I'm just curious, how would this camera compare to the quality achieved with shooting super 16? This question is mainly for people who own this camera, would you choose it over film? I know the gap is closing fast.

Given the budget I'd choose film over this camera any day of the week. Film looks so much better. I'd even choose film over the Varicam if cost wasn't the factor. The only reason I'd shoot with the HVX over film or even the Varicam are a) you have a limited budget and b) you need to shoot 'discreetly."

The HVX has trouble in low light. It just doesn't have the latitude that film does. Not even close. The Varicam does a lot better in low light. But you want to compare the HVX to film.

The workflow for film is just very expensive. You get GREAT imagry, but at a cost. Processing, telecine, dubs...all add up. With the HVX you can review footage right away, toss what you don't want...know that you have the shot (instead of relying on a video tap for playback) and can begin editing right away. And the cost is minimal (beside the cost of the camera and cards). Hard drives for archiving are darn cheap.

SO really, the best look can be achieved with film, but the HVX is for those with a budget.

I agree with Shane 100%: Film is king - and will be for many years to come - for the best possible color and "look". No digi-cam whether it's the HVX, Cinealta or Varicam can compete with film.

If you're really, really good with lighting, composition and camera setups you can get a very "film-like" appearance from the HVX, but in no way can it be considered a film replacement. It's not even a contender.

If you have the budget and skills to shoot film, do it. If not, learn the HVX and see what it can do for you.

FILM, baby! FILM!

Being a film guy, I want all my video to look like film.

If there's any way to swing it, shoot S16. As mentioned, the cost is much greater, but if you know what you want, it will be worth the extra expense.

Based on some tests I had seen, the quality was comparable, especially in terms of resolution, colour and grain/noise. But, having worked with both 16mm film and HD digital video (JVC HD100), I personally choose digital. (In fact, I have a Bolex SBM I'm planning on selling now.)

I will admit 100% that film still has some advantages, particularly regarding latitude, but the advantages of working digitally outweigh those of film, IMHO.

Apples and Oranges... you should be asking Super16mm or Varicam/F950. The cheapest post workflow will be the Varicam and what I would recommend.



ash =o)

IMHO, the HVX's footage can look extremely close to Super16mm. extremely close if you shoot 1080p.

I prefer F900 and Varicam footage over S16, no doubt in my mind.

...and it costs A TON less...
...and it is 500% easier too shoot...

...and it is 500% easier too shoot...

For me it's pretty much the opposite ... lol

check out this thread at DVXuser. I think it is now so comparable that you'd be wasting time and money to get any marginal advantages from 16mm film:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50327&highlight=16mm+test