excessive hours on a used camera? at DVinfo.net

David Morgan · August 4th, 2008, 10:39 PM

Sony offers up run-time, drum hours and the like stats for their pro camcorders. Anyone know what the typical figures are for little use, vs a lot of usage? Like 140 x 10 for run time etc... what are the acceptable hours when considering buying a used camera?
If I were shopping for a pro camera like a DSR-300, what is considered a good buy?

Buba Kastorski · August 7th, 2008, 02:51 PM

The lower the better, but I'd say 300 Hrs for 2,5K is a good deal (today), it's hard to find for that price, it's more like 3K and up, I've seen still working well camcorders with 1200 hrs, but don't buy it, if the budget is tight better get used EX1, I have both 390 and EX1, buying a 300 series today would be a waist of money - SD and 4:3 plus no affordable crane or steadicam solution, think again man, don't do that!

Robert M Wright · August 7th, 2008, 03:11 PM

You might be able to get a good used JVC DV-500U for a few hundred less.

David Morgan · August 7th, 2008, 08:23 PM

buba,
I do a lot of theatre work, in low light with long run times. I'm sick of running out of tape (mini-dv). I like the 2 hour DVCAM stock. I like the robustness of DVCAM over mini-dv as well, in all ways. I have 2 Canon XH-A1's and mechanically speaking, they're like toys. sure I shoot SD 4 x 3 and 16 x 9 with them but the viewfinder is worthless and the LCD screen is low resolution and small in size. VERY difficult to judge critical focus. I have to rely on Instant auto when I go in tight from far away. for tripod usage, SD 4x3 in long run theatre apps, I'd like to have a DVCAM camera. DSR500WS would be better but expensive. I know someone who uses the 300A and gets very good results with low maintenance. However, I don't know what it would cost to rebuilt (heads etc...) on a pro DSR camcorder.

August 4th, 2008, 10:39 PM	#1
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	excessive hours on a used camera? Sony offers up run-time, drum hours and the like stats for their pro camcorders. Anyone know what the typical figures are for little use, vs a lot of usage? Like 140 x 10 for run time etc... what are the acceptable hours when considering buying a used camera? If I were shopping for a pro camera like a DSR-300, what is considered a good buy?

August 7th, 2008, 02:51 PM	#2
Buba Kastorski Trustee Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,414	The lower the better, but I'd say 300 Hrs for 2,5K is a good deal (today), it's hard to find for that price, it's more like 3K and up, I've seen still working well camcorders with 1200 hrs, but don't buy it, if the budget is tight better get used EX1, I have both 390 and EX1, buying a 300 series today would be a waist of money - SD and 4:3 plus no affordable crane or steadicam solution, think again man, don't do that!

August 7th, 2008, 03:11 PM	#3
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	You might be able to get a good used JVC DV-500U for a few hundred less.

August 7th, 2008, 08:23 PM	#4
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	buba, I do a lot of theatre work, in low light with long run times. I'm sick of running out of tape (mini-dv). I like the 2 hour DVCAM stock. I like the robustness of DVCAM over mini-dv as well, in all ways. I have 2 Canon XH-A1's and mechanically speaking, they're like toys. sure I shoot SD 4 x 3 and 16 x 9 with them but the viewfinder is worthless and the LCD screen is low resolution and small in size. VERY difficult to judge critical focus. I have to rely on Instant auto when I go in tight from far away. for tripod usage, SD 4x3 in long run theatre apps, I'd like to have a DVCAM camera. DSR500WS would be better but expensive. I know someone who uses the 300A and gets very good results with low maintenance. However, I don't know what it would cost to rebuilt (heads etc...) on a pro DSR camcorder.