Thanks for the input David,
As for editing, it's currently pretty minimal. To the extent that all I'm doing is separating if there are multiple clips on one tape.


You bring up a really good point, and I wish I could make use of that very time-saving process. My only reservations with that, is then the footage will always be mp4 at best. And there is a chance this footage may be used later for some sort of promotional materials. I'd hate to limit the quality and editing capabilities by going direct to mp4, even though that would cut MY time down QUITE considerably - Almost in half!

After looking at a lot of different models and reviews, I've been thinking less along the lines of HD and more along the lines of a good CCD DV camera. I think that the HD cameras would need a slightly higher budget to make them worthwhile.

I've been thinking strongly about the VX2100. I especially like it's ability to film well (relatively speaking) under low-light conditions. I was thinking about buying 1 VX2100 and then one cheaper miniDV camera that could stay in the library for transferring the footage onto VHS tapes. However, it would be nice if all the cameras could have interchangeable batteries. However if the one camera never leaves the library, I suppose it would just be plugged in and not use batteries anyways.

Thanks to everyone for the help and ideas thusfar. You have been very helpful for me.

When you said you were making VHS copies I thought you were taking an archive of old VHS tapes and updating it by copying them over to miniDV in order to have the safety of storing in a digital format instead of analog. Copies of copies in an analog format like VHS will always show signifigant generational deterioration that you can avoid by archiving in a digital format such as miniDV.

But here you've said you're making VHS tapes. Is there some reason you have to go to VHS? It's both obsolete and so much lower quality than mniDV that it doesn't seem logical to use it for your archival format unless there is some compelling reason to do so. If you're copying for distribution, again, why VHS when a basic consumer DVD player is less than $50 and you can issue either DVD or VCD at a per disk cost far less than the price of a VHS cassette.

The JVC combo deck I mentioned before can dub miniDV to VHS or the reverse without the need for any external equipment and IMHO is likely to be more resistant to the effects of wear-and-tear over extended use than using a cheap consumer camera for that purpose. It can also ingest DV into your editing computer and record the edited program back to DV as well, plus if you have to distribute on VHS you could then use it to dub the edited DV tape over..

HD would need a considerably higher budget. If you record in HDV you need to playback on an HD capable device, either another HD camera or an HD capable VTR. An SD only playback device would not play the HD tapes, so to use one as your library device you would have to downrez in the camera as you shoot and record the original tapes in SD format. Not that I'm opposed to HD - if you're looking for optimum image quality even while distributing in SD, shooting and editing HD and rendering to SD in the final stage of editing gives lovely images. But it does come with a higher price tag.

When you said you were making VHS copies I thought you were taking an archive of old VHS tapes and updating it by copying them over to miniDV in order to have the safety of storing in a digital format instead of analog. Copies of copies in an analog format like VHS will always show signifigant generational deterioration that you can avoid by archiving in a digital format such as miniDV.

But here you've said you're making VHS tapes. Is there some reason you have to go to VHS? It's both obsolete and so much lower quality than mniDV that it doesn't seem logical to use it for your archival format unless there is some compelling reason to do so. If you're copying for distribution, again, why VHS when a basic consumer DVD player is less than $50 and you can issue either DVD or VCD at a per disk cost far less than the price of a VHS cassette.

The JVC combo deck I mentioned before can dub miniDV to VHS or the reverse without the need for any external equipment and IMHO is likely to be more resistant to the effects of wear-and-tear over extended use than using a consumer camera for that purpose and can ingest DV into your editing computer and record the edited program back to DV as well.

HD would need a considerably higher budget. If you record in HDV you need to playback on an HD capable device, either another HD camera or an HD capable VTR. An SD only playback device would not play the HD tapes, so to use one as your library device you would have to downrez in the camera as you shoot and record the original tapes in SD format. Not that I'm opposed to HD - if you're looking for optimum image quality even while distributing in SD, shooting and editing HD and rendering to SD in the final stage of editing gives lovely images. But it does come with a higher price tag.

I shall clarify. Let me preface this by saying, "No, it doesn't necessarily make the most sense to do it this way." But unfortunately, this is how they want it done for the time being.

First, the VHS tapes are not for archiving purposes. All the master MiniDV tapes will remain as the masters. They will be stored away in a safe place where they will be minimally played. However, the footage should still be accessible to the students. That's where the VHS tapes come in. The footage all gets transferred to a VHS tape and then that VHS copy gets shelved in the library, while the MiniDV master gets put away in the storage area. One of my reasons for reservations about purchasing the MiniDV-to-VHS combo deck is that I'm hoping they will start burning DVD's of the videos instead of copying to VHS tapes. Mostly for space efficiency, as the tapes take up a lot of room in the library.

I've been doing a lot of reading of reviews and the like on some equipment, and I've come up with what I think seems like the best equipment for the job given the budget.

Let me also preface this by saying the people that are in charge are very very pro-sony, so buying sony equipment will save me a lot of headache. They also almost require buying equipment "new" and with a warranty, which is understandable.

I think the VX2100 is the best camera for the job, given its excellent rating under low-light conditions. It seems to be a pretty strong camera in all aspects.

I also can get a DCR-HC32 camera, which is essentially the cheapest miniDV camera that sony makes to act as the transfer deck.

I can get both cameras with 4 year-warranties on each one along with 2 extra batteries for the VX2100 for just under $3000 from B & H. That seems like it would work the best for us to me...


Do you think that is the best combination of equipment?

iLan

So a quick question about using the HC32 as a transfer deck. If I was to shoot footage on a VX2100, and then use the HC32 to transfer that footage to a computer, would I be losing quality in the transfer by using such a low-end model to transfer? As opposed to transferring with the VX2100?

Thanks,
iLan

No quality loss - your approach makes good sense to me. Make DVDs for the students. Loan 'em a $29 DVD player if you have to!

One other thought - make sure you use SP mode on DV tape. Interchange becomes less reliable in LP.

I looked on B&H and found a Sony DSR-400L $7,500

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=367994&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Greg: so ur saying the tape wouldn't make a difference but I'd assume with the bigger chip and better lense DVcam tape wouldn't limit image quality

Keith: I don't want mini-DVcam because the length of the tape is too short in that mode, I've also heard that DV full size tapes are better.

DV full size tapes are not inherently better but the camcorders made to shoot with them (DVC200, JVC DV5000 & 5100) were. Now comes the issue of choosing HDV which I do recommend (either than or P2) so you will have high definition contact now and down convert if necessary.

I disagree that SD is dead yet but that's just my opinion-TV stations still use BetaSP for the majority of their stuff.

HTHs
Don

I don't think it's dead but it's headed that way as far as acquisition. Beta SP is used now primarily for distribution as a common standard all broadcasters still have.

I have been asked to post this question to this forum for a friend. He is getting ready to purchase a camera for use in the filming of a public access hunting and fishing show. Lets, keep in mind that this is a low budget production, with high quality goals:) Now, I know that this is up in the air, because most of it is based on opinion and personal preference. can we get some opnions-pros, cons, etc.

Thanks,

Gene

Gene...

Our show uses two Sony PD170's and a PD150. Occasional shots are also done with a PDX10 (underwater). The DVCam format, with its wider track pitch, tolerates outdoor conditions very well.

I was using a Canon XL1s and really liked the manual controls more than the manual controls of the PD170. But I found the tape drive on the XL1s a bit too sensitive to humidity.

For fishing you'll definitely need a wide lens. For hunting you'll need the ability to reach out.

Get a weather cover for the camera. Something that will cover the camera and whatever accessories you have mounted on it. And shop carefully: A cover that's too inconvenient to put on in the field is likely to not be there when you need it.

Also consider microphones to capture people talking. Without production audio and dialogue, it's all pretty boring. I'm using a pair of ATW-101 diversity wireless units which have performed perfectly so far.

And get good wind protection for the lav mics as well as the on-camera mic.

Hey Mel

Im tempted to sell my DVC30 with XLR adapter..it has less than 50 hrs right now. I have not decided yet. My DVC30 does not match the colors in my DVX100. It is a good camera especially in low light. It has great colors too sometimes even better than my DVX but I would like to shoot my upcoming wedding in 24p so I need the other camera to be capable of shooting 24p as well.

I will send you an email as soon as I decide to sell it.

Hi Mel:

You can easily "dress-up" a small cam to make it look more professional. Here's a pic of my HC1:

http://i4.tinypic.com/103c10z.jpg%20

You should see it with the Sony 2x teleconverter on the front--even more impressive! When most people see "pro attachments" like lights and mics, even on a small cam, they are impressed--you look so much more serious.

Back when I shot weddings with my little Sony digital 8 cam, I dressed it up with accessories that I didn't even use--just to impress...and it worked!

I love my HC1. I think it's a great cam for the money. I use it for a backup to my FX1. It's a lot like an FX1 in a smaller package.

Good luck

Mel - I sent you an e-mail about video production in the Albany area - Hope to hear from you

I'm looking for an entry level or slightly higher camcorder. Requirements are Mic in, miniDV, and possibly an accessory shoe (hot or cold). What are some good reccomendations?

Hello everyone, I am looking for some recommendations and would really appreciate any advice.

I am really wanting to get into video production/short film making...more as a hobby, not a career.

I currently have an older Sony DCR-TRV20 MiniDV camcorder and its pretty nice and records decent video. But it is getting aged quite a bit and I would like to move up to a newer camera. I would like to stay somewhere in the $500-800 range, and really no more then $1000 if justified. I prefer MiniDV unless there is a better option...

Also, I would like to get a decent light meter to help with setting the white balance...thats what you use them for, right? :) So if anyone could recommend a few of those that are affordable, I would appreciate that also...

I do all my editing on my MacBook Pro with Final Cut Pro if that matters at all...

The Canon Optura 50 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=371473&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) is a really good deal right now, you won't find anything new, that's much, much better until the US$1,300 range.

A light meter helps you set the correct exposure, it's related, but distinct, from setting the white balance. I use the Sekonic L-358 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=221078&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) light meter.

The Canon Optura 50 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=371473&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) is a really good deal right now, you won't find anything new, that's much, much better until the US$1,300 range.

A light meter helps you set the correct exposure, it's related, but distinct, from setting the white balance. I use the Sekonic L-358 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=221078&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) light meter.

Thanks Michael for the recommendation...I will look into this camera. Its only around $500 or so...not a bad deal!

Are there no other cameras anyone would recommend between this one and a $1300 camera? Which camera is it around $1300 that you are speaking of...and do you think its worth the extra investment? Thanks again!

I'll second the Optura 50. At only 400 bucks from B&H (free shipping too!) that leaves $600 for a good shotgun mic, a decent tripod and maybe even an extra lens and/or filters.

Not sure which $1300 cam Michael is referring to there, but it might be the Sony HC3 HDV camcorder. The only drawback on that cam is the lack of external mic input (and I don't count proprietary shoe interfaces).

Another option - if you can find one for under 1K - is a used Sony HC1. Very nice and lots of manual controls and a mic input.

www.philipwilliams.com

Does anything like this exist? Is the XL2 at double this budget my only option?

thanks.

-ptfigg. ny.

Since you're in New York, pay a visit to B&H Photo and see what you think of the PDX-10 which was recently discontinued but still in stock. It's a great little camera for the price, which is about $200 over your budget. But it looks like they have a demo or two in stock so maybe they'll make you a deal?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=252192&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Also visit our forum: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=43

If you're willing to give up some manual control and pro audio features then maybe the Sony HC1 or HC3 would be worth looking at, I think they're in your price range and you'd get HDV as a bonus. The A1 would give you some pro features but it costs around $2,000.

If you can get hold of one, Sony DSR-PDX10. 3-CCD, can record true 16:9 or 4:3.

There's a whole forum here dedicated to it...

I have one :-)

They show up new and used on ebay quite often for $1200 or so.

Thanks Guys,

I have a mint, and I mean hardly used XL1, which I will probably unload.

The PDX 10 is exactly what I am looking for.

-ptfigg. ny.

You won't be disappointed - bought my used from someone moving up to HD. Took it to Africa for a safari. Quality blows me away every time I look at the footage - recorded everything 16:9.

Thanks Guys,

I have a mint, and I mean hardly used XL1, which I will probably unload.

The PDX 10 is exactly what I am looking for.

-ptfigg. ny.

FWIW, I've shot XL1 and PDX10 footage side by side, and while the PDX10 footage might be a little sharper is isn't even in the same league as the XL1, 16:9 or not. Of course, you can't fit an XL1 in your pocket so I guess it all depends what you need it for. :)

Why not think about the Sony A1U?

If I was going to spend just a bit more...maybe up to $2000, what would you recommend? I just keep thinking if I am going to make a decent investment, I would rather it go straight towards something more high end...I don't want to buy something and not be happy or outgrow it rather quickly.

I have been looking at the Canon GL2, can anyone give me some good background on this camera? Whats good, whats not? It is an older model? I don't know much about it, but it looks like a good camera.

Would appreciate any input...

If I was going to spend just a bit more...maybe up to $2000, what would you recommend? I just keep thinking if I am going to make a decent investment, I would rather it go straight towards something more high end...I don't want to buy something and not be happy or outgrow it rather quickly.

I have been looking at the Canon GL2, can anyone give me some good background on this camera? Whats good, whats not? It is an older model? I don't know much about it, but it looks like a good camera.

Would appreciate any input...

That's funny Chad, because your new "bit more" budget is actually double your "if justified" budget :)

Anyway, the GL2 is a very nice camcorder indeed. The only drawback to the GL2 for me is that it does not shoot native 16:9 (even the lowly $400 Optura does that now). This stems from the fact that its just a very old model now and came out when native 16:9 was pretty much unheard of in consumer cams. You know, if you can live with a 4:3 cam then you could actually look at XL1 or possibly even XL1s used in the 2 grand range. You'll definitely look like a pro to the average joe if you've got one of those.

Now, if you REALLY want to get into some hobby short film type stuff, you might want to up your budget even a "bit more" and look at a used Panasonic DVX100. You can use it on typical paying gigs like weddings and shoot 60i, then go for 24P when working on your hobby projects. Caveat, its also 4:3, but otherwise a really nice camcorder.

But wait, there's more! You could invest $2500 into a Sony A1U HDV cam (B&H price). It comes with a $500 rebate that puts you at 2K. You'll have very good manual controls, XLR mic inputs and a pretty good HD picture. This is a nice cam and probably the route I'd go if I had the money.

Of course you can go with its cheaper cousin, the HC1 for about $1350 at B&H. Still a very nice HD picture and solid manual controls. If I had $1500 and needed a cam right now, this is the one I'd get.


Hmm.. you know my honest opinion though, is still to recommend the Optura 50. At $400 its just so cheap that you can invest in other items like a quality tripod, a good mic or two and some lights. Then learn proper framing, lighting and technique with the Optura. Give it 6-12 months and there will undoubtedly be more and better HD cameras to choose from. At that point, start shopping around again if you're still serious about video. Best part is, you'll be able to put all your funds into the cam at that point, because your accessories (tripod, mics, etc..) will move right on over to the new cam. And you still have your little Optura as a backup or B cam. Heck, use it on your short film products as audio aquisition.

End of rambling.

www.philipwilliams.com

Chad,

I hope you're checking out the comprehensive reviews at http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ Check out the GS500 and compare. It's a little more expensive, but it's 3CCD and has one of the best imaging systems ever in a consumer camcorder. Lacks a mic in jack, though.

Josh

I got a TRV50 off ebay for $250!!! Perfect working condition. (Worth $1000+)

I only needed it for the flip-out LCD to replace the faulty one on my PDX10. (Buying a replacement LCD was going to be about $400!)

So, sometimes, it pays to keep an eye on ebay auctions.

Just a thought....

That's funny Chad, because your new "bit more" budget is actually double your "if justified" budget :)

Anyway, the GL2 is a very nice camcorder indeed. The only drawback to the GL2 for me is that it does not shoot native 16:9 (even the lowly $400 Optura does that now). This stems from the fact that its just a very old model now and came out when native 16:9 was pretty much unheard of in consumer cams. You know, if you can live with a 4:3 cam then you could actually look at XL1 or possibly even XL1s used in the 2 grand range. You'll definitely look like a pro to the average joe if you've got one of those.

Now, if you REALLY want to get into some hobby short film type stuff, you might want to up your budget even a "bit more" and look at a used Panasonic DVX100. You can use it on typical paying gigs like weddings and shoot 60i, then go for 24P when working on your hobby projects. Caveat, its also 4:3, but otherwise a really nice camcorder.

But wait, there's more! You could invest $2500 into a Sony A1U HDV cam (B&H price). It comes with a $500 rebate that puts you at 2K. You'll have very good manual controls, XLR mic inputs and a pretty good HD picture. This is a nice cam and probably the route I'd go if I had the money.

Of course you can go with its cheaper cousin, the HC1 for about $1350 at B&H. Still a very nice HD picture and solid manual controls. If I had $1500 and needed a cam right now, this is the one I'd get.


Hmm.. you know my honest opinion though, is still to recommend the Optura 50. At $400 its just so cheap that you can invest in other items like a quality tripod, a good mic or two and some lights. Then learn proper framing, lighting and technique with the Optura. Give it 6-12 months and there will undoubtedly be more and better HD cameras to choose from. At that point, start shopping around again if you're still serious about video. Best part is, you'll be able to put all your funds into the cam at that point, because your accessories (tripod, mics, etc..) will move right on over to the new cam. And you still have your little Optura as a backup or B cam. Heck, use it on your short film products as audio aquisition.

End of rambling.

www.philipwilliams.com

Thanks again for the recommendations and keeping me on track. I can sometimes get all wrapped up in things and end up spending way too much :)

I decided I am going to go ahead and get the Optura 50 from B&H. I would actually like to film a project this weekend, so I need to order ASAP to get it here, but...if someone could recommend the following I would greatly appreciate it.

I would like to get:

- Shotgun/Boom Mic (very important)
- Tripod w/ Controls (if they make one)
- Light Meter (if necessary)
- Second battery (how in the brand 'Impact' that B&H sells?)
- Wide Angle Lens (how is the Canon one?)
- Lighting (whats a good cheap light I can use...1 or 2)?
- Anything else you think I may need (I figure a cleaning kit, case, UV filter, etc)

Please respond ASAP as I am waiting to order...thanks everyone! Especially Philip...lol...

- Shotgun/Boom Mic (very important)

For a nice starter mic...I like the Audio Technica ATR55 at $50.

- Tripod w/ Controls (if they make one)

Tripod, something solid and fluid head that gives you nice resistance and has some meat to it. This is a good place to spend a little of your budget.

- Light Meter (if necessary)

If you get a cam with zebras, you can normally forgo this expense.

- Second battery (how in the brand 'Impact' that B&H sells?)

I've had excellent success with my battery I got from http://www.ebatts.com

- Wide Angle Lens (how is the Canon one?)

I've got a Sony Screw-on wide angle for my little JVC GR820 that works like a champ.

- Lighting (whats a good cheap light I can use...1 or 2)?

GE Softwhite Flourescent (GE has good quality control, so the temps of the bulbs will be the same) screw in bulbs and ACDelco clamp lights (this brand has clamps that won't fall apart) will run you $15-$20 per fixture. You can get cheap light stands on ebay.

We just finished a 48 hour film last weekend and used a piece of foamcore spray painted shiny silver more than any other piece of lighting gear just about. We used it to bring light from one side of a stage to the other. We had PA's hold it, but you could as easily clamp them with spring clamps from home depot as well.

- Anything else you think I may need (I figure a cleaning kit, case, UV filter, etc)

I like a UV filter and Polarizer. And a lens cleaner.

Cole,

Thank you for the recommendations...a few quick questions:

1) Do you know of a good tripod that has controls on it that can interface with the Optura 50?

2) What do you mean when you say "if you get a cam with zebras"? What are zebras? Does the Optura 50 have them/it?

1) Do you know of a good tripod that has controls on it that can interface with the Optura 50?

I think generally, you would get a tripod and then add a controller to it like a varizoom or something. The thing on the camera to look for would be LANC in the spec sheets. That is the protocol the controllers use.

2) What do you mean when you say "if you get a cam with zebras"? What are zebras? Does the Optura 50 have them/it?

Zebras are a visual overlay in the view finder that show you areas that are over-exposed. It allows you to see what areas are more brightly lit than others and what's going to tape exposure wise...I find it faster than using a lightmeter, but less precise. I don't know whether the optura has them or not. You can find lightmeters on ebay if it doesn't. Or check your local photgraphy places or B&H Photo online.

Hi everyone, I am about to buy 5 models of either the Sony DSR-450 or the Panasonic AJ-SDC615VF15CM. I need something thats 2/3" CCD, shoulder mounted obviously, and that can do 16:9... Which model should I go for, the Sony or the Panny, I couldnt' find any strenghts of weaknesses, except the fact that the Sony does 800lines of resolution at 16:9 mode. Please give me some advice... Thanks

heres the panny: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=408423&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

and heres the sony:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=386965&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

any comments welcome!!

I hope you don't mind a question from an innocent bystander! My husband is the film person out of the two of us and we are preparing to purchase his first camera/equipment. I have been following this board as well as dvxuser.com to get an idea of what the best options are in our price range and watching used equipment. We found a deal that we are interested in, but I could really use some feedback.

DVX100A - 8 hours w/3 years left on MACK warranty
Manfrotto 351MVC Tripod (I can't find much feedback on this one)
503 Fluid Head
Tiffen 72mm UV Protector Filter
Audio-Technica AT825 Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica Camera Shoe Mount Adapter and Low-Profile Universal Shock Mount
XLR cable
Extra Panasonic Mini DV's
Kata R-103 Rucksack
Extra battery

The owner was planning to freelance, but it didn't happen. All of the equipment was purchased at B&H last June. The asking price for the entire package is $3600.

Please give me some feedback on both the equipment and the price. Is there anything missing that we would need to buy right away? Are there any questions I should be asking?

Thanks!

Any thoughts on this equipment? Is the price too high? About right?

Have you used any of the equipment? I've read a lot about the 503 head, but I haven't seen anything on the tripod.

I think it's a very good price.
The camera is still a popular camera, you have 3 years of warranty, which is a great bonus, and a good tripod head.
Extra battery always comes in handy.
And you already have a little audio package.

Best regards,

I'm a big fan of taking a look at what you need not only now, but in the future. In 7 years, I've owned two cameras, a DV and an HDV. (Incidently, I've owned probably 3 or 4 edit systems.)

Think of the future, as we move into HD, before making your decision. Plus, can the camera do what you need it to, or perhaps do it in post? Can you pay off the camera in 2-3 years or earlier?

Those are my tips.

heath

Thanks for the replies.

We wanted a camera that could do 24p and HD is currently out of our budget. I wanted to buy equipment that might outlast the camera - the fluid head, the tripod, the mic (and later the lights). Does it look like this package would accomplish that?

We will be buying all of this with no financing, so there is nothing to pay off as time goes on. For post, we bought a very nice g5 mac last fall and have Final Cut Studio installed.

Well, here are some good choices:

Overall "budget" HD, but no 24p (you can use www.nattress.com filters or a workflow with 50i to 24p): the Sony HVR-Z1u.

24p HD:

1. JVC HD100 and maybe even the 200.

2. Canon XL H1 (very similar look to the Z1, IMO).

3. Panasonic HVX200.

heath

Thanks Heath. I have looked at all the HD cameras and they will put us over our budget. That's one reason we are buying used, so that we can buy more than just the camera. The $3600 is at the top end of what we can afford - we're actually spending more than we planned on, but if it is a good deal then it is worth it to us.

Hopefully, we will be able to move to HD in a few years, but for now the only cameras we are really looking at are the XL2 and the DVX100A/B.

For about $3600 (incl. batteries, etc.), you can buy a Sony FX1. That's HD.

heath

24p is one of the requirements for this camera which is why we haven't looked at the Sony. Are you saying that we would be better to go HD and use the software solution to 24p instead of buying a camera that records in 24p?

Hi Gretchen, price for package seems right, about 65% of cost if bought new, so it's a fair deal. I tend to hate buying someone else's package because I have my own preferences, but you can always sell bits off if you find you don't like them, though you'll use that tripod and head for years.

I can understand everyone's hesitation, though, you'll be keeping the DVX until it no longer works because it may be a harder sell later in the face of consumer-friendly HDV cameras coming onto the market. Great camera, but at this point in the game I would be buying the Sony A1U ($2700 at B&H) if cost were a limiting factor.

Either way you're off to a good start with equipment. Let us know how it works out.

(Oops, just noticed the 24p requirement. If you have to have it, you have to have it!)

I'd prefer shooting in 24p HD, but if the choice was between 24p SD (and the DVX100 is a wonderful camera, don't get me wrong) and 60i HD, I'd go with HD and software (www.nattress.com or www.dvfilm.com/maker).

heath

The package seems very good and will make great movies! Now you just need a script and some people to work with and have fun!

Mike

One more thing...24p is only part of the film look equation. There's also lighting and depth of field. Check out our page on film looks:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=34

heath

I spoke with the seller this morning and was able to get the price dropped by another $200 so I agreed! I'm excited for my husband and for me! We've been planning this purchase for about a year and I'm ready to move into the next stage.

We aren't worried about reselling later - we are considering this to be a sunk cost. It is a first camera - we will focus on future-proofing for the next camera. I know that there is a lot more to the film look than 24p, but this is something he felt strongly about - and we can work on the rest. Next up, purchasing lighting as described in the low budget lighting article on this site!

I'm more of a techie, so I'm sure I'll keep posting and researching various methods of creating the best look. I'll update after we pick up the equipment.

Good luck with the camera (DVX, right?).

heath

Congrats! Now go shoot something! Seriously, you will probably end up using it for years, and keeping it for a second camera, a must.

Mike

hey guys !
what is a the most inexpensive DV camera that you are using with an audio/video in that will record with an external bullet style camera. Using it for moto X and snow sports mounted to the top of a helmet. Using a GL2 but that is WAY too big to carry around in a backpack. my older JVC 9800 has external inputs but it recently took a dump on me. Any help appreciated!