Question by brodaw: is the panasonic ag-dvx100b a camera with “dead” technology or is it still usefull for documentaries?
i have seen examples of video clips filmed using a dvx100b and it looks almost as good as many of the hd camcorder clips i have seen. many filmmakers still use minidv but is avchd or solid state memory the way to go now?
Best answer:
Answer by L L
I prefer miniDV tape.
1) The tape is the archive. How are you planning to archive video captured by flash memory or hard disc drive camcorders?
2) DV and HDV format captured to miniDV tape is low compression and provides a 25 mbps data rate. The best AVCHD can do is 24 mbps. If you MUST have flash memory or hard drive, then use an external storage device that records low compression video data – like the FireStore units from Focus Enhancements or the external storage from Sony (professional). “Solid state” memory does not have to be AVCHD – preferable that is is not.
3) Better to go with higher data rate “ultra high definition” equipment from Red or Silicon Graphics… or even the Canon XF series… Even the JVC HY-HM100 does not use AVCHD and records to flash memory. Same with the Sony XDCAM and HDCAM series.
4) “Many film makers” use film. Not miniDV tape.
5) AVCHD compression cannot deal with lots of action. Lose one frame and you actually drop 8 (learn about “Group of Frames”). This can cause HUGE issues.
6) AVCHD compression is fine for the LAST step of the process. Bad as the first step.
If there is anything “wrong” with the DVX100, it could be that it is standard definition video only. So… the AG-HVX200 records high definition video to Flash memory… P2 cards. And does not use AVCHD (thankfully), but DVCPRO HD format.
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