"BulletEDGE" <bulletedge@aol.com> wrote in message

news:20040205103007.21792.00001615@mb-m06.aol.com...

> My 2 cents worth is to buy a DVX100A. The flexibility of this camera is truly

> amazing at the price point. You can shoot beautiful, crisp 60i video with it

> while having the option of 24pA for truly progressive video to go straight to

> film or DVD. Not to overlook the standard 24p or the 30p mode (30p is perfect

> for video intended for slower frame rates and compression usually used for

> video destined for the Internet).

>

> I can tell you that I am currently shooting a documentary for a major rock band

> which is intended for theatrical release. The Producer and Director insisted on

> a DVX100 at 24pA based on their previous experience integrating video with film

> on another project.

>

> One major thing that many on these groups do not mention is the excellent glass

> on the Panasonic. While the lense is not interchangeable, it does offer optics

> and resolution far in excess of what is the norm in this price range.

>

> Overall my advice would be to find a reputable dealer and shoot some test

> footage with all of the cams you are considering and go with the one that fits

> your tastes and needs the best.

>

> Bulletedge

I generally agree with the above, though I think saying "While the lense is not

interchangeable, it does offer optics and resolution far in excess of what is the

norm in this price range." is overstating the case somewhat. Other entries

in the DVX100a's price range (and below) have lenses of roughly equal

performance in terms of resolution - but the lens of the DVX100 does offer

a slightly wider angle of view, and somewhat lower linear distortion (both are

advantages), while offering less in the tele range, and less in the available

selection of high-quality lens converters that fit it (disadvantages). Unless

24/30p is *really* useful for you, you may find slightly better performance in

some alternatives, at a lower price...

--

David Ruether