PDX-10---$200 rebate at B&H at DVinfo.net

John C. Chu · February 7th, 2005, 09:54 PM

Yeah...I'm doing a lot of web-window shopping lately...and itching to buy something...

Looks like the PDX-10 [after a newly announced $200 Sony rebate will be $1,599] at BH Photo.

That sounds soooo good.

But if HDV successor to the PDX-10 come out in three months at like $2,499--I'd really be kicking myself.

I was thinking about getting the Optura 30...but now the PDX-10 is two hundred cheaper it would be a better upgrade.

Man, to wait for a possible "HDV/PDX-10 successor" or get the PDX-10?

I have to control myself...B&H is only like 8 blocks from my work place...

:-)

Cliff Hepburn · February 8th, 2005, 10:54 AM

The only reason Sony would rebate it is because there's a new model coming out. i doubt that the successor will be HDV.
After seeing the successor to the 950, the new model might not be better than the one it's replacing.

On a different topic and forum the DVX100A has a $300 rebate.

Boyd Ostroff · February 8th, 2005, 11:19 AM

Cliff, I wouldn't automatically assume that. In fact, if you read the other thread you mention about the DVX-100a rebate, Jan from Panasonic categorically states that it isn't related to a new model. Consider also that Canon has had a rebate on the GL-2 for quite some time now, possibly a year.

Sony has hinted in various places that it's moving it's prosumer line to HDV so I'm not sure what we should expect here. I'm sort of doubting we'll see an SD PDX-10 successor myself. They may just be trying to spur some sales with the rebate. I'd be really surpised to see a pro version of the HC-1000 because it's really sort of a downgrade from the TRV-950 IMO.

Sony took just about everyone by surprise when the brought the FX-1 to market before it was expected. So who knows what tricks they have up their sleeves?

Cliff Hepburn · February 8th, 2005, 11:26 AM

Sorry, I guess I didn't mean to speak so matter of factly. It's just been my experience that whenever a significant rebate comes up, a new model comes out within 3 months.

John C. Chu · February 8th, 2005, 07:10 PM

Well after suffering horribly with using a one chip Hitachi Digital 8 camcorder since 2000,(and not knowing any better) I finally treated myself to a PDX-10 today and "bought" myself into the PDX-10 club. [After all the research here at dvinfo.net.]

[B&H Photo should really like me--I didn't ask for a demo--just told them what I want..I'm an easy customer.]

Woo hoo! The camera rocks!

(this was a long journey after considering everything from Panasonic dv953, GS400, Gs70, the Optura 30 and of course the HDR-FX1)

Of course, I had to watch the price of the camera come to my reach...
$2,195 down to $1,995 down to $1,799 and now with the rebate...I finally pulled the trigger.

Boy...this is one awesome camera....I just love the zebra pattern thing---but it looks like in full auto it works well awesome.

I can't believe the amount of detail if offers in the 16:9 mode...

yeah...the low light performance is less than stellar--i can see the grain(i checked it out on my 30" widescreen CRT)

Now...as long as a HDV pdx-10 brother doesn't come out too soon...
I'm a happy camper.

Boyd Ostroff · February 8th, 2005, 07:14 PM

Welcome to the "club" John - we'll show you the secret handshake later ;-) I'm one of those who paid $2,200 for my PDX-10 but have never regretted it. One you make a big decision like this it's best to keep moving forward and not look back. I think you got a great deal and you're going to have a lot of fun learning to use the camera. Congratulations!

Tom Hardwick · February 9th, 2005, 06:03 AM

"Boy...this is one awesome camera....I just love the zebra pattern thing---but it looks like in full auto it works well awesome."

That's the thing John - the PDX10 gives startlingly good results if left to its own devices. OK, you can fiddle with manual focus and w/balance, but it's the exposure side of things where Sony knows best. If you up the shutter speed by any appreciable amount you'll get dreadful CCD smear. If you add ND filters it won't affect the iris much - if at all - it'll only delete some of the inbuilt ND. Go forth and shoot.

tom.

John C. Chu · February 9th, 2005, 06:54 AM

After playing with it a bunch last night, I'm *really* happy/excited/pleased with this thing.(can't you tell from my previous post with all the bad grammatical errors?)

What is really ironic is that I've never actually seen real footage from this camera on a real set before buying this thing.

At B&H Photo, there are rows of 13" video monitors to test the cameras, but to really appreciate what the PDX10 can do...one has to see it on properly calibrated set.

And viewing footage on my 16:9 direct view HDTV--the PDX-10 is a revelation. [and maybe, just maybe--satisfy my lust for HDV]

All in all, I'm very happy.

Can't wait till the weekend.

Thanks everyone again, for all your insights.

John Hartney · February 11th, 2005, 04:52 PM

I agree the rebates are to spur sales of current inventories... The new sony hdv3 chip shoots 16:9 native with 3chips and I'll bet it is as close to a replacement as we'll see...

I haven't seen that cam, though. Does it shoot in native 16:9 in dvcam format as well? If so, it would be a good transition cam to have as a tool in my kit... my main cam is an Ikegami DV7we and the PDX10 can cut with it on some projects with clients approval.... I've even been thinking of getting a second pdx10 for a third cam for certain projects, which are all 16:9... But the new Sony hdv would bring the added benefit of hdv if I ever needed it...

It will probably take a while to catch on. Now to stay native, the hdv cam would have to be used to shoot, edit and replay, which is too much strain on the mechanics!

I may just pop for another pdx10... it is my favorite palmcam!

Boyd Ostroff · February 11th, 2005, 05:32 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by John Hartney : I haven't seen that cam, though. Does it shoot in native 16:9 in dvcam format as well? -->>>

The pro version (Z1) will shoot SD DV/SP and DVCAM, but the FX1 only does DV/SP and DV/LP in SD mode. See Chris' comparison chart here http://hdvinfo.net/articles/sonyhdrfx1/compare.php

For the price of the Z1 you could buy 3 PDX-10's ... :-)

John Hartney · February 11th, 2005, 08:36 PM

Thanks for the link... it does 16:9 in sd it looks like.. good.

February 7th, 2005, 09:54 PM	#1
John C. Chu Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rego Park , NYC Posts: 665	PDX-10---$200 rebate at B&H Yeah...I'm doing a lot of web-window shopping lately...and itching to buy something... Looks like the PDX-10 [after a newly announced $200 Sony rebate will be $1,599] at BH Photo. That sounds soooo good. But if HDV successor to the PDX-10 come out in three months at like $2,499--I'd really be kicking myself. I was thinking about getting the Optura 30...but now the PDX-10 is two hundred cheaper it would be a better upgrade. Man, to wait for a possible "HDV/PDX-10 successor" or get the PDX-10? I have to control myself...B&H is only like 8 blocks from my work place... :-)

February 11th, 2005, 04:52 PM	#9
John Hartney Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Elgin, Illinois Posts: 206	I agree the rebates are to spur sales of current inventories... The new sony hdv3 chip shoots 16:9 native with 3chips and I'll bet it is as close to a replacement as we'll see... I haven't seen that cam, though. Does it shoot in native 16:9 in dvcam format as well? If so, it would be a good transition cam to have as a tool in my kit... my main cam is an Ikegami DV7we and the PDX10 can cut with it on some projects with clients approval.... I've even been thinking of getting a second pdx10 for a third cam for certain projects, which are all 16:9... But the new Sony hdv would bring the added benefit of hdv if I ever needed it... It will probably take a while to catch on. Now to stay native, the hdv cam would have to be used to shoot, edit and replay, which is too much strain on the mechanics! I may just pop for another pdx10... it is my favorite palmcam! __________________ John Hartney Elgin, Illinois USA 847.742.9321

February 11th, 2005, 08:36 PM	#11
John Hartney Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Elgin, Illinois Posts: 206	Thanks for the link... it does 16:9 in sd it looks like.. good. __________________ John Hartney Elgin, Illinois USA 847.742.9321

February 8th, 2005, 10:54 AM	#2
Cliff Hepburn Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 75	The only reason Sony would rebate it is because there's a new model coming out. i doubt that the successor will be HDV. After seeing the successor to the 950, the new model might not be better than the one it's replacing. On a different topic and forum the DVX100A has a $300 rebate.

February 8th, 2005, 11:19 AM	#3
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Cliff, I wouldn't automatically assume that. In fact, if you read the other thread you mention about the DVX-100a rebate, Jan from Panasonic categorically states that it isn't related to a new model. Consider also that Canon has had a rebate on the GL-2 for quite some time now, possibly a year. Sony has hinted in various places that it's moving it's prosumer line to HDV so I'm not sure what we should expect here. I'm sort of doubting we'll see an SD PDX-10 successor myself. They may just be trying to spur some sales with the rebate. I'd be really surpised to see a pro version of the HC-1000 because it's really sort of a downgrade from the TRV-950 IMO. Sony took just about everyone by surprise when the brought the FX-1 to market before it was expected. So who knows what tricks they have up their sleeves?

February 8th, 2005, 11:26 AM	#4
Cliff Hepburn Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 75	Sorry, I guess I didn't mean to speak so matter of factly. It's just been my experience that whenever a significant rebate comes up, a new model comes out within 3 months.

February 8th, 2005, 07:10 PM	#5
John C. Chu Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rego Park , NYC Posts: 665	Well after suffering horribly with using a one chip Hitachi Digital 8 camcorder since 2000,(and not knowing any better) I finally treated myself to a PDX-10 today and "bought" myself into the PDX-10 club. [After all the research here at dvinfo.net.] [B&H Photo should really like me--I didn't ask for a demo--just told them what I want..I'm an easy customer.] Woo hoo! The camera rocks! (this was a long journey after considering everything from Panasonic dv953, GS400, Gs70, the Optura 30 and of course the HDR-FX1) Of course, I had to watch the price of the camera come to my reach... $2,195 down to $1,995 down to $1,799 and now with the rebate...I finally pulled the trigger. Boy...this is one awesome camera....I just love the zebra pattern thing---but it looks like in full auto it works well awesome. I can't believe the amount of detail if offers in the 16:9 mode... yeah...the low light performance is less than stellar--i can see the grain(i checked it out on my 30" widescreen CRT) Now...as long as a HDV pdx-10 brother doesn't come out too soon... I'm a happy camper.

February 8th, 2005, 07:14 PM	#6
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Welcome to the "club" John - we'll show you the secret handshake later ;-) I'm one of those who paid $2,200 for my PDX-10 but have never regretted it. One you make a big decision like this it's best to keep moving forward and not look back. I think you got a great deal and you're going to have a lot of fun learning to use the camera. Congratulations!

February 9th, 2005, 06:03 AM	#7
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	"Boy...this is one awesome camera....I just love the zebra pattern thing---but it looks like in full auto it works well awesome." That's the thing John - the PDX10 gives startlingly good results if left to its own devices. OK, you can fiddle with manual focus and w/balance, but it's the exposure side of things where Sony knows best. If you up the shutter speed by any appreciable amount you'll get dreadful CCD smear. If you add ND filters it won't affect the iris much - if at all - it'll only delete some of the inbuilt ND. Go forth and shoot. tom.

February 9th, 2005, 06:54 AM	#8
John C. Chu Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rego Park , NYC Posts: 665	After playing with it a bunch last night, I'm really happy/excited/pleased with this thing.(can't you tell from my previous post with all the bad grammatical errors?) What is really ironic is that I've never actually seen real footage from this camera on a real set before buying this thing. At B&H Photo, there are rows of 13" video monitors to test the cameras, but to really appreciate what the PDX10 can do...one has to see it on properly calibrated set. And viewing footage on my 16:9 direct view HDTV--the PDX-10 is a revelation. [and maybe, just maybe--satisfy my lust for HDV] All in all, I'm very happy. Can't wait till the weekend. Thanks everyone again, for all your insights.

February 11th, 2005, 05:32 PM	#10
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	<<<-- Originally posted by John Hartney : I haven't seen that cam, though. Does it shoot in native 16:9 in dvcam format as well? -->>> The pro version (Z1) will shoot SD DV/SP and DVCAM, but the FX1 only does DV/SP and DV/LP in SD mode. See Chris' comparison chart here http://hdvinfo.net/articles/sonyhdrfx1/compare.php For the price of the Z1 you could buy 3 PDX-10's ... :-)