pros /cons Canon A1 & DVX 100B for documentary

F

flean

Active member
Hello,

I am sure someone must have posted this somewhere ...
I was wondering if any pro filmmaker could tell me the pros /cons between the Canon XH-A1 and the Panasonic DVX 100B? and what would they choose if they had to film a documentary guerilla style with a possible transfer to film later (either super 16 or 35)..
one uses 24p the other 24f... really what is the difference? what about low light conditions and noise ????

thank you
 
I have a Canon A1 and had the original DVX 100 when released. If you are really serious about doing a film-out, then I would think the Canon would be better as it has more resolution and is 16x9 (Iraq in Fragments was done with the DVX and looked great in the theater - so it can be done with the DVX). With that said, if making a documentary is important and HD is not, then the DVX is a wonderful tool and the used prices are making it easy to own. The prices on both cameras are pretty cheap. I love the Pany look and think 24F is really close to it and would not put it too far behind it in the "look" category. Avid does not support 24F.

If it was me, I would lean towards the Canon. If I needed it today and money was tight and not worried about HD any time soon, then a DVX-100b would rock. Also watch the NAB reports and think about the new DVX replacement. I am sure it will be worth the wait.
 
on ebay dvx goes for 2300 new, canon 3200 new. HDV tapes are more $10's ea in bulk, compared to $2 for red mini dv. I know you can use a reg mini dv tape on a hd canon, but how the hd records, I dont know. Dvx records better in lower light but that probably wont matter. I can't recommend on over the other because im still in the same pickle. HD is catching on.
 
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