Question about DVX100a vs. Sony HVR-Z1U

N

NomadxJess

Member
I have been doing a lot of research lately in order to purchase 2 cameras for an Independent Film that I am producing... DVX100A vs. the Sony HVR-Z1u... I know that the HD generation will be coming into full effect within the next couple years but am wondering if it wouldn't be a bad idea to get the Z1u and then shoot on MiniDV for this project until the HD gen is needed... Also I have found numerous sites on the internet where the prices of the HVR-Z1u's are about $3400 and yet I don't understand how that could be possible.. Throughout the same searches I have found DVX100a's for as low as $1307 which blew my mind, because the majority of great prices I find this camera to be is around $2800 after rebate.. Any info on the subject or suggestions would be greatly appreciated... I am a 19 year old aspiring filmmaker working on a 1940's gangster flick with about a $25,000 budget... The colors of the film are Black, White & Red.. The high contrasts of black and white are going to be a big deal to me, this is how the possibility of purchasing the Sony came to be.. Thanks to all..

sites of reasearch: http://www.digitalsaver.com , cnet.com etc...

Jesse :grin:
 
..cheap prices are scams.. i know your only 19, but you should know enough about the word and the internet to steer clear of that bogus schtuff. you might want to check out the new HVX if youve got the dough for 2 cams. othrwise 2 dvxs would be nice.
 
I agree. I would avoid the Z1U for film stuff, as it doesn't have a true 24p function. It'll just look like really sharp video rather than the film look you get from the DVX.
 
Wait until after NAB and the new models are introduced before making any decisions, but you can't go wrong with a DVX. As mentioned, you should seriously consider sticking with a camera that offers *true* 24P (unlike the Z1U). The video look of 60i is on the way out for independant filmmakers, so sticking with a DVX100, an XL2, or the upcoming HVX200 would give you some good options.


BTW, those internet prices are as phony as a three dollar bill--run in the other direction lest ye get screwed.
 
Alright so you've convinced me... Thanks... I'm gonna go with 2 dvx100a's... Can anyone rec anything on the the best way to do a rack focus using the dvx?? I'm thinkin of gettin the shoulder mount for my steady cam work, although i've got a glidecam as well... What's goona be the best way to keep my blacks as close to 100% as possible...

thanks...
 
I've had pretty good results just manually working the ring for a rack focus. Just look at the focus readout numbers and use that to do an accurate rack.

For the blacks, adjust your master ped until you're happy with the contrast. You have a lot of control over that using the master ped.
 
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