Q#2: Not just another DVX vs. HVX post...kinda

John Rivers

John Rivers

Active member
Ok, second question:

Let's assume I don't own any camera right now. We assume this because, well, I don't (I have used the equipment of my school's film club up until now).

Debating between the HVX and DVX, many posts have gone on about the comparisons, most being that the HVX is the better, and frankly I'm not surprised. So here is something I can't answer:

- With the DVX being the B model (and likely final revision as everything switches to the HVX), it's somewhat assumed that bugs which can be fixed ARE fixed. With the HVX, it's the first generation. First gen products can vary in quality, so from anybody's experience, is there anything about the HVX that makes you think "damn, if only...", especially when a future revision comes around?

In summary: features might be added, taken, designs might change, but on the whole, do you feel the HVX is "complete"?

I know this is a difficult question, I know because I've been trying to figure this out. For me at least, it's a major factor in deciding whether the HVX which costs twice that of the DVX is worth the investment, and will remain (relatively) futureproof.

Any other advice in deciding between these two cameras would be greatly appreciated. I do independent film, plan on going to film school, would rather shoot in widescreen eventually, and plan to mainly shoot in some format of SD (until HD becomes a bit more widespread...and it becomes possible to distribute HD as well...). If any more info helps making this kind of a decision clearer let me know.

Thanks to everybody for your time. :)
 
The DVX would be a much better prospect, but it does not shoot native 16:9-- it uses a "strech" mode that costs you resolution. So even if you're shooting SD, your picture will look better in widescreen with the HVX. Add to that DVCPRO50 support, and the HVX wins hands down. Of course, one must be able to justify the extra cost, but for me, it was an easy choice.
 
Keep in mind that there's a $2,000 price difference between them. And with the $400 rebate, it's actually more like a $2400 price difference.

So they're really in a different class. And the DVX is intended to remain a current product -- it's not being discontinued at all.

An HVX is really a high-def camera with a DVX inside it as well (and it's almost fat enough!)

So when you swap over to tape mode, as far as I know it could actually be running the DVX's same software base. It has all the features of the 100B, so I'd wager that in DV mode it's taking advantage of all the latest software revisions.

The 100B remains an excellent, excellent product. One of our forum members just bought the DVX Book/DVD and he wrote to me to say "hey, looks like you used a full-on broadcast camera to shoot this DVD with -- which one was it?" And I said "yes, I did -- the model number is AG-DVX100." :) And that was with the original; it's now two versions better.

I like them both, they're both excellent. I think the HVX is well worth the $2400 price increase IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. But if not, the DVX is still a superb standard-def imaging tool.
 
The DVX is a marvellous camera - I shot something for a client the other day and they said 'it looks like you shot it with a film camera' :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

And my model is first generation ~ I'm px'ing it for a HVX on Friday.
 
I love my DVX100b. I don't have the capacity to work with HD, and most people (at here least in the midwest) don't have the technology to watch HD. That said, I didn't even consider buying an HVX.

Get a DVX and use the extra scrill on plastic surgery (I'm getting a third arm grafted to my chest to hold a mic boom, so I can finally fire my good-for-nothing alcoholic sound guy) :kali:

Good luck!
 
John, You mentioned "futureproof". I figured by investing the extra money, I am "futureproofing" against another purchase next year. (balancing act always a gamble).

A recent artical, (forget which one now maybe DV.com or this forum???), mentioned just what this thread ponders. The artical covered how many clumbsy DFX functions, features and knobs Panasonic fixed on the HVX.
They made it clear that the HVX is actaully a 3rd generation product, improving on the DVX.
I'm always concerned with 1st generation products also. But honestly, for the price, to get true HD and all the "FLAVORS" of SD/HD out there, if a better one comes out in 1-2 years, I'll keep the HVX as a little brother second cam or sell it and upgrade.
You can't go too wrong with this marvelous product!
 
That sounds like an interesting article. If you don't have the link, do remember any phrases of anything so we could possibly google it? Thanks.
 
A very important thing to remember is the bigger picture of the HVX (No pun intended).
The HVX offers you the opportunity to grow into HD but that growth will eventually cost you more than the camera it's self. Currently I have spent just shy of $15,000 bringing my production and post production gear up to HD standards. You may not need this much but you will need some of it. The HVX makes a very good 16:9 SD camera but if you'r going to shoot 16:9 then HD is almost always perferable. I'd suggest the DVX first, even a used 100 or 100a, then buy the HVX once the DVX has paid some bills.
 
Actually I had another question between the two cameras:

The DVX was noted to have a pretty good wide angle, and that the HVX's wide angle is even larger, but there is some notable barrel distortion at it's widest. How does this wide angle functioning work on such fixed lens cameras?

And considering the barrel distortion of the HVX, is this enough to make it less usable or functional than that of the DVX? Or would I be able to reduce the wide angle too match the lens of the DVX? Or is a wide angle adapter still recommended for use with the HVX (such as something by Century Optics)?

Yea, really have no idea how this whole built in wide angle thing works in general. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)
 
So far I find the lens on the HVX superior to the DVX in just about every way, including distortion. WA lenses will always have thier place when you just need a tad more. But I think i'll use it less on the HVX because of the few extra MM and the 16:9.
 
I don't seem any distortion really on the HVX.. Looks fabulous. Also the downconverted HD to DV footage looks awesome. Better than my XL1 native DV stuff for sure. The colors still pop and the ability to have slow-mo real time conversion is fabulous.
 
So what are the preferred settings to get the most out of the HVX in SD when recording onto Mini-DV?

I just got mine yesterday, havent played with it that much yet but I need to have it under control in a week or two for filming my freinds short. His film is going to be in black and white...

I also have to film a dance concert which is very low light in week or so. Any suggestions?
 
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