DVX for wildlife documentary?
 

Have any of you used the DVX to shoot wildlife? If so, the A or the B?

Originally I was considering the XL1S, but I really want 24P capability and everyone I talk to raves about the DVX and that it is the one and only choice when it comes to any indie production.

On the other hand the focal length on the XL's are greater than the DVX's, so I keep moving between the two.

Anyway, the focus of my question is your opinion of the application of a DVX to shoot wildlife and whether it's zoom capabilities would be sufficient or if I'd find that I can't get close enough to my subjects (caribou, specifically, among other Arctic wildlife)

Thanks and I appreciate your feedback.

I want to also add that I also plan to use the camera for narrative productions, so in that case the DVX would be perfect.

The best wildlife shooter I know is Kevin Railsback of Pawprint Productions. He's out gathering some amazing footage with an HVX right now, so could probably advise you best on how the DVX would perform (seeing as an HVX is a high-def DVX).

One thing to consider is the XL2 -- if you really like the XL1 but need true 24P, sounds like the XL2 may be tailor-made for what you want to do.

If you'd like to see how the DVX does with nature and such, take a look at http://www.pinelakefilms.com/

Steve manages to get some wonderful images. (And I'm pretty sure he uses a 1.6x tele converter a lot...the focal length can be played with without losing much of anything. )

Perhaps the HD100U would be worth considering.

Well -- DOH! Can't believe I forgot Disjecta (pinelakefilms)! He's phenomenal, and uses a DVX with a 1.6 teleconverter as mentioned.

here's the actual link to his DVX nature footage:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...light=disjecta

lovely stuff.

Thank you all for your invaluable guidance and input with this decision.

I'm not yet at the point where I'll need HD.

The XL2 is certainly an option.

Why did all of you make the decision to invest in a DVX instead of an XL? And which DVX specifically?

For long time I've been considering investing in an XL, but recently I've rethought my position, leaning more toward a DVX, but I've been uncertain as whether the B is worth that much more for its added features instead of the A.

Thanks again for your input.

I would reccomend getting your hands on all three camera and trying them out your self. You may find that certain ergonomic factors make the decision for you. I was thinking about buying a 100B until I tried one. I thought being able to see the squeezed footage in proper 16x9 rather than the "Conehead" version you get on the 100A would be great. However, I found the letterboxed image in the viewfinder too small to for me to see to focus properly in run & gun situations. Thus I decided to get a 100A while I still could. This was a totally personal preference though. You may be perfectly happy with the 100B. Usually it's better to buy the latest version of just about any thing.

I'm not a big fan of the XL series cameras because of the way they're laid out, but the ability to put a high powered zoom lens on it might be beneficial.

Just looking at the footage I saw I'd say the pinelakefilms stuff was definitely shot with a teleconverter. First of all the DVX just doesn't have much zoom power. Secondly, the depth of field is really tight. You'll definitley need one too for shooting wildlife.