder will work as a capture deck. The 24p/24pa is getting carried in a standard 60i stream, so any camcorder that can read regular ole' 60i mini dv will work.

2. definitely do some research on mics, and find one (or more than one) that will fit your applications. Also, extra batteries, tripods, etc. etc. This is a pretty broad question that is kind of hard to answer without knowing exactly what you will be doing. You are probably better off browsing the forum, and then coming back at a later date with more specific equipment queries.

3. For the DVX, Vegas is wonderfully integrated to work with it. It's probably the best all around, most affordable option for you (for the DVX). It's very intuitive as well, so it's easy to get started doing basic editing with it from the get go.

If your NLE supports pa, then shoot pa. That's the short answer.

Hope that helps,
Jason
 
I own a Panasonic PVGS150. a cheap 600$ camcorder, I use it as a deck and I haven't had any problems so far with the 24fps. I worked with the DVX100P and I own now the DVX100B.

Concerning the mic, it works well, but don't shoot a big film with, it's not cheap but you won't get the same sound from a rhode or seinheiser. Also, it's a mltidirectional mic i think, so it records everything.

I work with premiere Pro 2.0 right, no problem, the 24p, 24pa, 30fps work all great. Adobe has a great editing program but still missing some important features if you're working with other people, such as the OMFs.

Hope it helped.
 
Eric Piccoli said:
I own a Panasonic PVGS150. a cheap 600$ camcorder, I use it as a deck and I haven't had any problems so far with the 24fps. .
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Backed. I use mine all the time & love it. It may be hard to track down this particular model, hopefully you can find a similar version. IMO, stick with a Panasonic camcorder.
 
That's great - thanks for the help guys! I think I have a demo version of Vegas 5 that I will mess around with so see if it works for me. Are people religious about the DV tapes they use or are they pretty much all the same quality?
 
I use a PVG150 as well works great. On my pc I work with Avid and no problems there. For tapes I use pq's only.
 
I'm still using my 8year old DVX70 for capturing.

Go and get a extranal mic, the on board mic is not really usable for real work. But of course if you can afford it, get a Sennheiser .
 
Grizmonger said:
Are people religious about the DV tapes they use or are they pretty much all the same quality?
Click to expand...

Just pick a brand and stick to it. Mixing tape brands is bad. The Panasonic tapes are nice.
 
Deepfocus88 said:
IMO, stick with a Panasonic camcorder.
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Is there anything backing this statement besides the obvious "Since you shot it with a panny..." ? Just curious If I could use my old sony mindv cam...
 
You can get an audio Tech. Mic - AT897 that works well as a shotgun mic. It's cheaper than the Sennheisers. It's a matter of personal pref. I compared both in the booth at B&H when I bought my dvx (about 2 yrs ago) and I actually liked the sound of the AT897 better. But, I'm sure there are people who will whole-heartedly disagree. Just wanted to give you another option that will save some $. Good luck with the new cam.
 
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