Quite the conundrum...

Josh R · Posted: Nov 11, 2004 1:19 am Post subject: Quite the conundrum...

Wondering if anyone had any views on this. I'm torn, and putting this little post together is nice to just set everything out in front of me too.

So, I need a new camera. This involves pawning off a lot of stuff I own, but it has to be done.

I'm thinking that my choices are basically narrowed down to: Panasonic DVX-100a VS Sony HDR-FX1

I'll be using it to make a wakeboarding film this summer, as well as some short films - cinematic style - and probably some broadcast stuff for the networks from wake comps. I'm really trying to figure out exactly what I need. I've rented the Panasonic before for some short film stuff and really like it. Chase also has one and loves his. The Sony is an untested commodity.

Pany Pros:
+ Progressive - Great for any short film stuff or web stuff, as well as off water stuff
+ So much control of the image with different gamma settings etc.
+ Great image quality and colours
+ XLR and sound controls on camera, must have for interviews
+ Around $500+ cheaper.
+ Used it, loved it.

Pany Cons:
+ Progressive is pretty useless for action sports from what I've read. I'd be shooting 50i primarily.
+ 10x zoom. It's enough from behind the boat, but it's harder to get that real close in stuff that I know I'll be wanting, as well as stuff from the shore at comps and the like. I'm coming from the Canon 20x zoom though.
+ Widescreen would have to be anamorphic. Mucho casho for lens
+ Doesn't have HD...

Sony Pro's:
+ HD... Thats pretty damn impressive
+ Ability to swap between HDV and DV
+ HD footage can be turned into SD footage, and SHOULD create a very nice picture.
+ True 16x9 in HD and DV. No adaptors
+ 12x zoom. Not a huge pro, but still better than the DVX

Sony Con's:
+ HD... How the hell can I use it? It has no means of distribution yet, including DVD.
+ Rendering HD is a whore.
+ No progressive.
+ No on camera XLR - Although a have a Beachtek adaptor box, it's a PITA.
+ It's more expensive.
+ I've never really been a huge fan of Sony stuff.

Yeah... It sucks, huh. And I need one soon, before summer really gets rolling.

It's basically this:
Proven performance and 25p VS 16x9 and HD

Help me!

JamesWatts · Addict Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 685 City: Santa Monica

get the dvx100a.....ive played with the sony "HD"...its not that impressive...the dvx100a is the best thing out right now. and even holds its own compaired to the new XL2. The DVX100a has better CCD chips. and has way better depth than anything else on the market right now.
-James

RD · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 626 City: Discovery Bay

I shot Delta Sessions with a DVX100 and it's far and away the best VideoCam I've ever owned. And I think you're right about 50i, I used 30p and it still wasn't as smooth as I'd like with slo-motion and I think 25p would just be that much more strobey. I'm pretty excited about the Sony HDVCam but specs don't tell the whole story as James' experience points out. Shooting a wakeboard vid for a DVD release isn't the same as an indie film for possible film transfer so what is good for them isn't as critical to us. Great color/sharpness/good look slowed down is critical IMHO. I'm sure it will be sharp since it's HD but I'd be worried about color and motion artifacts (the downfall of the JVC model). Until I get some motion footage from the Sony so I can evaluate it's color and slo-motion abilites I'll stick to my DVX100. I'm also going to wait for full Final Cut Pro HDV support. It would be interesting to see how good the DV footage is from the Sony as I guess one could get by with using DV until the HDV spec is fully supported. That native 16X9 has me drooling though! Smile

You could be the first one on the block to try it and let us all know!

brinks · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 566 City: Orlando

all I can say is 24p. The 100a is sick.

Zach M · Posted: Nov 11, 2004 11:27 pm Post subject:

I used the DVX100A all summer, I can't say enough good things about it. I don't think HD is worth is yet (besides being able to say that you can shoot HD)

aceyx · Addict Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 770 City: dirty

not really sure if this is in the same realm of what you're looking for, but JVC has an HD camcorder out as well, and i've been pretty impressed with their other stuff. the webpage is pretty, well--sparse, but it might be worth looking into.

GR-HD1US

as far as HD distribution goes, blu-ray seems to be coming along quickly. within the next year, wide scale production and distribution should occur.

EDIT: link fixed.

89comp · Posted: Nov 12, 2004 5:48 am Post subject:

I think your point about HD pretty much sums it up. Sure you can shoot it, but right now, unless you are broadcasting it, then there is no way to get it around. HD DVDs are supposed to be here next year, but I'm sure blank discs/replication costs will be high. Plus, what % of your audience do you think will rush out and buy an HD player? On the other hand, it might be nice to infront of the curve, but I'm not sure it is worth it here.

Also, I've never had ANY luck with Sony electronics. Seems like they work great for 1 yr, then almost exactly 1 yr from the purchase date, they crap out. I've shared this experience with other videographers and they had the same feelings.

(BTW...why didn't you consider the Cannon GL-2?)

RD · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 626 City: Discovery Bay

89comp · Posted: Nov 12, 2004 6:32 am Post subject:

RD does have a point....

RD · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 626 City: Discovery Bay

Well the new Sony is supposed to start shipping this month, who will be the first on the block to check this thing out and give us all a report? (Don't look at me I've blown my wad on lenses for my dang DSLR!) Smile