Own Both HVX and DVX. Thinking About Replacing DVX w/ DSLR. Recommendations?

Jonathan_Healey

Jonathan_Healey

Well-known member
I own both the Panasonic HVX200 and DVX100A. Both have served me well in the DV, SD environment; however, I'm making the move to full-time HD. Being that I own an HVX200 already, I'm wondering if I should sell my DVX100 and replace it with a HD, DLSR camera. And, if so, which one would best compliment my HVX200 camera package (note: I'm buying a Letus 35mm so lense adapter type has not been picked yet).

I videotape a lot of interviews as well as record concert multicams so I'd like to have a DLSR that could compliment the HVX200 in those situations (and also be able to do decent record times). Any advice. I would greatly appreciate it. Also, if you think it's better to keep the DVX please say so. I guess I could always up-res.
 
Since you've already got an HVX, there doesn't seem to be too many reasons to keep both that and a DVX, right?

If you want "decent" record times, I assume you mean longer than 12 minutes? The GH1 is pretty much the one for that job then. Multicam presents problems though... how are you going to sync up a multicam event without timecode?
 
Thanks for the quick response. I can eyeball multi-cams in FCP using recorded on-set flash bulbs and waveforms. Timecode isn't an issue for me when it comes to that. At the price of the GH1 I wonder the HMC40 is worthwhile? Also, which 35mm lens adapter mount would I need for the Letus to make the lenses inter-changeable for both cameras? That's probably something I should have mentioned earlier. I want both systems to use the same lenses (in the case of DLSR. I understand I'd need another adaprer for the HMC40).
 
We're doing similar Jonathan. But, I love my DVX100's and redrocks and we're keeping them for student training programs and to continue various ongoing webseries work. But, DSLR quality and pricepoints are too much to resist.
 
Jonathan_Healey said:
Thanks for the quick response. I can eyeball multi-cams in FCP using recorded on-set flash bulbs and waveforms. Timecode isn't an issue for me when it comes to that. At the price of the GH1 I wonder the HMC40 is worthwhile? Also, which 35mm lens adapter mount would I need for the Letus to make the lenses inter-changeable for both cameras? That's probably something I should have mentioned earlier. I want both systems to use the same lenses (in the case of DLSR. I understand I'd need another adaprer for the HMC40).
Click to expand...

So are you talking about buying an HMC40 and a GH1?

If you're happy with the images and interface (and abilities) that a GH1 (or a Canon 7D or a Mark 5D II post firmware upgrade) provides, why spend money on an HMC40 plus adapter? I don't know the specific specs on each, but I can pretty much garauntee that the HMC40 is going to require a different lighting setup than the GH1, and if you add an adapter your light needs increase exponentially.

When I was thinking about owning two different kinds of cameras (for multi-cam purposes), the short answer I got was "Don't do it." I integrate 16mm footage with HD cam footage, but that's an artistic choice. All of my HD multi-cam stuff is shot on the same model camera (HF200s and HF20s). If you integrate GH1 footage with HMC40 footage that too would probably come off as something deliberate (not something that can be easily concealed).

Bottom line, multi-camming a DSLR and a cam with a 35mm adapter will probably leave a very specific look to the cut footage -- and it might not be the look you're wanting.

If you're set on getting a DSLR, I'd say go ahead and grab one. See how far you can push it. If you feel it can meet all of your shooting needs, get a second one for multi-cam shooting. If it does a lot of what you want but doesn't accomplish everything, then maybe consider picking up an video cam, just know that there's a good chance that the footage between the two won't be seamless, so while you can probably get some specific shots with the DSLR and intercut it with the video camera, expecting something seamless would probably be expecting too much.

(again, though, in the end it's all about the specs. If your DSLR has the same sensor size as your video camera, you're probably in good shape)
 
Thanks Chamber005. I appreciate your insights. I do a lot of multi-camming and your right about having two different types of cameras for consistency. If I were shooting a live event then I would no doubt want to two HVX200 there. But, if I'm shooting an interview where the medium-shot has DOF and the wide is infinite, then I think the subtle difference is OK. Plus, I'm a great colorist and could stylize both the suite. :)

Here's what's going on in my head. Bulleted...

• Overall, I'd like two own two cameras
• I want at least one camera with DOF capabilties (either a HVX200 with Letus, or a DLSR) however both have DOF is great too
• I am keeping my HVX200 not matter what. It's paid for and it's here and it's a great camera
• I also own a DVX100 which doesn't see a lot of use anymore (unless I'm multi-camming)
• I would like to sell the DVX100 and parlay the money into a new camera (e.g., HMC40, or a GH1, or a 7D)
• In the case of, say, buying a Letus and a DSLR (both of which would have DOF capabilities) I would like the lenses to be available for use on both (in other words, could buy one lens type to serve both cameras).
• If I buy a DLSR, I would also sell my Canon EOS Rebel XT and use the new camera as my still camera also.
• I'm also wondering, though, if I should forget the DLSR, buy a Letus and an HMC40, use the Letus on the HVX and use the HMC40 as my b-cam (keeping my Canon Rebel for stills).

I know... It's a lot of options but I'm hoping to work through them all and make the right decision.
 
Do you have the original HVX200 or the HVX200A? I've got the original HVX200, and have hung on to my DVX100A because it has superior low-light performance, and SD is just fine for events destined for DVD, which usually take place in low-light.

If low-light matters to you, you might want to see how the HMC40 does in those conditions before you buy one.
 
Jonathan_Healey said:
Thanks Chamber005. I appreciate your insights. I do a lot of multi-camming and your right about having two different types of cameras for consistency. If I were shooting a live event then I would no doubt want to two HVX200 there. But, if I'm shooting an interview where the medium-shot has DOF and the wide is infinite, then I think the subtle difference is OK. Plus, I'm a great colorist and could stylize both the suite. :)

Here's what's going on in my head. Bulleted...

• Overall, I'd like two own two cameras
• I want at least one camera with DOF capabilties (either a HVX200 with Letus, or a DLSR) however both have DOF is great too
• I am keeping my HVX200 not matter what. It's paid for and it's here and it's a great camera
• I also own a DVX100 which doesn't see a lot of use anymore (unless I'm multi-camming)
• I would like to sell the DVX100 and parlay the money into a new camera (e.g., HMC40, or a GH1, or a 7D)
• In the case of, say, buying a Letus and a DSLR (both of which would have DOF capabilities) I would like the lenses to be available for use on both (in other words, could buy one lens type to serve both cameras).
• If I buy a DLSR, I would also sell my Canon EOS Rebel XT and use the new camera as my still camera also.
• I'm also wondering, though, if I should forget the DLSR, buy a Letus and an HMC40, use the Letus on the HVX and use the HMC40 as my b-cam (keeping my Canon Rebel for stills).

I know... It's a lot of options but I'm hoping to work through them all and make the right decision.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm...

Well the price points of the HMC40, the 7D and the GH1 are all pretty similar -- until you add the adapter. I'm pretty sure that you'd want the, what's it called? "Inverted hack" or something. Only one company makes the adapter so that the image isn't upside down...and now I can't remember which one it is. LOL It's one of the big three, though, Brevis? Redrock? One of them. I know there's also a way to hack the LCD, but that voids your warranty, which might not be a problem on the HVX, but would be a major thing on the HMC40.

So you'd get the adapter AND you have to buy glass. The HMC40 is like 1600 bucks, right? Add another 1,000 for the adapter and then glass is whatever you make it. The GH1, as I understand it, comes with some pretty sweet glass and is ready to shoot out of the box and is about 1200 bucks.

For my money (or, your money), I just can't quite grasp the reason behind buying the HMC40 if you're keeping the HVX. The HVX is HD and solid state (P2 cards), right? You go from 3CCD to 3MOS...it's not going to be any easier blending those two cameras together.

And, heck, if you're using two cameras that aren't going to look perfect together, you might as well have something that is very specific and stylized in its framing, right?

My verdict is, start with the DSLR (one that comes with glass that you want -- either the GH1 or the 7D). See if it's sufficient for your needs. If you feel you need an actual video camera with all the functionality that it brings AND you need stronger DOF capabilities on that camera, then pick up your adapter.

Either way, the DSLR seems like the safest bet because you get to sell off a video camera and a still camera. So, price wise, that could very well be a wash. You sound like you're done with your DVX and you're fine parting with your still cam. Chuck them both, grab a DSLR and see where your needs take you from there.
 
Thanks again. All valuable insights. I have a new idea now. Keep both my HVX200 (I own the original, not the HVX200A) and my DVX100 and buy a DSLR (and sell the Canon Rebel). It's more out of pocket for my to buy the DSLR since I won't get as much money from the sale of a DVX100; however, I don't have to buy a Letus. So... You think keeping both cameras, not buying a Letus, and buying the DSLR as my DOF camera is a better move? Or should I keep everything and just buy a Letus?
 
if you really want to this is what i did. I owned dvx and bought an hvx and sold my dvx and bought a gh-1. I still have a 35 adapter for my hvx but you can get like any lens adapter for a gh-1 so both cameras can use the same lens... they're only like 40 bucks for a gh-1 adapter...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top