Which camera next?

BryantStanton

BryantStanton

Well-known member
I wasn't quite sure where to post this, so I figured here was just as good as anywhere else.

So, I've had a DVX100 for a couple years now, and I still love it dearly, but I feel I'm finally sort of feeling the limitations and need something that can deliver higher quality with some more manual features (variable frame rates, etc).

Originally, I was waiting for the Red Scarlett to be released, but now I'm having second thoughts. I'm wondering which route I should take. I don't have a normal thing that I shoot... lots of home movies, short films, worked on a few no budget features, weddings, etc. Kinda all over the place, so I guess I'd like to know what has the best all around potential.

My current choices are as follows:


1. Scarlett: The most expensive by far. From initial price to additions down the road, this will be most pricey, but possibly the most versatile. If I were to purchase one, I'd be stuck with either the fixed lense (not preferable) or the 2/3 cinema body (but have to rent a lense when I want to practice or do a real shoot). Also the 3k leaves some breathing room as far as future resolution standards going up.

2. HVX200: Seems like a logical step, especially since it has gone down in price, and it seems quite similar in design and layout as the DVX. I would probably go after a letus type kit so I can get other lenses on it, but I can get one used with some accessories for the same price as a Scarlett. Image quality I've seen is pretty damn good.

3. GH1: This is a new one, but the image quality and the price tag have me interested. Have seen some of the pitfalls, but still unsure if it would be smart to use as a total camera replacement. Also, wouldn't mind owning a nice DSLR, which I suppose could also be said for the Scarlett.


Anyway, I think that's it. I hope that's enough information. Thanks in advance for the help, and let me know if there's any questions I can answer that might help narrow down the best choice.

EDIT: Ah!!! The clincher! My initial amount of money I can throw in will probably be around $4500-$5000. Less if possible, but that's the max. That may be a helpful bit of info in the decision :P
 
1. The Scarlett system, if it comes out being what we're told it will, should be pretty awesome. But it doesn't matter what it could be until it actually comes out, which could happen anytime. And prices aren't fixed in stone. And we don't know what the workflow issues will be. Meanwhile, you need a camera.

2. Good all around. It's a DVX but better.

3. The GH1 could be good, but you won't be able to record good sound in camera, you'll have to deal with the issues being talked about all over the forum and it's a small still camera form factor. It could work great for you, or it could be useless. It's situation specific.

The main advantage I see of the GH1 is price. An HVX with lenses and an adapter is going to eat up a lot more of your budget than a GH1. I highly prefer the HVX, but the GH1 is the best value and gets you a still camera since I guess you don't already have one. Although I prefer real SLRs.
 
I have a few issues with the current state of DSLRs like the GH1 and the 5DmkII. First, as mentioned, audio is terribly deficient (no XLR ins, no manual controls, limited settings). Second, the eyepiece and built-in LCD aren't the most functional for shooting moving images, further complicating hand-held shooting that's already awkward with the bare camera body. Third, these really require a rail system with handles, shoulder pad, monitor, large batter, matte box, etc. There's your $5000 budget right there, without the camera. Last, CMOS imagers are just a pain if you aren't careful.

I'd say that the HVX would be a great choice, though the HMC150 is certainly worth considering. With the HMC you don't get the variable frame rates for over/undercranking, but you still get a few frame rate selections that are quite handy. The images are impressive, and the media is much, much cheaper.
 
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