do i need a new camera at DVinfo.net

Justin Neri · February 14th, 2005, 08:22 AM

quick question...
I have a canon L2, the quality is pretty decent..but im thinking about getting a dvx100a. An adapter is a must.
do i really need a top of the line camera if im gonna use the adapter? 3k is a lot of money for me to dish out. plus i have a lens for the canon with a built in macro that is super powerful.
-so should i get the dvx for use with an adapter system or will it be overkill? will it give me the same output as the canon l2 when used with the adapter?

Rob Lohman · February 14th, 2005, 08:54 AM

In your case you will have to decide what is important for you
etc. In any case you can ofcourse build an adapter for this camera
first and see if you can make it happen and it works good enough.

Then you can always upgrade your camera. Keep in mind that a
camera or a lens system is not the major component in making
a good (looking) movie, contrary to popular beliefs it seems.

Justin Neri · February 14th, 2005, 09:29 AM

that is very true. its about how you execute your idea. i just want to get the sharpest clear picture i can. so i can have more choices in post. and the old analog canon ads more steps in getting the video to post.. i think the dvx is so hyped...im sure its great and all.. but i think its become this magical thing that everyone is after..

Leo Mandy · February 14th, 2005, 10:28 AM

DVX is a great camera, but it is not the 24fps magic pill that everyone is after. We shot a feature using it and yes is looks cool - it is not video and it is not film, it is somewhere in between. Sometimes on TV you can see when they switch between camera and use the DVX - it doesn't look like film, but it throws you off because it doesn't look like video either. It is a different kind of animal IMHO.

The Panasonic GS400 is a good camera. Sony has some new under $1500.00 camera coming out and let's not forget Canon under $1500.00 with the Optura series. All good cameras that will get your what you want - directing/filming movies.

The Canon XL2 is supposed to be good as well. As with anything Justin, film with what you have - and then if you put up some videography gigs or get some funding, go and buy a new camera. But don't buy a camera because you think it will make you a better shooter.

Justin Neri · February 14th, 2005, 10:34 AM

good tip...thanks...
has anyone had any experience with the Canon L2...it is old but im starting to grow fond of it.

now when using these cameras with a min35 adapter will i get the same results...do all the new advancements really matter when filming that small image on the ground glass?

Aaron Shaw · February 14th, 2005, 11:30 AM

First: if you get a DVX you will want to make a high quality adapter. It doesn't make much sense to throw a crappy adapter in front of a 3K camera.

Second: The DVX is great. With an adapter it truly looks like film. Honestly, very impressive.

The DVX will give you a much better image than the L2. Whether you notice this significantly will depend on the quality of your adapter. You will CERTAINLY notice the difference if you have a good quality adapter. Just the fact that you can use progressive scan will make a big difference in resolution. 540 lines vs 300 or so for an interlaced camera.

Justin Neri · February 14th, 2005, 11:43 AM

my theory too is, why mess around with old junk.. if you are gonna do it, do it right.. can anyone recommend a place that has the dvx for cheaper than b&h...one that has a reputation like b&h..i live in pa.. i would love to drive to the place i buy one instead of just getting it shipped..

do any of them offer financing? thanks for your help.

February 14th, 2005, 08:22 AM	#1
Justin Neri New Boot Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13	do i need a new camera quick question... I have a canon L2, the quality is pretty decent..but im thinking about getting a dvx100a. An adapter is a must. do i really need a top of the line camera if im gonna use the adapter? 3k is a lot of money for me to dish out. plus i have a lens for the canon with a built in macro that is super powerful. -so should i get the dvx for use with an adapter system or will it be overkill? will it give me the same output as the canon l2 when used with the adapter? __________________ http://www.justinneri.com 1st rule of fight club...don't talk about fight club. 2nd rule of fight club...don't talk about the Matrix.

February 14th, 2005, 08:54 AM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	In your case you will have to decide what is important for you etc. In any case you can ofcourse build an adapter for this camera first and see if you can make it happen and it works good enough. Then you can always upgrade your camera. Keep in mind that a camera or a lens system is not the major component in making a good (looking) movie, contrary to popular beliefs it seems. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 14th, 2005, 09:29 AM	#3
Justin Neri New Boot Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13	that is very true. its about how you execute your idea. i just want to get the sharpest clear picture i can. so i can have more choices in post. and the old analog canon ads more steps in getting the video to post.. i think the dvx is so hyped...im sure its great and all.. but i think its become this magical thing that everyone is after.. __________________ http://www.justinneri.com 1st rule of fight club...don't talk about fight club. 2nd rule of fight club...don't talk about the Matrix.

February 14th, 2005, 10:34 AM	#5
Justin Neri New Boot Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13	good tip...thanks... has anyone had any experience with the Canon L2...it is old but im starting to grow fond of it. now when using these cameras with a min35 adapter will i get the same results...do all the new advancements really matter when filming that small image on the ground glass? __________________ http://www.justinneri.com 1st rule of fight club...don't talk about fight club. 2nd rule of fight club...don't talk about the Matrix.

February 14th, 2005, 11:43 AM	#7
Justin Neri New Boot Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13	my theory too is, why mess around with old junk.. if you are gonna do it, do it right.. can anyone recommend a place that has the dvx for cheaper than b&h...one that has a reputation like b&h..i live in pa.. i would love to drive to the place i buy one instead of just getting it shipped.. do any of them offer financing? thanks for your help. __________________ http://www.justinneri.com 1st rule of fight club...don't talk about fight club. 2nd rule of fight club...don't talk about the Matrix.

February 14th, 2005, 10:28 AM	#4
Leo Mandy Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 749	DVX is a great camera, but it is not the 24fps magic pill that everyone is after. We shot a feature using it and yes is looks cool - it is not video and it is not film, it is somewhere in between. Sometimes on TV you can see when they switch between camera and use the DVX - it doesn't look like film, but it throws you off because it doesn't look like video either. It is a different kind of animal IMHO. The Panasonic GS400 is a good camera. Sony has some new under $1500.00 camera coming out and let's not forget Canon under $1500.00 with the Optura series. All good cameras that will get your what you want - directing/filming movies. The Canon XL2 is supposed to be good as well. As with anything Justin, film with what you have - and then if you put up some videography gigs or get some funding, go and buy a new camera. But don't buy a camera because you think it will make you a better shooter.

February 14th, 2005, 11:30 AM	#6
Aaron Shaw Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 587	First: if you get a DVX you will want to make a high quality adapter. It doesn't make much sense to throw a crappy adapter in front of a 3K camera. Second: The DVX is great. With an adapter it truly looks like film. Honestly, very impressive. The DVX will give you a much better image than the L2. Whether you notice this significantly will depend on the quality of your adapter. You will CERTAINLY notice the difference if you have a good quality adapter. Just the fact that you can use progressive scan will make a big difference in resolution. 540 lines vs 300 or so for an interlaced camera.