The best camcorder for 35mm adapters??

Phil Bloom · December 3rd, 2006, 12:45 PM

i think the best option is a p2 card or two and a p2 store. The P2 store solves most of the capacity issues with the cards and isnt attached to the hvx like the firestore is. It transfers the contents to its hard drive pretty quickly and takes the standard panasonic batteries

Tony Relph · December 3rd, 2006, 01:03 PM

The trouble with the P2 cards is you will need at least 3 of them to get a continuing flow of HD footage depending on P2 to computer transfer rates (which differ), some computers can take upto 4 minutes to transfer a 4gb card meaning you'll have to stop until card is ready. This is only a problem for people who cant get hold of more then 2 P2 cards due to budgets or other reasons. I think the firestore is the best route as it is unlikely that you will film 100 mins without a break or scene change etc, giving you an opportunity to transfer before continuing your shoot.

Phil Bloom · December 3rd, 2006, 01:10 PM

True

But if you had two and a p2 store (my config) when one disc is out you slap it into the p2 store and it transfers 8gb in 8 minutes.

Unless you are shooting a long interview in full 1080p you would be fine.

I am using my hvx in 720pn mode to get a more filmic frame rate which gives me about 16 minutes a card, so my setup is fine for it.

If the firestore was smaller, took panasonic batts AND recorded in pn mode I would buy twelve (well one would be fine thinking about it!)

If you want to compare other adaptors let me know as I have both the M2 and a Brevis, I could give you my thoughts about the pros and cons of both!

Tony Relph · December 3rd, 2006, 01:22 PM

8gb in 8mins is a bit close for comfort, doesnt give you much time to take out, swap, transfer to storage then swap again for continuous HD recording but for other formats yes its fine.

Maybe we should meet at the beginning of the year once the DiGi35 is complete and compare them all. I will be using the DiGi35 for a production in April 2007 so before then would be great. I'll email you.

Phil Bloom · December 3rd, 2006, 01:46 PM

What we need is another company or two to make the p2 cards to bring in some competition (JVC now make XDCAM discs to compete with Sony, end result, cheaper discs all round)

Tony Relph · December 5th, 2006, 01:42 PM

LOL!!!

Just seen BH Photo do an HVX200 package that comes with 5x 4gb P2 cards yes I said 5!!!! for $7999.95 (£4052.03)!!!!!!!

Why cant there be offers like that over here in th UK?????

Tony Relph · December 5th, 2006, 01:51 PM

4gb P2 cards are only £286 from BH Photo, shame their in USA though :-(

Phil Bloom · December 5th, 2006, 03:29 PM

i have bought my 8gb p2 card and p2 store from B and H. Saving about 600 quid and that includes the duty and vat I will have to pay!

Tony Relph · December 5th, 2006, 04:36 PM

That was my concern - the duty. I have never purchased anything from the USA before. How do you pay the duty and what rate is it at, 17.5%?

What shipping option did you use?

Thanks,

Phil Bloom · December 5th, 2006, 05:10 PM

With B and H I use ups. it takes about 2 days! The Duty and Vat works out about 20%. With most prices dollars for pounds and with an exchange rate of almost 2 dollars to a pound even with the 20% you are absolutely laughing!!

Tony Relph · December 5th, 2006, 05:23 PM

How does the duty and VAT work? Do I pay it before I get the goods?

Ive only purchased minor goods abroad and I have never paid duty...opps!! Only talking less then £30 but with P2 stuff its obviously a lot more.

Thanks,

Phil Bloom · December 5th, 2006, 05:35 PM

What normally happens is Ups call you the day before it is delivered to take payment. If they cant get in touch with you they still try and deliver it but you have to pay the driver, either cash or credit card.

it's really painless, much better than Parcelforce (the USPS partner) who write to a couple of days after it arrives to inform you there are charges and they wont deliver it until you pay! Terrible system.

I get stuff from the states very often, it's really easy and worth doing if you like the idea of saving dosh!

Tony Relph · January 23rd, 2007, 05:28 PM

Hi everyone,

Just checked emails, sorry I havent replied to anyone or posted for a while. Im currently filming in Australia with a couple of DiGi35's and wont be back for another 5-6 weeks. Will be back on as soon as Im back. Hope everyone had a great christmas and new year.

Thanks,

December 3rd, 2006, 12:45 PM	#31
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	i think the best option is a p2 card or two and a p2 store. The P2 store solves most of the capacity issues with the cards and isnt attached to the hvx like the firestore is. It transfers the contents to its hard drive pretty quickly and takes the standard panasonic batteries __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

December 3rd, 2006, 01:03 PM	#32
Tony Relph Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canary Wharf, London E14 Posts: 166	The trouble with the P2 cards is you will need at least 3 of them to get a continuing flow of HD footage depending on P2 to computer transfer rates (which differ), some computers can take upto 4 minutes to transfer a 4gb card meaning you'll have to stop until card is ready. This is only a problem for people who cant get hold of more then 2 P2 cards due to budgets or other reasons. I think the firestore is the best route as it is unlikely that you will film 100 mins without a break or scene change etc, giving you an opportunity to transfer before continuing your shoot. __________________ Tony Relph. anthonyjohnrelph@hotmail.com

December 3rd, 2006, 01:10 PM	#33
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	True But if you had two and a p2 store (my config) when one disc is out you slap it into the p2 store and it transfers 8gb in 8 minutes. Unless you are shooting a long interview in full 1080p you would be fine. I am using my hvx in 720pn mode to get a more filmic frame rate which gives me about 16 minutes a card, so my setup is fine for it. If the firestore was smaller, took panasonic batts AND recorded in pn mode I would buy twelve (well one would be fine thinking about it!) If you want to compare other adaptors let me know as I have both the M2 and a Brevis, I could give you my thoughts about the pros and cons of both! __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

December 3rd, 2006, 01:22 PM	#34
Tony Relph Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canary Wharf, London E14 Posts: 166	8gb in 8mins is a bit close for comfort, doesnt give you much time to take out, swap, transfer to storage then swap again for continuous HD recording but for other formats yes its fine. Maybe we should meet at the beginning of the year once the DiGi35 is complete and compare them all. I will be using the DiGi35 for a production in April 2007 so before then would be great. I'll email you. __________________ Tony Relph. anthonyjohnrelph@hotmail.com

December 3rd, 2006, 01:46 PM	#35
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	What we need is another company or two to make the p2 cards to bring in some competition (JVC now make XDCAM discs to compete with Sony, end result, cheaper discs all round) __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

December 5th, 2006, 01:42 PM	#36
Tony Relph Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canary Wharf, London E14 Posts: 166	LOL!!! Just seen BH Photo do an HVX200 package that comes with 5x 4gb P2 cards yes I said 5!!!! for $7999.95 (£4052.03)!!!!!!! Why cant there be offers like that over here in th UK????? __________________ Tony Relph. anthonyjohnrelph@hotmail.com

December 5th, 2006, 01:51 PM	#37
Tony Relph Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canary Wharf, London E14 Posts: 166	4gb P2 cards are only £286 from BH Photo, shame their in USA though :-( __________________ Tony Relph. anthonyjohnrelph@hotmail.com

December 5th, 2006, 03:29 PM	#38
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	i have bought my 8gb p2 card and p2 store from B and H. Saving about 600 quid and that includes the duty and vat I will have to pay! __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

December 5th, 2006, 04:36 PM	#39
Tony Relph Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canary Wharf, London E14 Posts: 166	That was my concern - the duty. I have never purchased anything from the USA before. How do you pay the duty and what rate is it at, 17.5%? What shipping option did you use? Thanks, __________________ Tony Relph. anthonyjohnrelph@hotmail.com

December 5th, 2006, 05:10 PM	#40
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	With B and H I use ups. it takes about 2 days! The Duty and Vat works out about 20%. With most prices dollars for pounds and with an exchange rate of almost 2 dollars to a pound even with the 20% you are absolutely laughing!! __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

December 5th, 2006, 05:23 PM	#41
Tony Relph Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canary Wharf, London E14 Posts: 166	How does the duty and VAT work? Do I pay it before I get the goods? Ive only purchased minor goods abroad and I have never paid duty...opps!! Only talking less then £30 but with P2 stuff its obviously a lot more. Thanks, __________________ Tony Relph. anthonyjohnrelph@hotmail.com

December 5th, 2006, 05:35 PM	#42
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	What normally happens is Ups call you the day before it is delivered to take payment. If they cant get in touch with you they still try and deliver it but you have to pay the driver, either cash or credit card. it's really painless, much better than Parcelforce (the USPS partner) who write to a couple of days after it arrives to inform you there are charges and they wont deliver it until you pay! Terrible system. I get stuff from the states very often, it's really easy and worth doing if you like the idea of saving dosh! __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

January 23rd, 2007, 05:28 PM	#43
Tony Relph Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canary Wharf, London E14 Posts: 166	DiGi35 update Hi everyone, Just checked emails, sorry I havent replied to anyone or posted for a while. Im currently filming in Australia with a couple of DiGi35's and wont be back for another 5-6 weeks. Will be back on as soon as Im back. Hope everyone had a great christmas and new year. Thanks, __________________ Tony Relph. anthonyjohnrelph@hotmail.com

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