[MacDV] 3-CCD camera systems...

[Richard Brown]

Great new price ($1879) on the Panasonic AG-DVX100a at Royal Camera:   
http://royalcamera.com/panag2.html. This is kind of in the GL-2 price  
range and is like comparing an old VHS camcorder (Canon) to a CineAlta  
(Panasonic) in many ways. What's most important: a new hack (not cheap,  
but awesome) is coming for the DVX-100a which shatters the DV spec with  
4:4:4 recording at 12 bits onto Firewire 800 drives (DV stops at 4:1:1  
at 8 bits) Thus may be born a serious revolution. If the hack works out  
as expected the DVX100a will outperform almost all video standards  
currently used in terms of robust, professional color depth, meaning an  
interesting new world for serious effects shooting will open up, not to  
mention far better transfers to film (given the DVCAM 8 bit, PD150  
shot, film transferred "Open Water" now in theaters.)

Additionally I have worked extensively with the XL1 and XL1s from Canon  
on a feature shot with same. After that experience, I will not even  
look at a Canon video product again. It's all about non-standard audio  
and its effect on post, as well as lagging image quality (limitations  
of .25 inch CCD's.)  I own both the PD150 and the DVX100a, and their  
images (and SYNC sound recording) put the XL1 and things Canon to  
shame. Another way to put it: I would not cut XL1 footage into Beta SP  
footage, but easily do so with PD150 footage (DVCAM video, a step up  
from MiniDV in some respects) as no one sees the change in camera (it's  
all Sony, so there is a family thing going on...)

The issue boils down to this: thinking of the GL-2 puts you in the  
parking lot of the video stadium. XL1, XL1s puts you at the ticket  
counter.  DVX100a, PD150 or PD170 puts you on the field, playing the  
game. And should that hack work out (I've seen samples) the DVX is the  
only game in town short of multiplying you investment by 30.

That said, you could save yourself money ($1299) on a TiBook 667 at  
http://www.dvwarehouse.com/product_info.php/cPath/253_53_128_553/ 
products_id/2007, and then consider the Panasonic DVX-100a and get in  
the game.

Richard Brown
www.go2rba.com


On Aug 13, 2004, at 8:01 AM, chris at beliefpictures.ca wrote:

> Hey,
>
> Has anyone worked with the Canon GL-2 lately? What is the image quality
> like? I am sort fo wanting to compare this one with other similar units
> like the Panasonic DVC-30 and so on...
>
> Is Canon good?
>
> I am putting away for a 3-CCD camera system now that I have a good  
> paying
> job. Which Mac should I get? PowerBook G4??
>
> Chris
>
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