I find it hard to believe there isn't a shop in California that would have any or ALL of these cameras in stock for him to compare. You know Hollywood is out there and that's where most of the film/video stuff happens. New York is just a big port and is the logical place to have a big warehouse for goods that are being imported. It would cost almost as much to fly to NY and stay for a few days to look at cameras as it would to just buy the camera and throw it away if you didn't like it. (airfare, hotels, food, transportation etc.)

I didn't know he was in CA...try Promax or Samy's in L.A.

Or our sponsor, Express Video Supply in Glendale. Tell Rush and Cody hello for me,

If you were in the market for a camera ?
 

Ok - the way I see it , everyone who's keeping up with the market knows no one is buying a camera before nab - but , that aside , the way it's rounding up is :
1) a sony pal model dcr- hc90 ( 16:9 ,shoots 25p and is tiny & cheap ) - 9 bills
2) a sony dsr-pdx10 ( great 16:9, great audio , sony pro div ) 16 bills
3) a dvx ( still, I'd like one even after 2 years ! ) about 30 bills
4 ) an fx1 ( the camera I'd buy if I had any sense and didn't want to spend another 17 bills more ) - about 32 bills
5) a Z1 - the camera of the moment- 49 bills
6) the future is unknown - but I could easily wait until NAB , but I don't think my budget could expand past a Z1 so why think about the pany and jvc cameras ! ( of course they could come in around 50 bills but I doubt it )

so , I think the toss up is the dvx or the fx1 - only about 2 bills difference . Any opinions ?
( all pricing based on a good online seller and relative to each other )
thanks for your comments - Kurth

I've pondered this too, and although it costs more I think the z1 would be my choice. The PAL and NTSC are reason enough for me, even if I never shoot HDV. Not ready to take the plunge just yet though.

I already have a PDX-10 and have been very happy with it for two years. I paid $2,200, but at $1,600 it's quite a deal. It has its quirks, but once you get used to them it can deliver pretty impressive 16:9.

Also consider that the FX1 and Z1 might come down in price a bit after NAB in response to whatever new models are introduced.

Boyd - that's why the pdx10 is on the list. Of course if I was wealthy , I'd like one of each , please. And yes , the Z1 is the camera of the moment and I'd like to hear good justifications for going for it over the fx1. I've been reading the posts and I like what I read about cf30. If one stays in one world and doesn't need xlrs' , I think the fx1 , at about 1700 less is a bargain. What do you think about just using a mini-plug shotgun like the sennheiser mke 300 ? I don't like the idea of the added buld from a beachtek. I was rather disappointed that sony didn't make that hotshoe on the fx intelligent but it was probably intelligent of them because I could have used the adapter with my pd100 to give me xlr. then there's the subject of the dvx. I've found it online from decent vendors , with rebate and MB editors , for as little as 26 bills. And there is something to be said for the idea resolution isn't everything. But the problem is if one buys now and doesn't buy into HDV , then one could have regrets in a year when moneys' short and another year must be calendared before another purchase. I've also read a post by Nattress on another forum that his tests using filmeffects 2 on fx1 footage is 16mm quality. Now Mr. Nattress is one of those of those posters that always gets my attention so , with FE2 on 60i material for 24p and cf30 mode for staying digital, is that enough ? Yes I know the ability to shoot 50i cf25 is lost unless using a pal model or the z1 , but is that worth $1700 ? thanks for reading - Kurth

I agree, the FX-1 is a great value. Like their other cameras though, they've crippled the firmware. Things which sound like nice upgrades on the Z1 (off the top of my head)

PAL/NTSC
XLR's
Split channel level controls
underscanning viewfinder/LCD
customizable peaking colors
ability to turn off all the screen overlays (this REALLY bugs me on the PDX-10)

Yeah the DVX looks great too, especially if you can get it that cheap. Just wish it was native widescreen. I suppose you also have to consider the XL2 if you're willing to spend $5,000...

thanks Boyd - you always make good points that require further thinking- k

Wait a few weeks. Prices could come down. There could be a new DVX with 16.9 native. It may become obvious why HDV is at risk of being an orphan format.

Sure, anything could happen and I agree that this is a bad window to make any video related purchases (I want to upgrade to a newer version of FCP but am putting that off until NAB).

However, Panasonic's Jan Crittenden has categorically denied that there will be a major upgrade to the DVX-100a in several posts here. She has stated however that the DVX-100b is coming and the only significant change will be compliance with some Euro regulations about toxic materials using in consumer products.

But I guess we'll just have to wait a few weeks to see how it plays out.

Kurth,


In spite of my initial enthusiasm for an HDV camera, I ended up buying a PDX10 recently. And I think it will always be an excellent B camera when I go into HDV later on.

The points Boyd raises are probably the most important to get as a plus in the Z1, and I would probably add black level adjustment to it.

But I don't think the XLR inputs are that important. I have been an external preamp defender for a long time in these forums, and I continue to be even after my PDX10 purchase.

You can use the mini-plug input on the FX1 if you get a proper cable that you should leave forever plugged in. The connector can be screwed in, so it won't suffer the worst 1/8" plug malady that is wiggling when plugged in. If you screw/unscrew it every time you use it, the threads and internal springs will wear out.

Disregard the MKE300 mic, as it's really a toy mike. Get a proper hypercardioid mic with XLR output placed on a proper suspension that is a bit away from the camera. I use the Bracket A, but you can get any other. That and the elastic suspension will allow you some pointing of the mic and cut some camera or handling noises.

A note though: the camera is the worst place for your mic to be in. The mic should be closer to your subject and placed at the right angle, which is usually 45 degrees from above. For that you will need a mic stand or a mic person. If you are alone and interviewing, try to get your mic closer to your subject, even if you have to place it on a bench or something.

If you can get an active external preamp/mixer, that will inject line or mic level signals into the FX1. Having separate pots for each mic will allow you finer adjustments, instead of the camera pot. The place the camera pots are allows very little adjustment during shooting, and an external preamp can help there. Beachtek has passive and active models.

The image quality between the FX1 and Z1 should be the same, only the adjustments are better on the latter. You can still get superb results from it.


Carlos

thanks Carlos - great response . My thoughts are I would hate to bulk up the fx anymore but you're right about the bt having more available hands on control. I already have a good audio technica 835 ( i believe is the # ). Today I want to check into prices for matteboxes and follow focuses. My thinking is .... a bare z1 or a beefed up fx1 ( maybe I'll start a new thread over there with that ques )? And your absolutely right about the pdx10. It's always been , since I decided about 6 months ago to buy a new camera, in the running as 16:9 is my most important feature (if Nattress only had his uprezzing plugin ready ). And , as with John , I would definitely be interested in a native 16:9 dvx but I agree with Boyd on that one . However I'm probably not going to make my decision before mid april anyway and if the new panasonic came in cheap ( in the z1 range )w/o p2 cards then that could swing my vote. But , like you said , that little sony at $16 bills is now a real deal and probably all I need . Truth be told, probably all I need is the little sony hc90 , that has a true 16:9 and 30p. I'm a firm believer in content 90% - image 10%. However , it's so much fun shopping for toys/tools. thanks for your responses guys. Kurth

HD1 died, any ideas? + need cheap cam FAST!!
 

I had a power spike or something late last night. I had my HD1 on the AC charger going into a UPS (comp is on a seperate UPS) and it even tripped that up. Lights got brighter for a split second (one lightbulb blew in the house) and then everything shut off. The cam UPS never switched into battery mode. When the power came back on, the HD1 wasn't working. Not sure what to do I just let it sit and went to bed (mainly to avoid panic*). Now this morning, it's still doesn't turn on - in either Play or Cam mode, on battery or AC. The UPS it was on is working fine (unplug it from the wall, it makes it's chirp and keeps things running).

Does anyone have anything at all I can try? Is there a settings battery inside that I can try pulling out? Maybe it's 'CMOS' or something got borqed? AIEEE


* I've got a bouldering/rock climbing gig this weekend I'm supposed to be taping ($$$, hotel, etc).

What is the absolute cheapest rock bottom *decent* cam that I can run out and buy at the local Best Buy or Circuit City within the next few hours. I've got a Ritz nearby as well, but that's about it (Columbia, MD area if anyone can recommend me a shop). I've seen the GS-120 for $500ish. I know they usually have the Opturas as well.

Thank you thank you thank you...

*avoids panic*

No experience with either the HD1 or cheap single chippers, but you should call your electric utility company and file a report. If you can document/corroborate your power spike problems you may be able to collect some damages from them.

Sounds like there's probably some sort of internal fuse in the camera that's blown...

LOVE the desk Boyd..really nice..

Sorry, I'm not sure what that means...?

Maybe you could rent a camera? If you need an item for a few days most rental places will give you 3-day weeks or things like that (pay for 3 days, have the camera for 7).

For a consumer-type camera renting may not be that economical. If the client is important you might want to rent a professional-looking camera so they feel good about spending their money on you (consumer cameras aren't inspiring).

2- Best Buy and Circuity City likely have decent refund policies, so I suppose you can return the camera if you qualify for a refund. Keep the original receipt and things like that. Plus, those stores are usually overpriced (unless it's open box). I'll stop giving hints now.

Thanks all for the responses!

Actually a friend of a friend ended up bring a GL2 so the weekend was saved...

I went out today and bought a GS150 for my own personal replacement (plus a full compliment of 37mm filters and lenses). I love the HD1 hdv (even w/ the quirky controls) and I was thinking about replacing it with the same, but I decided to hold off until the next round of cams come out. The Sony doesn't interest me (interlaced, not progressive) and JVC and Pana seem to have something in the wings.

In the meantime, I've contacted the insurance co and the power co and I'll see what I can do with that, but ultimately the weekend worked out fine. Nothing like have unforseen catastrophe at the absolute last minute to really test your abilities under stress ;)

Which camera is for me?
 

There are so many camera choices out now that Im not really sure which camera I wanna go with. Im mainly going to shoot sports footage, autoracing, outdoor events, hunting/fishing footage. Im not interested so much in 24p because Im not looking for an indie film camera. Im leaning toward the FX1 because of picture quality but some drawback are no XLR inputs and lack of HD delievery. Ive also heard of some blurring when panning the FX1. I'd like to get some input on what everyone thinks which camera would fit my needs. If it means anything Im editing on AVID Xpress Pro.

Thanks,
Andrew

Unless you have clients DEMANDING HD, then your choice is the Canon XL2.

I still prefer an old XL1 for sports shooting over Panasonic and Sony's offerings.

Try the Sony DSR PD 170, if anything else then for its easy maneuverability. Fantastic picture, too, but then again, I own that and an XL1s.

best travel/vacation camera
 

A theoretical discussion:
During my last vacation, my little Canon ZR40 proved woefully underpowered. Not wide enough lens, not enough low light picture, so-so sound. The only thing it was really good at was being small enough to put in my cargo pants pocket and shoot inconspicuously in places I maybe shouldn't have been shooting.

This is what I'm looking for in a travel camera:
Very good picture quality.
A wider lens.
Big telephoto not as important, but a good image stabilizer is.
Very good low light performance.
Good sound with the on-board mic.
Small size is preferable, but if it won't fit in my pocket (and I realize it likely won't) then I don't care how big it is -up to a point (XL2 too big).
Must have shoe mount.
Some manual control would be sweet.
HDV would be nice for future considerations, but not essential since it limits my choices.
Widescreen would be nice, but not essential.
24p not needed.

What would my perfect travel/vacation video camera be?

funny you should ask..i just bought my travel camera

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=42405

camcorder w/ best quality under $1200?
 

I am not sure where to put this thread but is there any kind of concensus, or could I have suggestions as to which camcorder right now $1200 and under has the best looking video quality overall, even to use for say a cable television/satellite show, etc?

Just overall the best looking video - color, resolution, etc.

Thanks for any suggestions,
John Haskins

is that new or used? because i might be tempted to get any used 1/3 3 chip cam with full manual then a new anything without it...

I got a Panasonic GS400 for about your $1200 mark. With the exception of some manual control, it's 3-1/4" ccd's give me an image like my friends GL2. The only real problem with the GS400 is that the exposure wide open doesn't compete with my VX2100...not even close.

For the price point, you could hunt up a used VX2000...

camcorder performance, cable/satellite/greenscreen
 

Thanks for the comments so far.

Also, is it an ABSOLUTE that a 3 chip DV camcorder, even a 1/6 inch ccd 3-chip, is better for greenscreening than any 1 chip, say like a Canon Optura? or is this not always the case?

Thanks,
John

I've been seeing used Canon Gl1's for around the $1000 mark. Not sure how it compares against the GS400.

I've been carrying a Sony PC110 around for a long time now and really like it. Not great in low light but I've used it out with the police at night. They really like the super night shot where we can look deep into back yards without shining an obvious light on them.

The megapixel still camera does quite well and, of course, the newer 3 megapixel models would be even nicer.

The on-board microphone is fairly good but I carry an inexpensive Sony Stereo microphone as well.

I have a Century WA adapter that is incredibly sharp at all zooms.

The image stabilizer is very effective.

I use this camera as an Altar Camera for weddings. The brides really like the different POV. It cuts well with my PD150 and DSR-300 footage as long as the light doesn't get too dim.

Did I mention it is rugged and because of the bottom-opening tape compartment, fairly well sealed against dust and the misfortunes of the environment.

I find that stealth is important on vacation as is size. I wouldn't bring my PD-150 along as it is way too big.

My previous vacation camera was a Sony 3300 Hi-8. It was fairly small as 8mm cameras go but it was a bit too large to schlep around Europe.

Hawaii vacation - which camcorder
 

I will be heading to Hawaii this summer for two weeks with my family - vacation time. I'm trying to decide if I should take my Canon GL2 camcorder, or my Sony DCR TRV10. The Canon is a better camcorder, but it's definitely larger. Has anyone out there done a Hawaii vacation with their camcorder? Any advice?

I have done it half a dozen times, the last time with my Sony FX1 - a rather large camera.

The fact is that you really don't stray too far from a car or some form of transportation all that often. So it does not really matter that the camera is large. Unless you are planning on taking it under water, which camera is really a no-brainer. Take the better one. If you are going to take it on a small boat, you might want to give some thought to taking one that you won't mind losing.

Which island are you going to?

maui and the big island. We'll be doing some hiking.

Then the most imprtant thing is to find a comfortable bag to carry the camera in.

I will be going to Greece in a few weeks and I think I finally found a bag just big enough for the camera. I don't want to carry everything with me every day. Just the camera and a polarizing lens. And one extra tape.

2 years ago I was in Maui doing a corporate job-seminars, some around the pool, some inside etc :-)...anyway since my wife was with me and we were there for 10 days we figured we use some of the down time to explore on our own. Great fun! Point is I had a PD150 with me at ALL times. I used it for the paying work and also for my own purposes. I didn't feel it was too big or awkward at all.

AAMOF, goning back next year to the big island for the same company to do the job again! Can't wait!

Don

If it was me I would take the smaller and cheaper one.

1. You can be more relaxed about shooting.
2. Your wife and kids(?) can use it easily too. Vacations are supposed to be fun. Maybe you will find another movie-maker in the family?
3. It is easier to bring with you when you take that helicopter trip around Maui.
4. Easier to take with you when you ride bicycles down from the top of Haleakala.
5. Easier to hide in your car or hotel room. It will not attract undue attention to your stuff.

On the other hand, if you frame some really good shots, you might wish you had your better camera. It is a tough decision. I carry both, since I use my little camera to rewind and tension tapes for my Sony FX1. If I actually needed the smaller one, I would have it anyway. It fits in the bag with my FX1, as does my still camera. But the bag is too heavy for hiking.

i recently took my gl2 to oahu, and i purchased a splash bag (underwater housing) for it, thinking that i would try my hand at some underwater video.

the best thing about the splash bag turned out to be how it protected my camera from sand, not water. i could keep the camera out on the beach and capture footage at will, without worrying about sand infecting it.

out of the water, the bag's lens viewer actually functioned as a warming filter and helped me film some beautiful shots of the kids. it was only a vacation video, but the skin detail was outstanding.

for beach use, i highly recommend a splash bag.

Advice for durable, light, quality cam.
 

Total newbi hear who needs advice on an upgrade.

I am just a hack videographer who really enjoys making vids of the backcountry ski trips I have been doing this year. But my silly Canon ZR80 needs to be upgraded.

I am looking for a durable 3ccd cam that is not huge, relatively light, and will shoot a better image than my Canon. I was thinking the Panasonic AG DVC30 might fit that bill. I also don't want to spend 5 grand on a cam because the places I go, they tend to see some heavy abuse.

Any opinions?

To give you an idea of the terrain we are filming, watch a couple of these hacker vids I have made this year.

http://fritzrips.com/pfeifflow.wmv

http://fritzrips.com/twinpeakslow.wmv

Thanks in advance. Great forum here.

I hear good things about the DVC-30 also. Only drawback is the lack of a high resolution 16:9 mode. You might also consider the Sony PDX-10. It has XLR inputs, a short shotgun mike, DVCAM recording, BW viewfinder and shoots excellent 16:9. B&H is selling for $1,600 after rebate.

Panny gs-400. Small, lightweight, manual focus and iris ring, 4MP camera too.