What About This Source For A Cool Cam?

[TomScratch]

Good Sunday Morning,

I’ve decided to go for a Sony DSR-PD170 to supplement my VX2100’s. (I love those saturated noiseless colors pulled from somewhere out of those low/available light settings; what can I say — the bands I shoot do too!) B&H doesn’t carry this one, so I’m thinking my alternative is J&R.

Anybody with not quite right experiences with J&R, I’d like to hear from you.

So far I’ve encountered a salesman who got confused in a discussion about tape formats. I don’t think he’d be answering the phone over at B&H. Also, I was on the phone with them again this morning for about 10 minutes and the message after you won’t be hearing this message again because we are going to talk to you really was the message that the office is closed today. 🙁

Of all the sources listed in the 38 page review of this model (which I have used professionally in the PAL version) on camcorderinfo.com, J&R seemed the safest. About 10 years ago, I was a semi-regular with them for still photography gear and they were OK. Main store is about 5 blocks or less from where the World Trade Center used to be.

Thanks!

REGARDS … TOM 8)

[RB]

Interesting…. I got my PD170 from B&H. Didn’t get the PAL version though. Is that what your looking for?

[TomScratch]

Hi RB,

Looking for the NTSC version.

I’m not set up for PAL at moment. I have met two filmmakers not connected, who make their living as independent filmmakers (one based in Thailand/Alaska; one based in LA), who swear by the PAL versions of the 150/170. For under 10K, their view is that the PAL versions of these cams are the best options out there for converting to film later. (This was their opinion as of 12 months ago in one case; 24 months in the other; one of these contacts was living on the other side of Phuket a couple miles from where the tsuami hit; he and his Thai family survived; some of his neighbors working in the hotels did not…)

Back to the subject, the original version of "Votergate" was shot using the PAL version of this cam. (Votergate II supposedly coming out before mid-terms, but I don’t think they are going to make it; being edited in Britain.)

I came close to joining the PAL club at one point.

REGARDS … TOM 8)

[birdcat]

I was in J&R a few months ago – The salesperson I spoke with was very helpful and seemed to know her stuff (she corrected a misconception I had about the Sony A1U). If you’re in the NY area J&R is easy to get to (Park Row/CIty Hall area) – Also a short walk from the South Street Seaport (ok – maybe not that short but I did it and I’m old, fat and ugly).

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