What's BEFORE the DVX100

G

GloriaT

New member
Buenos días:


I'm Gloria, from Madrid. Here is my problem, and I would appreciate some help of yours. I have no technical expertise whatsoever with camcorders, have just a few notions (really really basic) of photography and want to do a documentary. Having studied (well, that's maybe a little exaggeration) yours and other forum posts for some months, I've decided I want a DVX100... when I will be trained enough to enjoy its features. That is: it is too expensive for an absolute profane in this field.

So my next decision has been: buy a cheaper camera, the one just one or two steps "before" the DVX100 (not more than 900 euros or 1,100 dollars by today¡s exchange rate), train your hand, train your eyes, and then (in a year from now or so) upgrade.

And here are my two distress calls:

Is this a good idea?
What camera, then? The MD9000? (at 800 EUR in globalmediapro).


Thank very much in advance for your help.

Best, Gloria
 
GloriaT said:
Buenos días:


I'm Gloria, from Madrid. Here is my problem, and I would appreciate some help of yours. I have no technical expertise whatsoever with camcorders, have just a few notions (really really basic) of photography and want to do a documentary. Having studied (well, that's maybe a little exaggeration) yours and other forum posts for some months, I've decided I want a DVX100... when I will be trained enough to enjoy its features. That is: it is too expensive for an absolute profane in this field.

So my next decision has been: buy a cheaper camera, the one just one or two steps "before" the DVX100 (not more than 900 euros or 1,100 dollars by today¡s exchange rate), train your hand, train your eyes, and then (in a year from now or so) upgrade.

And here are my two distress calls:

Is this a good idea?
What camera, then? The MD9000? (at 800 EUR in globalmediapro).


Thank very much in advance for your help.

Best, Gloria
Click to expand...

Hi Gloria,

I'd suggest you get a Panasonic AG-DVC30E. It sports many of the professional features of the DVX100, but it's smaller and lighter. Better zoom (16x) than the DVX100 and excellent 0 lux performance. It sells new for less than 2000 euros including VAT in the EC, but you may be able to find it used for 900 to 1200 euros. A big advantage in a beginner's perspective is that it can be used as a point-and-shoot camera until you get more experienced.

Ciao from Italy.

Luca
 
lutnik said:
Hi Gloria,

I'd suggest you get a Panasonic AG-DVC30E. It sports many of the professional features of the DVX100, but it's smaller and lighter. Better zoom (16x) than the DVX100 and excellent 0 lux performance. It sells new for less than 2000 euros including VAT in the EC, but you may be able to find it used for 900 to 1200 euros. A big advantage in a beginner's perspective is that it can be used as a point-and-shoot camera until you get more experienced.

Ciao from Italy.

Luca
Click to expand...

Caro Luca,

There is not a very big second hand market in Spain, but I'll look for it. On the other hand, I have find it new at globalmediapro.com (which has the best on line prices, as far as I know) for 1,868 EUR (all taxes and transport included). Now two questions:

a) Is it worthy? I mean, the DVX100A sells for 2,763 EUR (900 EUR more than the DVC-30).

b) Does the DVC-30 film in progressive mode?

Grazie tante,
Gloria
 
GloriaT said:
Caro Luca,

There is not a very big second hand market in Spain, but I'll look for it. On the other hand, I have find it new at globalmediapro.com (which has the best on line prices, as far as I know) for 1,868 EUR (all taxes and transport included). Now two questions:

a) Is it worthy? I mean, the DVX100A sells for 2,763 EUR (900 EUR more than the DVC-30).

b) Does the DVC-30 film in progressive mode?

Grazie tante,
Gloria
Click to expand...
No, not progressive mode, that was the big advantage of the DVX100. But as stated by Luca, it is a great camera for a learner who still wants good results. Why progressive? are yoy going to convert to film?
 
Hi, Nirimba:


Convert to film? My infinite ignorance avoids me to understand your question. I want to shoot a documentary. Is there any alternative to it being a film? Again, excuse my ignorance.

On the other hand... Everything is soooooooo expensive. Do I also need, besides the camera, a tripod and a good micro. What micro: an XLR? If I buy a Panasonic AG-MC100G XLR, I also need an adapter for the VC-30, isn't it? Or can I buy another one?

Such a mess, such a misery...

Best,
Gloria
 
On the other hand, Gloria, you could also buy a DVX right away... I'm not trying to advocate spending, and yes, you'll need a good tripod and a good microphone, maybe several (one shotgun, one HF). It all depends on what your documentary is about, what your shooting conditions will be, what help/assistant(s) you will have, and so on.

But my point is, The DVX can be used as a point-and-shoot too ! It runs nicely on full auto, even though setting it that way is not as easy as it is with other cameras, but the manual is pretty clear about the procedure. And, yes, it's a shame to use a DVX that way, but it's a lesser waste of resources (in my opinion) than buying another, "first-time" camera and then have to resell it at a loss.

The advantage is that you will have the camera, and you can get used to using it progressively (no pun intended). And the guys on the boards here are always so helpful ! :)

Finally, don't plunge headfirst into your documentary project... Take some time to shoot, experiment, edit the footage and see what it looks like on your TV.
 
GloriaT said:
Hi, Nirimba:


Convert to film? My infinite ignorance avoids me to understand your question. I want to shoot a documentary. Is there any alternative to it being a film? Again, excuse my ignorance.

On the other hand... Everything is soooooooo expensive. Do I also need, besides the camera, a tripod and a good micro. What micro: an XLR? If I buy a Panasonic AG-MC100G XLR, I also need an adapter for the VC-30, isn't it? Or can I buy another one?

Such a mess, such a misery...

Best,
Gloria
Click to expand...
Gloria, as I understand, the reason for shooting PROGRESSIVE is that it enables the video to be converted to FILM more economicaly than previously. If you are only puting your stuff onto DVD then you don't need to shoot progressive. The DVC30 has 1/4" CCD while the DVX100 has 1/3" CCD (Bigger=Better but more expensive). Decisions, Decisions!
 
Bon jour Monglane, Nirimba,


I really appreciate your comments here. Really helpful. The fact is I-m so anxious to shoot, and I know it, I don-t want to precipitate a decision... Well, I let you know what my final move is.

Thans a lot, guys.

Hasta pronto,
Gloria
 
Nirimba said:
Gloria, as I understand, the reason for shooting PROGRESSIVE is that it enables the video to be converted to FILM more economicaly than previously. If you are only puting your stuff onto DVD then you don't need to shoot progressive.
Click to expand...
Yes, but no ! ;) Or rather, going to film out is not the main reason for shooting progressive. Shooting progressive gives a very different, much more cinematic, look to your footage.

Even if you go the "DVD out" way, the difference between shooting progressive and interlaced will be very visible.

That being said, it may not be as important for a documentary as it is for fiction work.
 
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