New to Video

E

eofeapr

Well-known member
Hello to all,,, i'm new to this forum also new to videography so please if I ask a really stupid question be kind ,,, I'm trying...

So far I'm looking at canon Xl2 and the dvx100b which is why I am seeking your input since dvx100 is you forte'.

I'm probably going shoot 80% indoors, am looking to create documentary and educational stuff and prefer the feel of film vs video. Also interested in trying my hand at simple time lapse footage like tracking a few clouds or an evening sun.

please comment or give me your comparisons to help me decide

Thank you in advance
jrg
 
My vote is for the DVX. I just like both it and the HVX alot. What do you need in a camera though? My only all around suggestions for anyone serious about this (which it sounds like you are) is to get a camera with full manual controls that are easy to use. And then turn off the auto stuff. You'll learn alot using manual controls. You'll also learn when to set focus to Auto (or any of the other settings) and just shoot. Sometimes you run out of hands :)

And you say you prefer the feel of film. The DVX has a nice 24P look to it. It still doesnt look like film all of the time. 24P with cinegamma turned on and properly lighted and framed scenes will get you pretty close though. Another option is to adda 35mm adapter to gain a narrower depth of field. Lots of films use a narrow depth of field to direct the viewers attention to certain. Lots of films also dont use a narrow depth of field. There can be alot of factors that go into getting the film look that are beyond the camera you use is my point though.

Perhaps rent each for a day and play with them. Also please dont forget to budget for a NICE tripod ($500++) and the appropriate light and sound equipment. Further searching of these forums should help you figure out what you need in these areas. And look around at the user clips sections of this site to see what people are doing with these cameras. Many of the threads explain the process necessary to obtain these shots. And if you have any more questions dont be afraid to ask, but by the same token please look around as many a first timers (myself included) have asked alot of the basic questions and the answers are already out there.

And time lapse is fun.
 
You may want to buy a used DVX100A for the timelapse stuff. I don't think the DVX100B has that feature.
 
Kyle---Thnx for you feedback,,, wicked funny catch prase.


hv20 is not bad looking for 1000 us but is'nt it more for point n shooters ??

A1 is sweet but budget constraints are an issue

I wanna go 2k for cam and 1k for add ons as needed to get started...

HD,,, do I really need it now while I'm still learning ??? cause I could see how in 5 yrs or so the technology will be more ubiguous and I could then graduate to HD whithin that span of time.

what do you say?


JD --- you've reenforced what I am getting from this forum in general,,, it's like anything in life a good shooter can make a great clip with most any cam if the shooter knows how to achieve the shot,,
renting's a great idea but there no way to do that here I don't even have a decent cam shop for 400 miles,, I wish man that would be a great way to pick the best cam for my level...

On that note great tip about running manual cam to force me to work the shot... Anxious to get to it...

Stink --- thn guess I looked down my nose at the 100a cause it's the older cam and overlooked the lapsed time thingy.
 
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Then I think you should definately pick up a used DVX100A. It's a great camera. Don't skimp out on a good tripod though!

The catch-phrase? Thanks, you're the first to comment on it. I heard a co-worker insult another co-worker over the intercome with it at my last job. Never left me since!
 
Yeah a used DVX sounds like it fits the bill. Not disagreeing with Stinkpot but I thought they all shot timelapse - I'd double check just to be safe. I know the HVX does but thats not what matters :)

I used to work at the airport and thats the only thing I miss are listening to the radio and intercom chatter, many a priceless moments...
 
am feverishly looking at stuff on the net right now

stinkpot is right no time lapse in the b series,,, you'd think they would have left that in but the article claims it's due to new tape compartment which is moved and does not allow for it

who'd a thunk it !!

looking at prices online I allbut commited to the dvx100b, almost landed an Xl2 for 2200.oo on ebay but got outbid.
any bettter options than ebay for good prices on new to slightly used ???
 
I got my dvx100b used for 2300 with shotgun mic so I suggest keep looking around no timelapse but you can still do timelaspe footage in post thoe not as good. You can't go wrong with a dvx100b I work for a company and we have pro broadcast cameras and I prefer th dvx smaller, most of same pro options, and of course 24p.
 
Due to last price drops in the last week a used 100b price will need to be very competitive right now. SO, its your market.
 
2300 aint bad

did I say aint ??

what make is that shotgun ??if it's senhieser you made out good I'm sure

am looking at one for 2100 bucks, with like 20 hours from seller with good history,,, pretty tempting....
 
I'm thinking your right ncje

can't seem to get below 2100 or so but that's within the budget and I have to say the cam really looks sharp for the price

BTW ,,, how goes the project 'Song me a lullaby' ???
I clicked to the original thread and really enjoyed the stills they are stunning !! I suspect they are a good representaion of the cinematography.

You go girl !!
 
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