Re: Camera rig for DOCUMENTARY filming
 

I'm starting to think about an HPX501. Because if I think about it here in Slovenia the market isn't really demanding (picture quality/resolution wise) - so the low rez chips shouldn't be such a problem. And the 501 can be bought for less than 10k now days...
The only problem with the 501 would be for the big screen. There I could use a full raster chip - something with 1000 tv lines of rez...

Anyway the 3100 is a dream and is going to stay for a while. And as for the 50Mb codecs, why not 100Mb intraframe? I for one really appreciate an I-frame codec and am allergic to gop coding:)

Re: Camera rig for DOCUMENTARY filming
 

I have heard very good things about the 500 and a lot of people really like it, I have also considered getting one myself as they are very good value at the moment and if you don't need full HD they make some very nice pictures. You can also get away with putting some of the nicer SD lenses on them and they will still give you a good form factor camera with 2/3" chips and P2. Like you I do not like long gop coding and the 371 and the 3100 are my current personal choices for HD shooting.

Re: Camera rig for DOCUMENTARY filming
 

Yes the 501 could be a nice cam for docu's. It would pay for it self very quickly because of the low price. Even if it would be used only for let's say 2 docu's there wouldn't be any loss of funds. But I've been searching a bit and couldn't really find any 501 out there...

Re: Camera rig for DOCUMENTARY filming
 

The 501 is a rare camera in the UK as most people like me use the 2700 or 3700, there are a few NTSC ones for sale but it may be that you find it hard to get a PAL one.