Totally New...

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springsteen

Member
So I've had a DVX100B now for a little over a year. I picked up barely used off CL for about $1000, it had something like 60 hours on it and came with a few accessories. I've used it a few times just messing around trying to get a feel for the camera. I like it a lot, and I'm rather surprised at the quality considering the technology that's readily available.

I'd been doing research on prosumer model cameras for about 5 years. The DVX was the camera I wanted. I've seen footage from other forum members (after finding this place), various Youtube short films, short films in school, etc. and I was sold on it. It had everything I wanted...

So here's the but:

I'm afraid I made a bad choice. While I have a feel for the camera, I'm afraid I don't understand it's full capabilities. Plus, put this up against HDSLR, and it doesn't look as great. I know that it's not about the "look" and there are things that you can do in Post that can correct the image, but I still fee like I came in late in the game, and went to wrong road. I spead a lot of time watching other peoples end products, and just think, "Man, even though this story sucks, it sure looks pretty..."

I guess I need to spend more time with my camera and just shoot stuff until I'm satisfied with it or strongly consider switching roads. The bad part about the latter is that I'll probably have a hard time selling the DVX, because people might feel it's out-dated technology.

Any thoughts?
 
I feel your pain...I too bought a DVX100B a year ago with low hours. After learning how to use it, shooting with it, I'm just glad I bought it. Sure it's "old" technology, but while you still have it, learn to use all its capabilities. Once you have "mastered" it and have enough money then you can step up to the next level with the hcm150 or ac130/ac160, whatever your budget allows. All HD cams are similar. The difference is what media it's recording to. I prefer the models I've mentioned because they use SDHC cards which is very affordable.
 
Yeah I should definitely learn all it's capabilities. I'm always making excuses though, haha. It's such a pain to capture footage after shooting. One of the things that came with the camera was the Barry Green book which was cool, it really breaks down the camera Barney style. I checked out the DVX predecessors and felt that if I were to upgrade, I would go the HDSLR road, only because I was a still photographer in the Army and have a few lenses. I know there's no "one camera that does it all", but man, HDSLR footage looks amazing.

Given the lack of other equipment and like minded individuals (big thing here), I never do anything. Everyday I tell myself, "Go out and shoot something, who cares what it is, just shoot something" and I end up just spending time doing research on gear I want. I'm really just making excuses...

I shot a pilot for a webseries with the DVX last year, and was really proud of the work I put into it, but at the end of the day, I ended up doing all of the work. I loved the project, but it wasn't a paid gig and the turn around time was to fast and no one else on the crew wanted to help out. It was too much work for little benefit.


I appreciate the input!
 
It sounds like you're at a crossroads as to whether you're going to continue pursuing filmmaking with gusto or not. It also sounds like the camera is part of what is preventing you from just doing. If you are going to keep going you need to remove the blockers that stop you picking it up. I would suggest the laborious tape process may be holding you back. I play bass and drums, I mainly practice drums even though I prefer bass because I don't have to plug them in. Lazy but a fact. You don't want to be thinking about the hassle of tape every time you pick your camera up. You may put it back down without even turning it on.

The DVX is a great camera and I've seen great things done with it but it is coming to the end of its useful life. If you are going to get rid of it you should do it now while you can still get something for it. Use the money to buy something that will meet your needs for the next 5+ years. Although I usually champion my own camera model (don't we all) you've already mentioned the DSLR and maybe that is the way you should go. Especially if you're at a crossroads and already have lenses, because if filmmaking loses its appeal you've still got a good stills camera. With the reduced weight accessories are cheaper too. But I think the key factor based on what you've said and what I've read into it is to move on from tape.

Either what I've said will resonate or it won't. Either way you've got your answer.
 
Most of us videographers started out in photography. It's a natural progression. Having used the T3i for a bit of last year, I still prefer using a video camera. With DSLR, there's a lot more planning involved when shooting. I also prefer the stability of a bigger video camera when you are running and gunning. Sometimes it's hard to just pick up your gear and go out and shoot, but that's what you got to do. You don't have to have a specific subject matter. The idea is to become "one with your camera" sort of speak. Some of us are doing it only as a hobby. I don't shoot for money, although I don't mind getting paid. I shoot because I want to learn the technology and I think it's fun. Shoot around the house with family members, pets, etc. as your subject matter to start. Almost everybody I know starts out driving a "cheap" automatic car before upgrading to a more expensive model. The idea is to just get up your butt and start shooting...You will not know your own abilities until you start using it...
 
You guys hit some key points. I should've mentioned that this isn't the only camera I have. I have a couple smaller pocket style cams, (Zi8, Flip, Playtouch, Gopro), I think they're great for what they are, cheap pocket cams. I've seen some decent web produced products shot with the Zi8 and the Gopro is pretty bad ass. I also have an HV40, so I have some high-def capabilities (I guess you could call it that). So if I got rid of the DVX, I'd still have run and gun capabilities, but I've found there are latency issues with the HV40.

Part of what I'm feeling is extended buyers remorse... and also laziness, haha. I researched cameras for 5 years or so, saved money, and jumped at my first opportunity to grab my dream tool, only to later realize I'm behind in the times.

I'd love to make a career out of a hobby, wouldn't everyone? I don't know anyone here, it just seems that a lot of people in the community (not just the forum, but the indie community) have day jobs, then shoot movies in their free time, which has always been my plan. The crossroads feeling is only because a contract recently ended for a job and I'm struggling to find something at the moment. I keep telling myself to go back to school and find some other lucrative career path , something else that I'd like to do, but it always comes back to movies. The sad fact about life is that most people hate they're jobs, they only do them to survive, or "get by".

I appreciate all the input. I hope to contribute something in the near future, rather than just feel sorry for myself, haha! :thumbsup:

Maybe I'll give the DVXFest a shot, seems like I have ample amount of time to something submitted.
 
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