dvc30 - dvx100

I'm an amature videographer moving up from a consumer cam (Elura). I'm looking for a camera with a better image quality, that performs better in low light, and shoots progressive. It's mostly for creating shorts. I've been waffling between a dvc30 and dvx100. Now I know that the dvx is a better camera, but I'm trying to decide if I would be as happy with the DVC30 for the extra $1000-1200. BTW, I am also in need of a good tripod, mic and lighting. I keep wondering if the extra bucks wouldn't be better spent on picking up the extra goodies.

Also, anyone used the DVC30 frame mode? I know it isn't real progressive, but do I really lose a ton of resolution with it?

Thanks,
kurtmo

You mean is it worth the extra 1000-1200 for the DVX100? I'm going to say yes if you really want to pay the difference. I think having 24p along with a better cine scene file really makes a difference. At time time when I bought my DVC30 it wasn't important but if I were to do it again i would invest in the DVC30 since its a little more compact and packs a punch for your money. The frame mode on the DVC30 does loose resolution and its noticable. If your really looking for that film feel then the DVX100 wont let you down with the 24p option and tons of scene file goodies. The low light on the DVX100 is definitely better by a lot since it features 3 X 1/3" CCDs and will give you a better image even in brightly lit conditions. As for a tripod, the Libec TC-6 is a wonderful option for the price. Fluid head and sturdy construction. For audio you can buy the Panasonic XLR mic which I have and is great. Hope some of this helps.

I have both cameras and if you can get the dvx, I would go with that. You have a lot more control over the picture.

One other thing to consider is that with the dvc30, is the onboard mic is not very good - Most all dvc30 owners, including myself, recommend getting the optional xlr adapter, which is about 250.00 additional The dvx has xlr built in, so the price gap lessens a little if you take that into account.

I really think it depends on what you will be doing with it and your budget.

I swear this was me a little over a year ago -- I had a canon elura looking to upgrade and I ended up with the dvc30. I opted for that model so I could spend some money on accessories. If I were to do it all over again, I would have bought a better camera and scrimped for accessories later. Some may disagree with me - I know a tripod is important, but until you really figure out what you are going to do and really start using it, then you can figure out what your accessories are later.

Don't get me wrong, I love my dvc30 and highly recommend it -- but looking back over the past year, some of the other stuff I bought was not used very much and wished I spent it on the camera instead.

For a hobbyist, a camera is going to be the most expensive thing you buy. All other accessories cost a whole lot less -- if you buy less featured camera and need to upgrade later, it is a lot harder to come up with the money for a new camera than it is to buy a tripod or case later.

Incidently, if you do decide to go the dvc30 route, the batteries work on the dvx100.

I hope this helps :)

I decided to spring for the "horseman" of camcorders - the DVX100. It showed up last Thursday :D . I picked up a mid-priced UV and took a few shots playing with some of the manual controls (focus and iris). So far soooo coool. After reading an article on resolution on interlace, frame mode and progressive, I really wanted the progressive mode. That and the rebate and the mic comments pushed me to just bite the bullet and get the camera I wanted.

Thanks all! Happy shooting!

Kurtmo

I decided to spring for the "horseman" of camcorders - the DVX100. It showed up last Thursday :D . I picked up a mid-priced UV and took a few shots playing with some of the manual controls (focus and iris). So far soooo coool. After reading an article on resolution on interlace, frame mode and progressive, I really wanted the progressive mode. That and the rebate and the mic comments pushed me to just bite the bullet and get the camera I wanted.


I'm sorta on the same boat as you, I'm totally willing to go the DVX route, it just depends on my parents and how much money I can earn this summer. I'm jumping from a crappy digital 8 camcorder to a 3 chip camera. Every video of the DVX just amazes me, my friend got one a couple of months ago and I have seen all these videos he's done with it. They look absolutely amazing. You can barely tell if it's film or video!!!
Congrats on the DVX purchase, hopefully I'll snatch one of those in a few months...