Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

GlowMatt

New member
I was about to pull the trigger and buy one for a shoot I have Saturday, but now I'm hesitant. I COULD use my old camcorder for the shoot, although it would be nice to shoot it in 24p. Gotta decide today. Am I gonna regret the purchase in a few months? What do you think the chances are this camera will be within $1000 in price to the DVX100A? If it is, and it had 16X9 and HD built in, I think I'd kick myself. Also, will the DVX100A drop in price when this camera is released? Will I be able to get a good return on ebay if I decide to upgrade? I know nobody has the answers to these questions, but I'd appreciate a guess or two from people with more experience in this industry than me.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

To many questions still on the new P2HD. I really only want 16:9 on mine. The other stuff will probably drive the cost out of my small budget. But I guess we will find out.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

I have been using the DVX100A for over a year. i can honestly say that I would definitly buy one even today. The new camera isn't even in the same league as the DVX, so it really isn't replacing anything. Unless you have really big plans that everything you shoot needs to be in HD, your really not loosing anything with the DVX. Granted it has it's faults, but boy does it have it's upsides as well. When the new camera comes out I will probably be saving my pennies for that as well, but it will not replace my DVX, it will sit side by side.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

I also will not replace my DVX, though I intend to buy a 24p HD camera at some point (let’s keep in mind that it might not even be THIS one coming up! I mean, what if it sucks?). As scharky says, different worlds, different uses, different tools. I’m really excited about 24p HD at the prosumer level, but I’m no less jazzed on the DVX because of it. It doesn’t suddenly NOT do what I bought it for just because this new one is on the way.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

I sold my DVX100 three week ago in part because I suspected this would happen. I wanted to get the highest resale value possible. Do I miss my DVX? Yes. But out with the old in with the new...
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

Chances are very very low that this new cam would be within 1000 dollars of the DVX. Also, a cam alone won't allow you to shoot a short. If you can't afford accessories then you're sol. No one knows what those P2 cards are gonna sell for, but they aint gonna be cheap.

If you're just shooting a short film this new camera could be overkill. I would probably go for the DVX in your situation, shoot the short and pick up experience. The DVX has a pretty steep learning curve, I don't see how a new DVCPRO camera will be any different. If anything it will take even more time to learn the ins and outs of this camera as people put it through its steps and Barry get's a new guide out. ::)

The DVX is a pretty nice camera, if anything you might be able to pick up a used DVX cheap once this camera comes out.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

I would buy the DVX100A today. This new P2 cam is going to cost far more then the DVX100A, is untested, and probably wont be released until the fall. You also have to take into consideration any additional NLE upgrades that will indirectly jack up the price.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

..certainly id still buy it today.    the new cam will likely be 2x the cost and possibly 3x the cost before it gives us the HD format were looking for.  its not like everyone is going to switch at the drop of a hat. theres more money involved, and alot less people will be able to afford to actually use it for HD.. and if you cant use it for HD.. will the SD qualities really be so much better than the DVX? probably not enough to double the cost IMHO ..its hard to improove on the DVX at its pricepoint for a 24p SD cam.  

sides you have to worry about NLE compatability and upgrading and all that jazz with HD.. youd think that when the cam comes out its the end of the torrent .. but i think it will only be the eye of the storm. so we have a new HD camera.. now, how do we actually use its new abilities? im sure there will be paths made clear and evident when the time comes, but you might have to shell out even more dough to pave that new path you want to take.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

No question I'd buy again in a heartbeat. If money is no issue then you can buy the DVX now and still be able to buy the P2 cam when it comes out...if it's all you want. If this camera is close to 10k a few grand more for the DVX probably would be doable.

Also, you will still be able to sell the DVX later in the year and get a good chunk of your money back.

The DVX is here to stay for quite some time. It still does what it does really well.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

Thanks for all the input. Of course I'd be happy with the DVX for all of my needs in the near future. I might never use hi-def for a few years. I'm still curious if you all expect a significant price drop to the DVX later this year.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

well of course everything is speculatory at this point, but i woulndt expect any real big price drop on the DVX  untill they (Panasonic) realease a new model at its pricepoint. the DVX is not being discontinued, and the new HDX or whatever isnt really in direct competition with it. its base price is rumored to be nearly 2x that of the DVX, and to do HD you might have to shell out even more to revamp your whole workflow.. we have to wait and see i guess.   but what i would expect is to be able to get a good deal on a used DVX when the new cam comes out.. so you could grab one up and get a great deal. ..id consider that as good as any price drop as long as you buy a well taken care of camera.

of course you could buy a used one right now, theres plenty for sale out there.. alot right here in the marketplace section...
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

A "significant price drop" would suggest that the new camera is supposed to be a direct replacement for the DVX, which doesn't seem to be the case at all.

Now I'm not some rich person writing, but the price-point for the DVX seems pretty good to me. My money is hard earned, but I haven't for a second thought to myself, "man I really got ripped off" or "man I think I should have waited". I understand that gear is going to almost always be a stretch for most people, but I say if you can stretch do it and then get out there and shoot your heart out.

It's been said many times, but it's not as much the camera as it is the talent behind the camera anyway ;D
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

[quote author=GlowMatt link=board=HDV;num=1108483226;start=0#9 date=02/15/05 at 10:22:29]Thanks for all the input.  Of course I'd be happy with the DVX for all of my needs in the near future.  I might never use hi-def for a few years.  I'm still curious if you all expect a significant price drop to the DVX later this year.  [/quote]


The only price drop you will see on the DVX is the current $300 rebate. There is no reason to reduce the price of the camera, it is worth every penny. You should buy while the rebate is in effect.

Hope that helps,

Jan
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

I already have a camcorder, so I'm in no hurry. But I was tempted to buy another DVX100A in January. Anyway, right now, this new vaporware wonder is yet to be fact. So let's wait until NAB2005 to confirm. Besides, it is very likely that shipment won't happen until September.

But if you need a cam now, then don't hesitate, the DVX is the best of it's class. OK, so it doesn't have native 16x9... but it's image quality is far better then the Sony PD170; trust me on this, sadly, I speak from experience.

"And let the wild speculation continue... because it's fun!"
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

This is what made me purshase my second DVX this week.
1. I tried out the Sony HDV camera a few weeks back and although the footage looked great the connect hd software was terrible: audio sync problems and big drop outs
2. My sony vegas 5 system could not get more the 18fps on playback not good enough for me. My system has an AMD 3200/ 1 gb ddr ram
3. Once you edit your content how do you distribute it? No HD DVD yet. Who has an DVCPRO HD Deck?
4. I have one DVX already and I want two cameras that match. (my trv900 is not cutting it as camera 2 for weddings)
5. Who likes to be the ginnie pig on a first generation product?

I do think that eventually we all will be moving to hd but I am not quite sold yet. Maybe in a year or two. Just my opinion.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

Why would u still buy a DVX100A today??? When you said you can use your old camera to shoot your short for the time being...!


Dont fall for it...!!
everyone's advice is contrary to common reasoning... but its a internet forum... read everything but choose yourself ... 3K is big money! Most of the replies are from people who already own one..! Dont *create* a need unless you really need it. Maybe you dont shoot HD right away... but if its within arms reach - why not ?

Sit back and think. A new camera has been announced to succeed/replace a old camera! why would you buy it unless you know the next camera is 10k or it plainly sucks...
but if the camera turns out to be a gem at $5,999/$4,999 ...and has future-proof (2years:) tech - then you will be kicking urself daily...!

yes, DVX100A is a fine camera - but you owe it to userself to fully explore whats in store in the next version!
yes, a new version wont make current camera shoot bad - but when u can afford to wait a bit longer - why cant u wait ?

good luck!..
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

[quote author=redindian link=board=HDV;num=1108483226;start=15#15 date=02/15/05 at 12:18:02]
Dont fall for it...!!
everyone's advice is contrary to common reasoning... but its a internet forum... [/quote]

???

What, do you think we're all Panasonic reps or something?  We're not trying trick anyone.  "Fall for it"?

"Common reasoning" would say, "how badly do you want 24p for the project you have coming up?"  Is it worth buying the DVX now and selling it later for a slight loss (maybe a couple hundred, certainly less than a rental price for a few days), IF you eventually even want to sell it?  How about the experience that comes with having the cam with you 24/7 to shoot and learn with, and thereby be more "ready" when the new cam comes along?  Remember, we could be talking 6 months to a year here.  How valuable would that much experience be, learning to shoot in 24p (which is a BIG benefit, and not like shooting with a 60i cam) and using the many professional features the DVX will no doubt share with the new cam?

ALL things to think about.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

Why do you think it will be 6 months to a year? Maybe they are ready to start shipping. Why would they want to loss a years sales to the Z1 or other cameras?

I agree if you can wait a month or so why not. I'm sure the DVX100a is a nice camera for those who own it and they will get more good use out of them. But if you don't own one why not wait? The DVX is getting out dated. In a couple years the Z1 will be out dated. So will the P2HD.

If they hadn't annouced something new that might be one thing, but they are trying to slow down sales on the Z1. Panasonic is saying wait wait.. and I'm waiting.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

Just using history as a guide.  The person asking the question needs to make a decision today (so he said), and at the VERY LEAST, NAB (where it will be announced -- remember, thus far, it's only been LEAKED, not announced) is still two months away.  Releasing the cam four months after announcing it would be pretty quick, so there's your six months.
 
Re: Would you still buy a DVX100A today?

And to add to David's post, very few announcements of new product release at NAB are available at announcement time. Product announcements are just that, announcements.  If it hasn't hit the shelves yet, then they are in the process of completing that product. It is simply a way to say "Hey! We're working on this new revolutionary gizmo, check it out! Wait, or you’ll regret not buying it later!". Partially, it is a way for the product manufacturers to buy some time, and create anticipation..
 
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