Is the PMW-200 Too Much Camera For Me? at DVinfo.net

Eric Preston · January 7th, 2013, 07:43 AM

We purchased the PMW-200 a couple of weeks ago with the goal of making broadcast quality documentaries for our non-profit organization. However, I am wondering if a camera like the Canon XF100 would be sufficient. Our documentaries usually consist of well-lit interviews. Can you please help me understand why paying an additional $4,000 for the Sony over the Canon is worth it? Thank you so much for your help!

Bill Ward · January 7th, 2013, 08:41 AM

Wasn't this a discussion best had before you bought the camera?

But that being said: having three 1/2-inch sensors instead of a single 1/3-in imager, plus HD-SDI outputs/TC and the like make for a much better unit.

It's a good camera. Take it out and enjoy it!

Les Wilson · January 7th, 2013, 08:56 AM

What is broadcast quality? If you mean technical specs, someone will point out that while the XF100 records in 422 and 50MBS, the camera itself is not BBC approved. If you intend to produce something that a broadcaster such as Nat GEO, Discovery, PBS or whomever would buy from you, then checking with them is in order. But if all you mean is will it look as good on your HDTV when played from a computer as a TV show, then that is a different matter.

The point of a camera like the PMW-200 is not just the image it produces but in the controls it gives you to be creative and/or get a great image in a challenging situation. For example, two Zebras. If you don't know how to use them and won't learn, then that's something in that $4000 you paid for that isn't used. Ditto colorbars, profiles, .....

Eric Preston · January 7th, 2013, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Ward

Wasn't this a discussion best had before you bought the camera?

Yes, I painstakingly had these discussions prior to my purchase. And it was such an expensive investment, I'm probably just second guessing myself. But I'm still within my return window, so I'm just making sure I made an informed decision. That's why I appreciate the input!

Chris Medico · January 7th, 2013, 09:49 AM

It is a great camera. Unless it puts a finical burden on the organization I would recommend keeping it.

Where are you in NC? I'm in the Durham area and would be happy to help you climb the learning curve if you like.

Eric Preston · January 7th, 2013, 10:01 AM

Chris, thank you for your invitation to help with the PMW-200 learning curve. The camera is not really a financial burden on us, I just want to make sure I made a wise decision. Financially speaking, the PMW-200 is quite a $tep up from the XF100. But I think I’m pretty much sold on the fact that the quality is worth it.

Bill Ward · January 7th, 2013, 11:03 AM

Relax...enjoy the camera. Learn to use it well and you'll never look back!

January 7th, 2013, 07:43 AM	#1
Eric Preston New Boot Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: North Carolina Posts: 9	Is the PMW-200 Too Much Camera For Me? We purchased the PMW-200 a couple of weeks ago with the goal of making broadcast quality documentaries for our non-profit organization. However, I am wondering if a camera like the Canon XF100 would be sufficient. Our documentaries usually consist of well-lit interviews. Can you please help me understand why paying an additional $4,000 for the Sony over the Canon is worth it? Thank you so much for your help!

January 7th, 2013, 08:41 AM	#2
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	Re: Is the PMW-200 Too Much Camera For Me? Wasn't this a discussion best had before you bought the camera? But that being said: having three 1/2-inch sensors instead of a single 1/3-in imager, plus HD-SDI outputs/TC and the like make for a much better unit. It's a good camera. Take it out and enjoy it!

January 7th, 2013, 08:56 AM	#3
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: Is the PMW-200 Too Much Camera For Me? What is broadcast quality? If you mean technical specs, someone will point out that while the XF100 records in 422 and 50MBS, the camera itself is not BBC approved. If you intend to produce something that a broadcaster such as Nat GEO, Discovery, PBS or whomever would buy from you, then checking with them is in order. But if all you mean is will it look as good on your HDTV when played from a computer as a TV show, then that is a different matter. The point of a camera like the PMW-200 is not just the image it produces but in the controls it gives you to be creative and/or get a great image in a challenging situation. For example, two Zebras. If you don't know how to use them and won't learn, then that's something in that $4000 you paid for that isn't used. Ditto colorbars, profiles, .....

January 7th, 2013, 09:49 AM	#5
Chris Medico Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Efland NC, USA Posts: 2,322	Re: Is the PMW-200 Too Much Camera For Me? It is a great camera. Unless it puts a finical burden on the organization I would recommend keeping it. Where are you in NC? I'm in the Durham area and would be happy to help you climb the learning curve if you like. __________________ http://www.LandYachtMedia.com

January 7th, 2013, 10:01 AM	#6
Eric Preston New Boot Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: North Carolina Posts: 9	Re: Is the PMW-200 Too Much Camera For Me? Chris, thank you for your invitation to help with the PMW-200 learning curve. The camera is not really a financial burden on us, I just want to make sure I made a wise decision. Financially speaking, the PMW-200 is quite a $tep up from the XF100. But I think I’m pretty much sold on the fact that the quality is worth it.

January 7th, 2013, 11:03 AM	#7
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	Re: Is the PMW-200 Too Much Camera For Me? Relax...enjoy the camera. Learn to use it well and you'll never look back!