Please, any recommendations for a second dv format camera that I can stick on a tripod and use for cutaways, etc in a variety of venues with my dvx? I want something where the video (don't care about its audio quality) will integrate with my dvx without too much pain. Don't want lots of bells and whistles, preferably three ccd's and a kilobuck or less with decent video quality. Thannks.
Second Camera Recommendations?
- Thread starter kmcgrath
- Start date
lpcvideo1
Veteran
A few places to start your quest:
I had a DVC30 before my 100A. It did a pretty nice job--it has scene files, too, though not quite the flexibility with gamma curves as has the 100A. It is not true progressive, though Pany put a reasonably fake P. I was quite happy with my productions for the price. It might fit your qualification that it "integrate with my dvx without too much pain," depending on what you mean.
A cheaper but less "integrating" option might be the PV-GS400--it has some nice features, but I've only played with it in the showroom. It has a chip size of a bit less than 1/4", but pretty good color and clarity. Its gamma-curve correction (or was it fake-progressive mode?) only works with its stretch mode, if I recall. I owned a PV-DV953--the 400's predecessor--and it was a great camera (over-saturated sometimes).
-Chris
I had a DVC30 before my 100A. It did a pretty nice job--it has scene files, too, though not quite the flexibility with gamma curves as has the 100A. It is not true progressive, though Pany put a reasonably fake P. I was quite happy with my productions for the price. It might fit your qualification that it "integrate with my dvx without too much pain," depending on what you mean.
A cheaper but less "integrating" option might be the PV-GS400--it has some nice features, but I've only played with it in the showroom. It has a chip size of a bit less than 1/4", but pretty good color and clarity. Its gamma-curve correction (or was it fake-progressive mode?) only works with its stretch mode, if I recall. I owned a PV-DV953--the 400's predecessor--and it was a great camera (over-saturated sometimes).
-Chris
Yes, I should have mentioned that for this second camera application I do not need 24P capability. Just looking for a no frills 60i mini dv with a reasonable price tag with best video quality possible. I guess if I were to boil down my question, it would simply be "what is the best value in mini dv 60i camcorder value out there if major concern is video quality and less than around $1000". Thanks!!
235 Studios
Veteran
I would recommend ponying up for a second DVX if you are using these to make money. This will save you the time of having to color correct the footage for each shot. And when time is money, you're either going to spend less on a camera now, and more time "fixing" things later, or spend more money now and less time later. Before I switched over to DVX, I was using a Canon XL1s and a Sony VX2000- it was a time consuming process getting the shots to match.
With that said, what I've noticed is that each brand has its own feel, and way of processing color. (I've noticed that generally speaking sony is cooler in colors) So if you stick with one brand you will have an easier time matching the shots. So look at the other panny's to figure it out.
Here is another idea- go to your local electronics store with one of your own miniDV tapes, while you're there looking at the cameras, record some footage, then take the footage home and compare it to your DVX footage. Most sales reps should not have a problem with this as long as you show an interest in purchasing.
With that said, what I've noticed is that each brand has its own feel, and way of processing color. (I've noticed that generally speaking sony is cooler in colors) So if you stick with one brand you will have an easier time matching the shots. So look at the other panny's to figure it out.
Here is another idea- go to your local electronics store with one of your own miniDV tapes, while you're there looking at the cameras, record some footage, then take the footage home and compare it to your DVX footage. Most sales reps should not have a problem with this as long as you show an interest in purchasing.
Thanks Ryan. I think I will follow your advice and take a trip down to Best Buy and compare the Pannys, Sonys, and Canons. I would love to get another dvx, but my better half might have a heart attack. I shoot a lot of stuff that I basically give away (yes, I know that's crazy), so $ is definately a factor in my decision. Thanks again.
235 Studios
Veteran
kmcgrath said:
I know what you mean- it would probably be best for you if you did not do that.
kmcgrath said:
In that case, it probably would be best to just get something that will "work" as it will not return any profit for you. another thought I just had, was what about getting a DVX100, or DVX100a used? Now that the DVX100b is out I'm sure that the used prices for those models have droped. (But I'm not sure by how much and if it is close to your 1K limit.)
Good luck.
The only thing that scares me about a used dvx comes from some of the posts I've read about spending $$ on a used one, and this or that doesn't work quite right. Then both I and the wife would have a heart attack! I'm thinking a (new) three chip panny for under a kBuck might give good enuf video (might have to tweak in color correction a bit) for all my nonpaying customers. But wow how they appreciate me 
235 Studios
Veteran
kmcgrath said:
Understandable- hope the purchase goes well for you.
DVX100Shooter
Veteran
this should be a no brainer....get another DVX set it up with the same settings as the first one and shoot away. Now you have some choices! You got the original DVX100; DVX100A; and now the DVX100B; not to mention the HVX200 thats on its way.
If your trying to go with a totally different camera for whatever reason then I would make sure that 2nd camera has 24P capabilities. But you are going to have to do some tests using the same lighting and or location as you plan to shoot whatever it is your shooting with both cameras to see how close they match up if your using different cameras.
I have the original 100 and I recently borrowed a friends 100A to use as a cutaway camera at a hip hop concert. I set up both cameras with the settings I wanted and both set to 24p. The end result looked liked the same camera.
If your trying to go with a totally different camera for whatever reason then I would make sure that 2nd camera has 24P capabilities. But you are going to have to do some tests using the same lighting and or location as you plan to shoot whatever it is your shooting with both cameras to see how close they match up if your using different cameras.
I have the original 100 and I recently borrowed a friends 100A to use as a cutaway camera at a hip hop concert. I set up both cameras with the settings I wanted and both set to 24p. The end result looked liked the same camera.
Yes, I would love to go with another dvx, but my main obstacle is the cost. I am basically looking for a lower cost alternative second camera that will minimize the pain. I am thinking a three chip Panasonic that can be had for well less than $1000. 24p capability would be nice, but I know that aint gonna happen in this price range, so I will deal with 60i for these applications.