Input needed by experienced F900 shooters
 

I have been asked by a client to rent a F900 for a shoot instead of using my EX. The camera will be mounted on a custom Aerial Exposure gyro system that I have years of experience using from helicopters.

The shoot will be from a helicopter late afternoon into dusk over a stadium. I will have a lens remote on my right hand and zoom on my left. Presets are going to be loaded by a tech.

My first time using a F900 so a few days with the camera is part of the deal. Hoping I can view the footage in FC without a deck?

What should I watch out for using the F900?
What lens would you recommend?
Would appreciate input by experienced F900 shooters thanks.

For the best results you want a 900R although IMHO the Pdw-700 is a better camera. I really like the C35W color VF. To get the footage into FCP you will need a decklink or AJA card. The 900's HDSDi out is described by Sony as only a monitor output although the images have always looked fine to me. I don't think the playback error correction is quite as good when playing back from the camera compared to a HDCAM deck.
Lens choice depends on the kind of shot you want, generally the Canon HJ series are a safe bet.

Once you've set up the F900 menus it basically handles like a Digi Beta. Although, with the older F900V3 can get pretty long if you've got a downconverter fitted. They're also pretty power hungry.

The F900 & F900R menu set ups/layouts are different.

Thanks Alister it will be the F900 I was told by the rental house you only need the 900R if you are down converting. I am only going to tape. As for viewing I will need a on camera monitor. The one being supplied is the Panasonic BT LH80W 7.9". I can not use a viewfinder since the camera is 2 feet away from me.

So you agree there is no way to view my test footage except playback on the onboard monitor.

I will look into one of the HJ lens.

Brian when you say power hungry it will be a 2 1/2 hr flight with the camera running the whole time. What do you recommend for batteries?

My mistake it is the F900R.

Choice of HJ lens I am being given is:
11 x 4.7
21 x 7.8
40 x 10

My choice would be the 21x7.8. I don't know how I would keep a 40X lens locked on a target while hovering so the 21 seems to make sense to me but input is always welcome.