dvx100 in the UK (PAL or NTSC)
 

Hello, this is my first post on this board.
I am looking to get a Panasonic DVx100 (or dvx100a). I live in the United Kingdom and so the standard coding is PAL, however, all of my euipment (dvd player, TV) accepts NTSC perfectly.

The PAL version seems harder to get hold of (especially fo the 100a), however the NTSC version (which does the 24fps seems everywhere and less expensive).
I am looking to make movies (film student) so the 24fps model looks the best, but i understand that the 24p model is only NTSC.

would it be ok to get the NTSC version? or should i get PAL(25p)

Hi Matthew,

I have also had this problem - the dvx100a is virtually non existant in the UK. There are a few around, try these they seem ok:

http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/gimme/storereframe.php?view=item&item=panasonic_ag-dvx100a

I would say without doubt that buying an NTSC version in PAL land would be a huge pain, and waste of time. The NTSC shoots at 24p/30p/60i, whereas PAL shoots at 25p/50i. PAL doen't have to use a complicated pulldown like NTSC 24p (which in itself is a problem, as many NLE's have trouble with 24p footage). PAL 25p can be edited straight with no probs.

PAL also has about 20% more vertical resolution than NTSC. If all this hasn't convinced you, check out the DVX section of this website for more info on these PAL vs. NTSC issues.

You can also buy the PAL version from overseas - I think the US based BH photo/video store stock it.

Hope this helps,
Dave.

Hello Matthew,

I have the DVX100 PAL camcorder and am really glad with it. The extra resolution compared to the NTSC version and the easy editing with 25 frames progressive footage in the NLE are responsible for it.
The DVX100a PAL has also the squeeze function, so for widescreen shots the full ccd is used in PAL resolution.
If you think of converting your PAL footage to film, the 24 fps (film) - 25 fps (PAL DVX100(a)) difference can be overwon by the conversion-house and the advantage of the extra resolution makes the image filmquality also better.

Peter Sieben

Matthew, don't worry about the PAL version of the dvx-100a being less than the NTSC release. People dwell way too much on shooting at 24p. They think it's their saving grace. To be honest, I doubt you'll find a man alive than can spot a difference between 24p and 25p with the naked eye. There is really no difference. It's just what the region standard is.

I have a PAL dvx and I have no problems with it whatsoever. I also verse my shoots in the intricacies of 25p and the film look, if that's what you are looking for, is just as achievable.

Bottom line, you don't want an NTSC cam in PAL land.

As an NTSC/24P user, I second everything John just said. If you're in PAL territory, get the PAL camera.

The NTSC camera does shoot at 24P, vs. 25P for the PAL camera, but in PAL territory the 25P will work perfectly with your television and the filmlike motion will be practically identical.

The NTSC camera has one advantage over the PAL camera, in that it offers a third framerate, 30P. However, the PAL camera counters that by offering 20% higher resolution. Those are minor differences, however, when offset against the enormous pain in the patootie it would be to use an NTSC camera in PAL territory.

For your circumstance, the PAL camera is the right choice.