The best cheaper high-end DVcam? at DVinfo.net

Andres Bant · June 15th, 2004, 11:06 AM

I'm trying to find the best high-end cheaper DVcam. I was looking at the following:

Canon GL1
Canon Optura XI
Sony TRV900
Sony TRV950

How important is 3CCD technology? What I need a camera for is, I'm planning a short film, and have been asked to film a wedding in late July. I considered borrowing, but then if a new project materialized, it's too much an inconvenience to keep borrowing. Eventually the loan costs would exceed the cost to simply buy.

I did buy the Sony VX2000 used, but the camera's a bit too much for me, as far as price, size, and features go. I thought it would be better to use one of the cheaper cameras, gain some experience, then upgrade to the higher-end cameras afterwords.

I'm going to try to do more research this time (hopefully physically try the cameras as well, but most stores don't have these high-end cameras on display).

Lesson learned at least--there shouldn't be a hurry when buying electronics.

Boyd Ostroff · June 15th, 2004, 11:19 AM

Hi Andres. I would strongly urge you to keep your VX-2000, unless you really need something small. The TRV900 has been off the market for several years now, but by all reports it was a nice camera. The only things that would be different from your VX-2000 would be its size and poorer low light response,; I think you'd find all the controls basically the same. Ditto for the TRV950, but even worse in low light. It does have some upgrades to the VX-2000, like a better LCD I suppose, and it can take better stills. The GL-2 is going to be similar to your VX-2000 as well, but with 1/4" chips instead of 1/3". I suppose the Optura is in a different size class.

Stick with the VX-2000. Learning to use the controls really isn't all that hard.

Bill Pryor · June 15th, 2004, 01:49 PM

I agree--keep the VX2000. It's bigger chips give you better picture quality, and it's better under the kind of lighting conditions you will get at weddings.

Ben Wiens · June 16th, 2004, 10:18 AM

I'd also suggest you keep the Sony VX2000. I went the smaller, lighter, less complicated, less expensive route and am not happy with the results.

I've just been to Leo's Camera's here in Vancouver Canada again who said the Sony VX2000 and Panasonic DVX100A is where to start if you want almost commercial looking video. But proffessionals only consider cameras twice this price and size to produce cable TV quality video. And it's not because the people at Leo's are elitists. Low cost camcorders have all sorts of problems with artifacts that make the pictures look very amateur.

Chris Hurd · June 16th, 2004, 10:35 AM

Your best bet is to hang on to your VX2000; use its automatic modes while you're learning your way around it. You've made a good choice with that camera and now it's just a matter of applying yourself to explore its capabilities.

Glenn Chan · June 16th, 2004, 09:20 PM

BBC Online Training has some guides for ENG (electronic news gathering) shooting.

http://www.bbctraining.com/onlineCou...=5160&cat=2781

For films you may want to do things a bit differently. Exposure and focus should probably be set manually and left there.

Shawn Mielke · June 18th, 2004, 12:36 AM

What they said. You've got a good camera that will serve well even while in the initial learning stages.

June 15th, 2004, 11:06 AM	#1
Andres Bant Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 44	The best cheaper high-end DVcam? I'm trying to find the best high-end cheaper DVcam. I was looking at the following: Canon GL1 Canon Optura XI Sony TRV900 Sony TRV950 How important is 3CCD technology? What I need a camera for is, I'm planning a short film, and have been asked to film a wedding in late July. I considered borrowing, but then if a new project materialized, it's too much an inconvenience to keep borrowing. Eventually the loan costs would exceed the cost to simply buy. I did buy the Sony VX2000 used, but the camera's a bit too much for me, as far as price, size, and features go. I thought it would be better to use one of the cheaper cameras, gain some experience, then upgrade to the higher-end cameras afterwords. I'm going to try to do more research this time (hopefully physically try the cameras as well, but most stores don't have these high-end cameras on display). Lesson learned at least--there shouldn't be a hurry when buying electronics.

June 16th, 2004, 10:35 AM	#5
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Your best bet is to hang on to your VX2000; use its automatic modes while you're learning your way around it. You've made a good choice with that camera and now it's just a matter of applying yourself to explore its capabilities. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

June 18th, 2004, 12:36 AM	#7
Shawn Mielke Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 745	What they said. You've got a good camera that will serve well even while in the initial learning stages. __________________ Breakthrough In Grey Room

June 15th, 2004, 11:19 AM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Hi Andres. I would strongly urge you to keep your VX-2000, unless you really need something small. The TRV900 has been off the market for several years now, but by all reports it was a nice camera. The only things that would be different from your VX-2000 would be its size and poorer low light response,; I think you'd find all the controls basically the same. Ditto for the TRV950, but even worse in low light. It does have some upgrades to the VX-2000, like a better LCD I suppose, and it can take better stills. The GL-2 is going to be similar to your VX-2000 as well, but with 1/4" chips instead of 1/3". I suppose the Optura is in a different size class. Stick with the VX-2000. Learning to use the controls really isn't all that hard.

June 15th, 2004, 01:49 PM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I agree--keep the VX2000. It's bigger chips give you better picture quality, and it's better under the kind of lighting conditions you will get at weddings.

June 16th, 2004, 10:18 AM	#4
Ben Wiens Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 56	I'd also suggest you keep the Sony VX2000. I went the smaller, lighter, less complicated, less expensive route and am not happy with the results. I've just been to Leo's Camera's here in Vancouver Canada again who said the Sony VX2000 and Panasonic DVX100A is where to start if you want almost commercial looking video. But proffessionals only consider cameras twice this price and size to produce cable TV quality video. And it's not because the people at Leo's are elitists. Low cost camcorders have all sorts of problems with artifacts that make the pictures look very amateur.

June 16th, 2004, 09:20 PM	#6
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	BBC Online Training has some guides for ENG (electronic news gathering) shooting. http://www.bbctraining.com/onlineCou...=5160&cat=2781 For films you may want to do things a bit differently. Exposure and focus should probably be set manually and left there.