Panasonic DVC30 to HV30/HV40

Evan S

Evan S

Veteran
What does everyone think here? I have mostly manual controls on my DVC30 I like the camera. I also have a XLR plugin for it - for pro audio. I shoot mostly short films. Although HV30 apparently has manual control, and I'm thinking of upgrading to HD.

I'd like to sell my DVC30 with accessories assuming i can get about 900 - 1000 on it, and just buy an HV30 outright.. What does everyone think?
 
Buy the new Canon VIXIA HF S100 available in February -- best bang for the buck!

See the differences selected and posted by Eugenia Loli-Queru:

«Pros of the HF-S10/S100 compared to the HV20/30/40

- 8 MP sensor (in RED terms, that’s a 3K resolution, similar to the upcoming RED Scarlet). This means that the picture captured is 8 MP and then it’s resized down to 1080p. Depending on the algorithm used to resize down the image, it should produce some very good quality picture, not only compared to the previous king in the consumer market, the HV series, but also compared to some prosumer cameras!

- It uses the brand new DigicDV III sensor. This sensor, in addition to the features mentioned above, is also faster. This means that Canon CAN optimized their h.264 AVC encoder to cram more quality while encoding at 24mbps. So, even if its 24mbps bitrate is the same as the HF11/HF100/HG20/etc cameras, the new faster sensor allows for more optimization of the encoder used during recording. More encoder optimization, better final quality.

- The new sensor is 1/2.6″ size, which is bigger than the HV-series’ 1/2.7″ size. Bigger sensor means shallower DoF, and better quality. Overall, that’s a 5% difference though, and quite honestly, not a huge difference. You will still need to zoom in at around 75% to get some nice-looking background blur.

- More dynamic range. Canon in fact specifically advertises this.

- Full 1920×1080 recording, instead of the HV’s 1440×1080.

- Zebra support. The HV series have that too, but this is a first for Canon’s AVCHD cameras, so it’s worth mentioning.

- Gain support. This is the first consumer Canon cameras ever to offer Gain/ISO control! With their Tv/Av modes, exposure compensation & locking, and now gain support, you can get a lot out of these cameras, only losing very little compared to having full manual control. Only extreme cases would require you to have a light meter and full manual control.

- Better focus roller. Unfortunately, this camera doesn’t have a full focus ring either, but its focus roller is bigger and more accessible than the HV series’.

- CineMode has *most probably* moved to the Colors Settings, rather than the ‘Programmed AE’ menu found in the HV series. If this is indeed true, it is a very good thing, as it will allow you to use a cinema gamma/look, while you can use your camera in Tv or Av mode at the same time, to properly control it. **

- Focusing has been improved, by including color peaking and targeting, and face targeting. Overall, the camera has 3-4 ways of focusing. Still, the LCD screen is the same 2.7″ as in the HV series, I would have personally preferred an upgrade to 3.0″.

- Advanced auto-exposure, with the help of the DigicDV III.

- Much better still picture support and software controls for it.

- No LCD overscan. What you see on the screen is what it’s been recorded. On my HV20 I had ruined quite a few shots because its LCD has overscan.

- Color bars with Test Tone. To be used to calibrate third party hardware that work with your camera.

- No tapes. For some, this is a downside, for me, it’s not. I had enough of the tapes.»

http://eugenia.gnomefiles.org/2009/01/06/regarding-the-new-canon-cameras/


** As it happens with the HG10, it is not referred either @ specs list (therefore, the Eugenia's presumption). Nevertheless, it does work @ HG10 as same as any other AFAIK. So, don't take it as granted @ HF S100. But buy the right one. The set of specs in general, the sensor ala 5D Mark II in particular -- although, a generation before the DIGIC 4 and except the size :lipsrseal, it justifies the option and purchase.
 
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In my opinion the DVC30 doesn't get near the respect it deserves. That is one great little camera and the images are fantastic. I've got 2 and they cut great with my 100b's. I've also go an A1 that I love but after 6 months and dozens of shoots everything has ended up SD as final delivery.
I've thought about selling them several times but then a multicamera shoot comes up and I'm glad I've got'em.
The HV series is fairly inexpensive, maybe get a paper route and have both:beer:

I also think 1k for a used DVC30 is probably a little on the high side.

Good luck!
 
I already own a DVC30 but I'd be all over the XLR Adapter and possibily some other extras. If you haven't already sold or you don't want to break up your package than thats cool but if your open with selling the Adapter than please please contact.
 
DVC30 vs- HV30

DVC30 vs- HV30

Well I have used the DVC30 for about 7 years now and I own 5 of them. I also own 2 HV30's and have used them along with my XH-A1 for going on 2 years. I have found that the best situation for the HV30's are stationary shots that do not require adjustment - especially smooth zoom. If you are doing a wedding and just need a stationary top shot while you run the XH-A1, the HV30 is a great cam. If you need two manned cameras, the DVC30 just has the controls needed to make adjustments without destroying the shot.

That being said, I am very excited about he new HMC40 that pretty much looks like the DVC30 but in HD and records to SD cards. My only gripe about the DVC30 is the lack of remote iris control and the HMC40 will have that. I know that everyone wants 1/3 or 1/2 chips with all of the controls of the XH-A1, but I just want a simple camera with good manual controls that a second or third cameraman can operate without needing a week long training seminar.

Just my 2 cents!

Jon Schwartz
 
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