Newbie looking to get a DVX

U

Union0015

Member
Hi all,

I've been reading this site for well over a year now, but finally decided to register now that I am set on getting a DVX100A. I majored in film during undergrad, but focused more on writing and understanding how and why film is so effective. My school glazed over the technical aspects, so I know the basics but I want to become an advanced user. So now it's time to get out there and do some shooting.

After reading the extremely in-depth comparison on the XL2, DVX, and FX1 (thanks, BTW! That is an amazing article), I still want the the DVX because works for what I plan on shooting (which is mostly short films, commercials, music videos, etc). Unfortunately, since I am new to the game, I have a lot of questions that I am hoping this great community can assist me with. So here goes:

1) What accessories are "must haves" for a DVX user? Should I get UV and polarizing filters, for example?
2) Is there a way to record straight to a hard drive? I assume this would save the tape heads and you could just plug the hard drive directly into your computer for editing.
3) I currently own an Apple PowerBook G4 Titanium. It's a 1Ghz model, 512 MB of RAM, 60 GB HD with 40 GB FREE. Will this be enough computer and hard drive space to import and edit the video until I can get a G5?

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but ANY advice, even if it doesn't tie in directly with these questions, would be sincerely appreciated. I look forward to learning more and interacting with the members of this community. Thanks! :)
 
Re: Newbie looking to get a DVX

1. I say get a UV filter to have just to protect your DVX lens from scratches. for the price its a very good investment, i honestly dont see any change in the image though. Polarizing filter is nice to have but it all depends on what you'll be doing with the camera. I doubt you will use it all the time.

I plan on getting one once I get a mattebox, but thats later on. There are several topics on "must have" accesories, look around.

2. I think there are a few programs that do this, you could always capture into an NLE from you powrebook while out filming i suppose.

3. i have an apple g4 867mhz model, 12 inch. It does everything I want it to do. of course, Id love to have a g5 system so it can be fater, but the powerbook will do the job. just not as flashy as the powermac. if you need the mac, get it, if not, spend your money on other things.
 
Re: Newbie looking to get a DVX

"Must haves" really do depend on what you plan to do--although the UV filter is a must, regardless. A good tripod with a genuinely fluid head probably is another must--and one that will last for years, too.

Other than that, some people will feel they need a good shotgun mike, while others will insist on always having their sound recorded through a boomed mike. Some people will need a steadicam, while others will rent one when needed. And the same applies to matteboxes, follow-focus systems, light kits, and so on... all the way down to chamois eyecups !

So my advice is : if you can, keep some money stashed away for hardware and accessories, you will need it, even if you're not sure yet what to spend it on... ;)

Oh, and one more thing : I don't know much about Macs nowadays, having switched to PCs years ago but I can tell you right now that only one hard drive with only 40 GB of available space on it will definitely NOT be enough ! Buy another drive right away, external if need be (the PowerBook is a portable computer, right ?), and at the very least 120 GB in size.

Welcome to the club and have fun !
 
Re: Newbie looking to get a DVX

[quote author=U n i o n 0015 link=board=Links;num=1105648300;start=0#0 date=01/13/05 at 12:31:40]Hi all,

I've been reading this site for well over a year now, but finally decided to register now that I am set on getting a DVX100A.  I majored in film during undergrad, but focused more on writing and understanding how and why film is so effective.  My school glazed over the technical aspects, so I know the basics but I want to become an advanced user.  So now it's time to get out there and do some shooting.

After reading the extremely in-depth comparison on the XL2, DVX, and FX1 (thanks, BTW!  That is an amazing article), I still want the the DVX because works for what I plan on shooting (which is mostly short films, commercials, music videos, etc).  Unfortunately, since I am new to the game, I have a lot of questions that I am hoping this great community can assist me with.  So here goes:

1)  What accessories are "must haves" for a DVX user?  Should I get UV and polarizing filters, for example?
2)  Is there a way to record straight to a hard drive?  I assume this would save the tape heads and you could just plug the hard drive directly into your computer for editing.
3)  I currently own an Apple PowerBook G4 Titanium.  It's a 1Ghz model, 512 MB of RAM, 60 GB HD with 40 GB FREE.  Will this be enough computer and hard drive space to import and edit the video until I can get a G5?

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but ANY advice, even if it doesn't tie in directly with these questions, would be sincerely appreciated.  I look forward to learning more and interacting with the members of this community.  Thanks! :)[/quote]


But everything you're asking has been discussed in the last week or two, why ask the same things again?
 
Re: Newbie looking to get a DVX

Thanks for all the advice, guys.

I'll probably just purchase a DVX, a tripod, and a UV filter to start out. I already have money put aside if I need other equipment along the way, but based on your advice the above three will be a good start.

As for the computer situation, I can get another harddrive and more RAM, but to really get it where I want (maxed out RAM, DVD burner, external Firewire HD) I feel like I am spending money that can be put towards the purchase of a new computer. But then again, can't really edit footage on nothing. ;D

To the last poster, I asked the questions because I wanted to get advice based on my particular situation. Anyway, thanks for all your help!
 
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