Hi. I was thinking of upgrading my GS400 to a DVC30. But I think the 16:9 on the GS400 is better, so I'm thinking of sticking with the GS400. My main concern is that I want better audio. Can anyone recommend a good XLR adapter to use with the GS400? Would it be comparable to DV30 audio?

Robert

http://www.beachtek.com/

I have one of these and it works great. You will want to always use headphones to monitor the sound, especially if the camera doesn't have a sound meter.

By the way I was thinking of getting a GS400. How does the Pro-Cinema setting look?

Hi Tony,

You can have a look here for Pro-Cinema setting look 16 by 9.

Click here (http://www.salenz.com/movie/2005_9_22.wmv)

For some reason that video looks like 4 by 3. I don't know why.

Here is a video 4 by 3 normal look. I just hope to get free hint about what is the right way to play the piano. So I put this video on my website.

Click here (http://www.salenz.com/movie/2005_9_26.wmv)

Regards
Leigh

By the way I was thinking of getting a GS400. How does the Pro-Cinema setting look?

The XLR-PRO is a passive unit that many of us GS400 users are using.

http://www.beachtek.com/Is there a particular model you recommend? Is it better to have phantom power? Also, does anyone know if you can hook up the Beachtek VU meters with these, so that both are operational at the same time.
By the way I was thinking of getting a GS400. How does the Pro-Cinema setting look?I love it - I shoot almost exclusively on that setting. With a couple tweaks with MB and Vegas, I get the look I want. I have to turn down some of the color, sharpness, contrast, etc, in order to be able to manipulate later with MB and vegas, though. I wish I had some online films you could watch to get a feel -- my recent one, won an audience award for the local 48 Hour Film contest. The best way I can describe it is to compare it to the GL2, which we also used on the set. The 16:9 is better than the GL2's, but the frame modes are comparable (I couldn't tell any difference). The GS400 tends to be warmer in color than the GL2.

My main problem is that I still get crappy sound. So I'm looking for a good adapter. Otherwise, I may have to suck up and get a camera with good XLR.

The XLR-PRO is a passive unit that many of us GS400 users are using.Excellent. Any particular model? And does it require external electrical outlet hook-up, or does it use a battery? I couldn't tell from checking out the Studio1 site.

And while I'm at it, if you don't mind me asking, what shotgun mike are you currently using with it?

Honestly, I HATE the procinema mode on my GS400... But I LOVE my camera. I'd rather shoot normal widescreen (no procinema) in the field and go for the movie/cinema look in post anyday. Longer renders (but it sound like you are tweaking color and whatnot anyway), but way more flexibility. Also, FRAME mode on the GS (which is being used when in procine mode), it a kind of pseudo progressive process, not a true progressive process, where you are actually losing resolution by going that way. I'd rather shoot will full vertical resolution and deinterlace in post with a smarter motion-based delacer if that is the look I'm after. Anyway, just a few thoughts...

Robert, the XLR-PRO is the model.. http://www.signvideo.com/xlr-pro_xlr_adapter-audio-mixer.htm

I bought it so I could use my Rode VM and wireless mic at the same time. It is not powered, so long XLR cable runs will not have the benefit of a balanced circuit. I have no problems recommending the unit.

Bill, the GS400's frame mode does not seem to suffer resolution loss when tested against 60i. It looks like the luma info is all there, but some chroma will be missing due to the green CCD timing during frame mode. Tests that we've done with EIA1956 and subjectively have not turned up noticeable differences in resolution. This contradicts Steve Mullen's article stating that frame mode on some other cams would result in a drop of vertical resolution to about 320 lines. In addition, Joshua P's tests with pro-cinema would suggest that Panasonic's Cinne Gamma technology is being used to increase dynamic range....a few of us are taking another hard look at pro-cinema.