I spent some time last night doing some research and the way I think I will be going is:

2 Dionic 90 batteries (5 hours on HD100U per manual) to keep it light, since the 160 weighst almost 4lbs and the 90 only about 1.5lbs;
A Quad2702 Charger;
The QRJVC7/14HDV to connect it all.

Should run about $2000 for all. BTW It beats the $5000 that it would cost for the P+S breakout box and that is without batteries (which run about $1000), so I think I'll save close to $4000K. I can live with that =)

Thanks Charles,

I spoke to the tech guy at ZGC a few weeks back and he told me there is a cable out there that you can connect to the Mini35 into something else, so I find out on Monday, then get with you if it needs modification.

Brian:

The P+S breakout box does quite a bit more than provide a way to power the system from a different battery system. The video distribution circuit will allow the use of external viewfinder/onboard monitor (critical for balanced handheld work with most cameras) as well as cabling to a broadcast monitor. Currently one must use a T-splitter or external VDA to achieve this, which results in signal loss with the former and inconvenience with the latter. The viewfinder support allows the use of high-res CRT viewfinders which are still the best way to visually ensure accurate focus, very important with a shallow DoF system.

And the additional power outs are helpful with other accessories that may be incorporated down the road. Many folks working with small-format video have camera setups that involve numerous batteries across the system; an example would be a camcorder with it's own battery sitting on a stabilizer that uses a monitor with its own battery on the back; a wireless receiver with internal 9 volt perched on the back of the camera and maybe a video light with its own battery sitting on the top of the whole mess. Part of the problem is that this class of camera have settled on 7.2v as a standardized operating voltage, where most other accessories are 12v (the batteries themselves are usually listed as 14.4v these days). Obviously the problem here is having a phalanx of batteries and chargers handy, and having to keep tabs on the charge status of all. You have obviously identified the folly of having multiple batteries on the Mini35 also!

But I digress. The setup you describe is a good one, and if you don't need the additional management of the breakout box, you'll be in good shape. $5K is really a bit much for that piece (it cost me about half that to have mine designed and built, and that was at pretty premium rates). Again, realize that you will need to tap into the internal voltage converter of your AB adaptor which may void the warranty unless there's a sneaky back way to do it (Tim, you have one--any thoughts on this?) Possibly you could swap the hot lead out to the Powertap connector which would avoid drilling holes in the adaptor, but it would be nice to keep that 12v service for wireless mikes or the hard drive recorder, etc.

Nate, which Blackmagic card did you use? Also did you record it on to miniDV tape and take it home to capture/edit?

HD Pro Single Link. I didn't use it to capture, only to be able to monitor properly for color-correction.

Are you asking if I recorded to HDV? I did.

Hi Nate I checked the DeckLink website for the card you used, but can't find it. Do you have the exact model number? I assume this will work for me too. I need one myself to view HD with my new Sony Monitor. Also, do you use the HD100U camera to capture?

thanks

Nate, tell me if I am wrong but did you use the Decklink to monitor out of FCP after you had captured in via firewire? If so can you use a decklink to monitor out of adobe/pinnacle?

Brian:

The Decklink site is a little hard to follow if you don't know what you need. You want "DeckLink HD Pro 4:2:2" for $995. There is no model number. The lesser cards have no analog out. The more expensive card has dual-link, which is overkill for most folks.

If you have about $800 more available to spend, the Kona LH is the card to have. It allows analog capture and more flexible software drivers.

Sean:

You got it right. Decklink, in a PC, is only compatible with Premiere Pro I believe.

nate where can i see your video?
 

Nate is there a copy of the video you shot with the jvc and mini 35 available?
I went to your website but wasn't sure if it's up yet.
Please let me know
thanks
sharlto

Nate's video that was shot with the JVC and 35mm adapter is on his site... its in the link where reel is... its the first one on the top left(a man screaming) is the little photo on the link.

Nate, Don't you want to capture digtally? I guess the outputs from the HD100 are analogue, correct? What if you use the harddisk? Can't that allow you to capture in digital full uncompressed resolution. You know I am new to this, so bare with my questions please. Looking into the Kona right now.

Well nate did capture digitally via the Firewire, but the camera can out uncompressed HD analog, someone correct me if I am wrong but to use a decklink card you you need a HD-SDI convertor.

I want to see it!! all your mac.com homepage pics don't work, says they can't be found...

I had to change the URL on the production pics because a Static-X fan site found them, and kids were making all sorts of inaccurate speculation about the video because of them. (hrm, sounds like here and another camera right now!)

http://homepage.mac.com/nweaver/Sites/PhotoAlbum42.html

The video can be seen here:

http://homepage.mac.com/nweaver/Sites/dirthouseext.html

sick dude.

so what are your thoughts on using the 35mm system on that camera in HD? how does the 1280x720 master look for softness and grain amount?