Simple questions, You guys are great.

Phil

Phil

Veteran
This is my first post. I have to say thanks for all the information. Every one of you has helped in my education about this camera. This whole website is great. I work 12 hour days, and come home and read this website until 5 in the morning sometimes.
I started out on a one megapixel JVC, moved up to the Panasonic PVDV953...and now I'm buying...soon...a DVX100...

DVX100 or DVX100A?
with or without Mack warranty?

If you don't mind, I need some help with gear.
I currently plan to shoot a short film, mainly to practice with the camera, followed by a feature length 90 minute.

I have a Glidecam 2000, and a 10 inch Sharp LCD I was going to use for a field monitor.

As far as sound, we're getting shot gun mics and booms.
1.Do you recommend going sound into the camera? or external, via mini disc...or dat...or other.

As far as the end product. We want to go to film. But we don't have the money really. So its going to DVD?
2.Shooting 24PA sounds best right now, true or false?

3.Now I've read almost all the "anamorphic" posts...but since my Sharp is 4:3 I won't be able to view it correctly, and I might get shots of mic entering the frame. Should we shoot 4:3 because we're going to DVD first. Or should we shoot 16:9 with adapter, and buy a new LCD, because the final product could be transferred to 35?

Any help would be great. I know its not the paint, its the painter. But I'd hate to mess up something, only because I didn't plan everything in advance.
Actually, thanks for your help...in advance.
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

Welcome! Get the Warranty no question.

I'll let the others chime in. I'm tired...
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

wow John Hudson. From the posts I've read, you know your stuff. I'll take your advice on the warranty. Thanks
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

[quote author=TheAmateurPro link=board=Events;num=1079414702;start=0#0 date=03/15/04 at 21:25:01]

DVX100 or DVX100A?
[/quote]
DVX100A.
with or without Mack warranty?
Click to expand...
Never bought an extended warranty, so I'd say skip it, but others feel strongly about them. Up to you, of course.

1.Do you recommend going sound into the camera? or external, via mini disc...or dat...or other.
Click to expand...
Straight into the camera.

2.Shooting 24PA sounds best right now, true or false?
Click to expand...
For DVD or film transfer, 24PA is the way to go, provided you're going to edit on a 24P-capable system (primarily FCP 4, Blade 2.2 or Vegas 4).

3.Now I've read almost all the "anamorphic" posts...but since my Sharp is 4:3 I won't be able to view it correctly, and I might get shots of mic entering the frame.
Click to expand...
Anamorphic won't have any effect on mics entering the frame, etc. Your 4:3 monitor will show the full frame, just "squished" -- but you'll see everything that's in the frame, there's nothing cut off. (Except for the "TV Safe" area, which vexes all monitors that don't have "underscan", so I guess it is possible you might get a mic in the shot, but you will equally get that mic in the shot whether you shoot anamorphic or 4:3).

Should we shoot 4:3 because we're going to DVD first. Or should we shoot 16:9 with adapter, and buy a new LCD, because the final product could be transferred to 35?
Click to expand...
LCD's are not of much value as a picture monitor, except for the possible use of a widescreen LCD for framing (what you're contemplating). If you really, really think you might be going to film, consider the anamorphic adapter. (I believe forum member IAmLoser is selling one at a healthy discount too). The simple fact is that film transfer is an exceedingly, exceedingly rare thing. However, a DVD will benefit nicely from having been shot anamorphic as well -- most DVD's of films are transferred anamorphically.
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

From what i have been seing in the mack warranty thread i'd say skip the warranty. Any place that takes 4months to return your camera is just nuts. In the time that it takes for them to fix my camera and then send it back I could have made all the money for the repair plus some. And I don't even want to ask how long it takes for the anual free cleaning!
When I bought my 100a I thought about geting the Mack warranty, however I decided against it and am glad especially after seeing all the mack complaints.
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

Thanks a lot! Barry Green knows all!
So...
DVX100A, mics in, FCP4 and 24PA, 16:9 anamorphic for dvd or film...
I notice you said "If you really, really think you might be going to film" and "exceedingly, exceedingly rare thing"

I trust you guys over anyone else...honestly...Should we just shoot 4:3? is the difference worth the extra money (lens and underscan monitor).
What would happen at a film festival if shot at 4:3?
Thanks so much for your help.
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

thanks scharky, i'm going to read more about that...4 months...i could save up and buy a new one...well half of one...heh
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

Also check out the threads on "November" Sundance winner for cinematography. It was shot 4:3 and croped in post! 8)
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

Yeah, thanks Elvis, i've read about that and have been trying to find it...but no luck, i'll have to look harder...
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

I say just put it on your home owners insurance. I pay 65 a year for the camera a $800 fisheye and a $750 ana lens. This covers repairs, theft, just about any thing you can think of, its a good deal I assure you.
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

Thanks for reminding me goober, I was talking to a customer of mine who did that, worked out good.

Goober you use an anamorphic adapter? Do you have a monitor/how do you like the lens? Any first hand info would be appreciated. Thanks
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

this really won't answer any of you questions but you metioned using a 10' LCD for a field moniter. You should problay buy a true field moniter because using a LCD your picture won't look anybetter than on the cams LCD. just my 2 cents
 
Re: Simple questions, You guys are great.

So if we shoot Ana widescreen use another type of monitor...
Is there an affordable one you recommend?
 
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