Choice between DVCAM & DigiBeta at DVinfo.net

Jarno Satopaa · January 5th, 2004, 06:29 PM

Looking for a bit of advice... or opinions at least, cause I have a problem - so to say - that's been bugging me for a couple of weeks.

I'm going to shoot an indie this spring, having everything set and getting prepared for the shoot... I've got actors, oh yes, great actors, all the technical stuff. Wait...? Is there something missing...? Yes, the camera... Hmm... Here comes the difficult part: I've got two options for a camera:

1) Sony DSR-570WSP DVCAM cam with Pro35-adapter and Arri lenses. Footage to DVCAM, then edit and color correction on CinéWave non-compressed edit.

2) Sony DVW-790WS DigiBeta cam with somehow standard Canon lens. Footage to DigiBeta tape, then edit&color correct on the same CinéWave.

Most of you will probably ask, what's the difficulty? Marvelous setups both, I know. It's quite funny, having a problem choosing between two cams that are both extraordinary good. If I choose the DigiBeta, I'll get less artefacts, better color response, but I'll lack the Shallow DOF. On the other hand, with the DVCAM I get nicer looking image but in case of blowing the film to 35mm, the DigiBeta is better. Also insurance rates of the Pro35 and arri lenses are extraterrestrial. You can't even imagine... :)

I'd be very grateful for your opinions, comments etc.

Don Donatello · January 5th, 2004, 06:49 PM

i'd go digibeta. the camera head has better spec's , tape format better spec's .... BUT
IMO the choice should be between the panasonic SDX 900 (in dvcPro50 mode) and digibeta!

January 5th, 2004, 06:29 PM	#1
Jarno Satopaa New Boot Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Turku - Finland Posts: 14	Choice between DVCAM & DigiBeta Looking for a bit of advice... or opinions at least, cause I have a problem - so to say - that's been bugging me for a couple of weeks. I'm going to shoot an indie this spring, having everything set and getting prepared for the shoot... I've got actors, oh yes, great actors, all the technical stuff. Wait...? Is there something missing...? Yes, the camera... Hmm... Here comes the difficult part: I've got two options for a camera: 1) Sony DSR-570WSP DVCAM cam with Pro35-adapter and Arri lenses. Footage to DVCAM, then edit and color correction on CinéWave non-compressed edit. 2) Sony DVW-790WS DigiBeta cam with somehow standard Canon lens. Footage to DigiBeta tape, then edit&color correct on the same CinéWave. Most of you will probably ask, what's the difficulty? Marvelous setups both, I know. It's quite funny, having a problem choosing between two cams that are both extraordinary good. If I choose the DigiBeta, I'll get less artefacts, better color response, but I'll lack the Shallow DOF. On the other hand, with the DVCAM I get nicer looking image but in case of blowing the film to 35mm, the DigiBeta is better. Also insurance rates of the Pro35 and arri lenses are extraterrestrial. You can't even imagine... :) I'd be very grateful for your opinions, comments etc. __________________ Jarno Satopaa Turku, Finland

January 5th, 2004, 06:49 PM	#2
Don Donatello Hawaiian Shirt Mogul Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: northern cailfornia Posts: 1,261	i'd go digibeta. the camera head has better spec's , tape format better spec's .... BUT IMO the choice should be between the panasonic SDX 900 (in dvcPro50 mode) and digibeta!