New here, need Cam Recommendations.

D

DinosaurInc

Active member
Hi guys,

I don't get to get on too often, so I will make this quick. Please don't flame me if I am posting in the wrong area of the forums, just kindly direct me to the proper place. I've been looking for a camera for a while now, and I know that the final DV camera that I plan to have is the DVX-100 or 200, just depends on the time (meaning if it takes long enough and DVX200 comes out). I am one of those guys that pulled a 180 in their career aspirations and decided that I have to try and follow my dreams, as I imagine a lot of you are doing.

Right now I am in college obtaining dual Business degrees, so my money is limited. My problem is this: it will most definitely take me a LONG time to get the $4500 for the dvx100a and accessories. I also realize that I need to have another DV cam for playback.

Should I opt out and get a different camera to hold me off? I am looking for something that handles similar to the DVX100, but in the $1000-$2000 price range. In that price range there are just SO many cameras, so it makes it difficult to narrow down all of the products. On the plus, I could turn around and use that camera for playback of dvx recorded material.

My other option is to just buy an ultra cheap camera (just for playback) and wait for the dvx.  I do, however, want something that I can at least practice on. I know just the very surface of most cameras and I have almost no real experience with video (or film for that matter). I have a heavy background in audio application (one of the many reasons that I was drawn to the DVX).

Any suggestions would be helpful, as it feels as if I am lost. You guys probably see these types of thread all the time here, but any tips, hints, and unspoken rules would be appreciated.

I apologize in advance if this thread is in the wrong area of the boards.
 
Re: New here, need Cam Recommendations.

Wow, damn, Runyon.

I admire your dedication to making it in your chosen profession, there.
 
Wasn't really looking for a credit card pitch, but trust me, I've thought about it. I think that I will probably take out a loan for the amount needed for the DVX.

I'm just worried that I'll be lost with such a great piece of machinery as I know practically nothing about cameras.

In the event that I do buy the DVX, what should I use for playback? Deck are outrageously priced, and I would prefer another miniDV cam for scouting anyway. Any suggestions? Bear in mind that I am a "noob" to camera work.

Also, I absolutely hate bumping threads (especially my own), but I am so in the dark when it comes to camcorders. I'm just so freakin' anxious to get a decent camera that I feel a little too impulsive. However, after viewing some of the shorts in the ScreenGrabs section, I was absolutely inspired--it was just confirmation that I had made the right camera choice, even if I have to wait longer for it.

PS I know there is already a bigger thread dealing with accessories of a purchase, what I am interested in is PLAYBACK. The threads that I have found on it haven't been too useful (maybe I'm looking in the wrong area). What camera will playback with the proper timecode? I have read that Panny cameras (lower end) don't!
 
Dino -
You may want to check out this festival in your area: Link

And HERE for some cheap used equipment to get you started.

I think both links are in your area....
 
Yo yo Dino,

I just picked up a JVC D72 from BH for playback ($279). It has AV passthrough, which also makes it great for importing analog material. I haven't heard the best things about the quality of its video, but I imagine that it'd be adequate for location scouting.

As for feeling lost with the DVX, I never went to school for film, but through studying the manual, lurking here at DVXuser and keeping barry's book in my back pocket, I feel that I have a pretty good grasp of the DVX-- I've had it for about a month and I feel like I'm pretty proficient at set-up and use.

The bigger challenge for a newby like myself is lighting. I shoot shorts for my sketch group, and I often find that no matter how well I know my way around the camera and shot composition, the available lighting puts me at a disadvantage. I may have to invest in a lighting kit (the start up costs for this filmic venture keep going up and up :) ).

Speaking of costs, I did go the credit card route and it is a good amount of debt, so be prepared for all of the extra costs. It doesn't stop with the purchase of the DVX. That said, I have no regret for the purchase.

Good luck in your decisions!
 
Sirius_Doggy said:
Dino -
You may want to check out this festival in your area: Link

And HERE for some cheap used equipment to get you started.

I think both links are in your area....
Click to expand...
Yeah they are, and thanks for posting them S_D. I live here in Omaha, NE, and last year I missed the Hot Shots festival (duh!!). I plan on attending this year, however, I would like to submit a film. Regardless, I will attend as many clinics and network as much as possible during the festival.

As for Modern Sound Pictures, I see their HQ about everyday, as I work about 4 Blocks from it. Thanks for the link, I plan to give them a call and maybe stop in.

As for playback? Any suggestions from a source that doesn't plan to make a profit on my decision.

Modern Sound Pictures DOESN'T carry Panasonic! Just called them and they have an XL1s and XL2 for sale, but I don't think I can justify spending more for the same or less quality on a Canon. Don't want to leave my dream of my own DVX100a...
 
Dino - Definitely go with a Pana camcorder as IAMLOSER recommended for all the reasons he mentioned. It's just not worth it to spend the dough on a deck that will set you back anywhere between $1,500 - $2,500.
 
Thanks IAMLOSER and S_D. Info helped a lot and was relieved the camera is a Panasonic.

Sirius_Doggy, how did you find out about Modern Sound Pictures in Omaha? There are other suppliers locally (none that I have found carry Panasonic, only Canon).

Thanks again guys.
 
Sirius_Doggy said:
Google is a wonderful thing.. I saw you were in Omaha and did a google search for: Video/film gear, Omaha.
Click to expand...

Well, when you put it that way, I sound like a total jackoff :) I was kind of hoping that you had the "inside" on some of these retail companies. Every place in Omaha is a freakin' Canon authorized dealer! No Panasonic!

Anyway, thanks for the help. Don't want anyone to think that I am too lazy to do a Google search!
 
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