I am a part-timer who started out specializing in weddings but have evolved into the specialized world of "stage events." I'm still in the standard-def world and I'm trying to decide if it's time to move to HD - or at least 16x9. At certain events, I actually produce the DVD's onsite so customers walk out with product in hand. I don't really think High Def would play into this selling model but I am concerned that maybe my 4:3 format is starting to make my stuff look dated.

So, I'm thinking about upgrading my whole switcher and camera system to 16x9. I suppose I could even offer Blue Ray as an option at some jobs, and I could show Hi-Def on my internet samples.

Do any of the experts have any thoughts or experience with the NX5U as a Stage Event type camera? I'm used to a full-sized camera with real f/stops and mechanical focus. Is it going to be hard for me to adjust to the more compact design of the NX5? What about the low-light level ability? I expect it's not going to be in the same league as a JVC-DV5000?

Thanks for any comments!

With your specific background and workflow, I suggest you rent an NX5 for a couple of days and see what you think. I happily use an NX5 (with several other HD cams) for multi-cam stage and concert work. That does not mean that you will be as happy. There are rental shops in your region. Your needs are specific enough that you will get the most info from having one in your hands.

Just to be clear, DV can be recorded in 16:9 aspect ratio if the camera supports it. I did a quick look at the GY-DV5000u on jvc.com and see that on page 45 of the user manual it says "When ASPECT RATIO is set to LETTER, the image is recorded in a 16:9 aspect ratio ". NOt sure if your model has that.

Not sure if you also want to move to HD but if all you want is 16:9 standard def DVD production and your camera in fact supports it......

I don't know what equipment you use to record to DVDs on site but having shopped a camera recently, one thing to pay attention to is that you can get SD output simultaneously with the format you are recording. That is, if you are recording HD in your camera, making SD DVDs means your camera or something has to down-rez to SD. How good that SD is (aliasing is a common artifact) can vary. That's the benefit of renting and testing.