Vertifly 0 #1 September 17, 2003 I'm doing research on these cameras. So far, I've found - from searching on dropzone.com, that the DCR-TRV900 & 950 have fluttering issues. In previous posts, many people complained about the fact that the camera 3CCD system could not interperet or co-ordinate the red, blue, green input during image stabilization. I'm looking into a VX2000 that I could get for like $1350. However, I understand that this camera is quite large in comparison. What are your thoughts if you've had ANY experience with these cameras in freefall or during the editing process? Thanks ahead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vertifly 0 #2 September 17, 2003 Wow, 40 views and not one vote. Guess that not a lot of people are flying this camera. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blazetailman 0 #3 September 18, 2003 I've test jump the pdx10 which is the same as the 950. It still has the fluttering issue after a very talented electronic guru has taken the camera apart a few times trying to figure out the problem. There is little hope in fixing the problem at this time. I have read that you can manually set the exposure to apoint that might fix the problem, but we have not gone down that road yet. At this time it is a nice ground camera.www.canopyflightcenter.com www.skydivesac.com www.guanofreefly.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #4 September 18, 2003 If it is balanced on your helmet,, it's not too much to handle...Nice images, excellent durability,,, but it is big,,, and the front mounted integral michrophone. can be easily banged and bumped.. Still the images are great,, and the audio is crisp... Reports on the 900 series 3 chip,, often agree that tape flutter is a problem.... As for the VX- 2000... roughly the same size as the 1000,,, but with a flip out viewfinder in addition to the fixed viewfinder, and maybe a slightly larger mic....As for a price of $ 1,350.....man THAT is a bargain!!!!! this "studio in your hand" retails for like 2,900 dollars,, and even places which I frequent,,, and buy from,,, can't do better than 2,000 or so.... what's your source for this camera,,, @ 1,350??? ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StefB 0 #5 September 19, 2003 I have about 150 jumps with a VX1000. It is gone now, because i had to drop my helmet with the camera in an emergency. I like the videos very much. Other people "whuffos" (skydiving and filming ones) saw the quality difference immeadiately. But two or three things sucked: 1) Luminance variations You have to use the ND filter in bright sunlight otherwise you get annoying dark frames in the video randomly when the exposure control fucks up (flicker). When you set ND on the ground, interior shots are too dark... So you have another control to distract you. 2) Old generation autofocus Under dark light conditions the autofocus pumps sometimes and thats annoying too. Better switch to manual focus when you film the barbecue party. Newer Sony cameras have better AF. 3) Old model Yes, VX1000 is a old camera. Sony repair centers will drop (or dropped already?) support and repair for this model. 4) Viewfinder problem The flexible cable from camera body to viewfinder has a design flaw at least in earlier models (mine and others had). When it breaks because when you move the viewfinder too much, then viewfinder is dead. Repair is from 90-200€ (US$) 5) Stative mount It looks heavy duty, but the there are only four small screws which hold the stative plate and all the camera. And at least two of these screws will turn loose themself with time and will get lost (mine and others did). The screws are not common and expensive when bought from Sony. Fix these screws with hotglue or something similar. Don't use the stative mount alone, use another fixation too. Bye Stefan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #6 September 19, 2003 ...... excellent review..StefB ........it is a model which has been available for maybe 8 or 10 years....that's where the VX-2000 is the better choice.. I never had much trouble with the image and use the built in filter as well as a lens filter. I try to set man. focus...and I don't run a wide angle lens on the 1000..( I have a dcr-Trv20 ( much smaller) with a .42.. to catch the wider shot. ) .... I never needed to have it repaired,, but have had cleanings and adjustments done by local servicepersons..... The plastic tape/conductor strips which tie various pc boards to one another, can disconnect,, but I have had some success going inside and reconnecting them... the microphone/ record indicator light...electrical,, required some work last winter...yes the tripod mount threaded attachment point IS held there with only 4 tiny phillips screws, and I can tell by the wobble factor,, when they need to be tightened.. I stay on top of that... I also further secure both cameras with a quick clipped webbing strap approx. 1 inch wide... it ties everything together, as a secondary attachment. ...........I still jump it since it works well . opening shock is tolerable for ME.... but a jumper should factor in their own " neck strength" and of course what type of canopy they use.... ( I jump a P D Spectre 210 )....in order to predict what their openings might be like... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ffejdraga 0 #7 September 23, 2003 damn $1350?? Is there more than one? I would love to pick up a vx2000, but i dont have $2500, but i would buy one today that was in perfect working condition for $1350. if you dont want it, let me know. I have only seen footage short bits of footage from the vx2000, but i would love to have my own footage from that thing! jeff D-16906 jeff_agard@hotmail.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
