Recently bough a dvx100b - Noob filmmaker

T

TruEstar

Member
hey guys, I purchased a Dvx-100b a few weeks ago online from amazon.com for $1,550. It was my first purchase and I feel it will allow me to grow and develop my skills as a filmmaker. I plan on using it for short films predominately.

Is $1550 a rip-off for a used Dvx?
I know everyone wants HD and HD is in now, but the DVX was cheaper than the canon xl-2 and seems a bit more effective.

What is the best way to learn to use the dvx-100b?
It didn't come with a manual, but I've found one online.

And lastly, what type of firewire cord do you need to connect it to a 27' imac?
 
I think that everyone will have differing opinions. Up until a year ago, I thought an SD camera like the DVX would be a great camera for learning. Then I heard about DLSRs and and realized that for narrative filmmakers, the DVX is dead. Keep in mind that this is just my point of view. You can get a Rebel for less than a grand, then purchase some audio gear, a lens and some sort of rig for another grand. Now you've spent $2,000 on equipment that is up to date and competitive.
However, you do have a camera now, so the most important thing is to start using it. If you're happy with what it produces, then you're set. If not, sell and upgrade. But just start making movies =)
 
thanks bro. I will. It will probably be awhile before I go HD. I've never owned a camera since a super 8 back in junior high.
making great films has always been a dream of mine.
the dvx100b should be a good start.
 
For me the purchase of my secondhand DVX100 was life-changing, and hopefully yours will do the same to you. Still not even close to being professional, I have learned so much since that day. I recommend Barry Greens book about the camera. And: start filming right now. Commit yourself to projects, just your own and nice collaborations (on impulse). The last category will ad 'deadline' and pressure to your filming (choices, actions). That speeds up the learning proces even more. Have fun! And use this amazing forum a lot. I see the forum as part of my DVX.
 
Actually the DVX with a good 35 adapter can create awesome shots. It still won't be HD but it will look good. Back in '03 (seven years ago or so) the DVX was coveted, because for straight to DVD movies people who knew how to shoot films could make projects with it almost straight out of the box and get a pro-look. When they didn't have lens adapters the used lighting to get dept of field. The HDSLRs are awesome. I shot my first feature with it and it even got distribution. I've been using the 5D on my new project and it's incredible. You check out my thread to follow our progress. I think you should buy an HDSLR, because you will want to learn the DOF tricks an all, but you do yourself no real disservice by own and starting out with a DVX. I sold mine but I did love it when I had it. Use it, learn on it and sell it when you can and get an HDSLR. I agree with El Director. You can get up to date equipment for cheaper and learn more. Go play around with it, shoot some shorts then sell it. Don't invest in it. Sale it, get a T2i or something comparable as Panasonic makes an HDSLR too. Get a wide angle lens at least if you can, a beachtek for the sound and an XLR shotgun mic. You'll control the sound through the Beachtek. Good luck.

-Nate
 
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the thing i keep hearing about hdslrs are they have a limited recording time, like in 1080p mode you have like 12 minutes or so of running time. Maybe someone can explain it in more detail cause i dont have a hdslr. But really if your gonna make movies the dvx is fine. I've had 100b for about 2 or 3 years and I'm still learning. Like anomie said get the barry green dvx book. And i also highly recommend "the dv rebels guide", written by stu maschwitz, the creator of magic bullet software. It has some great info. You can still make awesome looking movies with dvx! have fun!
 
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