Viability of the DVX 100A/B

x-angel

x-angel

Well-known member
As many of you know I just acquired my first 100A last year at this time.

I am looking to acquire another camera, and my budget only would allow for another 100A/B

But I am thinking about the viability of the 100A/B. Are they still being used in SERIOUS numbers still? Are many of you here still using them for the DVXFests?

I ask this because I do wedding video, and many people are moving to HD, or getting the DSLRs that can do HD. (I also do photography)

The only thing I see in the difference in HD Video is that ites just as dark in some in churches and venue as what an SD 24p camera such as the 100A/B would be... it's just "High Def Darkness."

So instead of getting shillacked on some other board, I jsut thought I would ask my fellow DVX'ers.

I would love to go up to an HMC-150, but the budget just doesn't allow it right now.

Thanks in advance!
 
I still shoot about 90%of my client work on a DVX. Most of that is delivered on DVD or to the web.

I don't do weddings. Mostly non-profit promos, training and educational stuff.

I have shot a few films on my DVX, and it looks pretty darn good on a big screen.

When clients ask about HD, I tell them I can do it, but I ask them why they think they need it. They rarely do, so I meet their needs and save them money.
 
HD, regardless of if you need it or not, is a good buzzword for marketing. It really depends on your price point, competition and clients as to if you need it or not. There really isn't a blanket answer. If your reel is good enough to stand on its own as is you're probably fine.
 
x-angel said:
The only thing I see in the difference in HD Video is that ites just as dark in some in churches and venue as what an SD 24p camera such as the 100A/B would be... it's just "High Def Darkness."
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My EX1 is not QUITE as bright as my DVX100, but it's pretty close. The Canon 5D could gather in 2-4 times the light of my EX1 in HD given good glass and it's 35mm sensor. For the cost of another DVX (new) you could buy a 7D and a lens or two. Tough call.

But honestly, I'd certainly not be buying any more SD cams at this point. Broadcast in the US is abandoning SD, BluRay is poised for a strong run next year with players now getting to the $100-$150 mark, and 25GB blank media being cheaper than HDV tape. You're fighting a losing battle for an inferior product. And I say that as a DVX owner. I haven't used mine as an "A" cam in over a year. It's just as easy for me to create SD based DVDs from my HD sources as it is for me to do it with the DVX. And when I am done, I have an HD master.

Just my thoughts, but I don't do weddings. Are you recording onto tape still?
 
Even though I have (like most everyone else) HD cameras (along with a Super16 and a 35mm Arriflex), I still shoot wonderful footage with my DVX. And, when I need HD from it, I bump it up through a teranex box at FotoKem and it looks spectacular!
 
Also worth mentioning, I strongly believe that a new DVX is a waste. Used ones are just as good most of the time, especially if it's a b-cam. Make sure the seller is reputable and has a good return policy before purchase, you can easily save $1,000 or more that way. Which I'd say is worth dealing with a used product.
 
cyclone said:
And, when I need HD from it, I bump it up through a teranex box at FotoKem and it looks spectacular!
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Well, the average Joe doesn't have access to a Teranex or Fotokem. So they are trying to upres with Red Giant's software. For the cost of running a few videos through Fotokem, I'd imagine you'd be well on your way to owning a 7D.
 
If getting a second DVX will improve the quality of the product you deliver and pay for itself in a short amount of time then sure, do it. If your clients are requesting HD and you are loosing business because you cannot offer it, then a DVX is not right for you.

The DVX is every bit (and a little better) the camera it was when it came out. It still shoots a wonderful picture that has won award after award. I don't think it will ever be a bad choice.
 
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