SDX-900 V DVX100A

November 28, 2004

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Edited December 17, 2004 by lonedog

Phil Rhodes · November 28, 2004

Hi,

Probably it is. The two principal gains are that the SDX is an 800-line broadcast camera, whereas the DVX is a 500-line consumer camera, and the SDX is capable of shooting true 16:9 where the DVX is not. An NTSC SDX-900 is therefore capable of resolving 480-odd lines vertically by 800 horizontally, whereas the DVX, by the time it's cropped to the same aspect ratio, will only resolve around 300 vertically and 500 horizontally.

The SDX-900 will also have a better, sharper and easier-to-use lens, better signal processing and probably dynamic range, better provision for audio and timecode, a vastly better viewfinder, battery system, and mounting arrangements for grip equipment.

You're talking here about the difference between a fairly low-rent consumer camcorder and one of the finest standard-def broadcast cameras ever produced. Yes, it's going to be noticeably better!

Phil

David Mullen ASC · November 28, 2004

Don't forget the size of the CCD's -- with the larger ones on the SDX900, you can control depth of field easier, plus it is easier to pull-focus with a manual lens. Plus you can be shooting in DV50 instead of DV25, 4:2:2 instead of 4:1:1, etc.

I've seen comparisons of the two cameras and the quality jump with the SDX900 over the DVX100 is quite noticeable.

Phil Rhodes · November 29, 2004

Hi,

Okay, swap "400" for "576" and "300" for "450"

Phil

Dan Parsons · January 4, 2005

Don't forget the size of the CCD's -- with the larger ones on the SDX900, you can control depth of field easier, plus it is easier to pull-focus with a manual lens. Plus you can be shooting in DV50 instead of DV25, 4:2:2 instead of 4:1:1, etc.

I've seen comparisons of the two cameras and the quality jump with the SDX900 over the DVX100 is quite noticeable.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Could you tell me about the use of the SDX900's 24P mode? Specifically I would like to know if there are limitations in shooting 24P when ultimately the material will be broadcast via the traditional 60i mode.

With the DVX's 24P and the 2:3:3:2 you end up with 29.97 (60i?) on your tape--how does that compare with what the SDX gives you with it's 24P? Is it a similar process using 23.98?

Ultimately, what I would like to know is if there is a reason NOT to use the SDX's 24P mode if the material is going to broadcast in the end.

Phil Rhodes · January 4, 2005

Hi,

No, none at all. The system will simply see it as if it had been shot on film. Best to cut a 24p timeline to keep the cadences the same, although it'll probably never matter it will save you some hard disk space.

Phil

Dan Parsons · January 4, 2005

Hi,

No, none at all. The system will simply see it as if it had been shot on film. Best to cut a 24p timeline to keep the cadences the same, although it'll probably never matter it will save you some hard disk space.

The show will be delivered on Beta---that's where I was wondering if the framerate would become an issue. Are you suggesting I can output a 24P timeline to BetaSP and it will function properly?

Allen Achterberg · January 4, 2005

The show will be delivered on Beta---that's where I was wondering if the framerate would become an issue. Are you suggesting I can output a 24P timeline to BetaSP and it will function properly?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If pull down is done on the fly then yes.

Brett B · January 4, 2005

There are a lot of differences between the two cameras. The sdx-900 is dvcpro-50 as opposed to the dvx-100, which is dvcpro-25. That is a great deal of resolution and it is very noticeable on any monitor. Another advantage is the fact you can put a variety of lenses on the camera. That allows you to have a wide range of focal lengths and the ability to put hi-def zooms and primes on the camera. The camera also has much larger chips which not only helps with depth of field but also helps with image clarity and color rendition. That camera is also far better in low light and has a slightly larger exposure latitude. Then there are many other options like SDI out which may help in a professional environment. It is really just another league of camera. Hope this helps.

Phil Rhodes · January 4, 2005

Hi,

> the dvx-100, which is dvcpro-25.

No, the DVX-100 is a miniDV camera. The two formats have practically identical capabilities, but if it shot mini-DVCPRO (as you might call it) you'd need a specialist playback deck.

Phil