plastic or metal? at DVinfo.net

Philip Fass · November 25th, 2010, 07:10 AM

Just curious, are most high-end camcorders (around $25 - 80 K) built with plastic bodies? It seems like they couldn't be metal, given low weight for their size.

Brian Drysdale · November 25th, 2010, 07:39 AM

They're often a combination of metal and plastic components, although the main chassis is metal. Some cameras, like RED have all aluminium bodies.

Andy Tejral · November 25th, 2010, 08:56 AM

I believe the chassis of most pro camcorders is magnesium.

Quoth wikipedia "The second application field of magnesium is electronic devices. Because of low weight, good mechanical and electrical properties, magnesium is widely used for manufacturing of mobile phones, laptop computers, cameras, and other electronic components."

Philip Fass · November 25th, 2010, 11:37 AM

Much below the price range I gave, I'm guessing the HVX-370 is mostly plastic?

Brian Drysdale · November 25th, 2010, 01:26 PM

Not having used it, but I'd assume the central chassis is metal. You need a rigid structure for mounting the camera onto the tripod and the lens mount, which acts as a support when the camera is hand held. It's usually items like the V/F housing that get made out of plastic on the cheaper ENG style cameras.

The correct plastic can be an extremely effective, robust material used properly.

November 25th, 2010, 07:10 AM	#1
Philip Fass Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, VT Posts: 397	plastic or metal? Just curious, are most high-end camcorders (around $25 - 80 K) built with plastic bodies? It seems like they couldn't be metal, given low weight for their size.

November 25th, 2010, 08:56 AM	#3
Andy Tejral Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 523	I believe the chassis of most pro camcorders is magnesium. Quoth wikipedia "The second application field of magnesium is electronic devices. Because of low weight, good mechanical and electrical properties, magnesium is widely used for manufacturing of mobile phones, laptop computers, cameras, and other electronic components." __________________ Andy Tejral Railroad Videographer

November 25th, 2010, 07:39 AM	#2
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	They're often a combination of metal and plastic components, although the main chassis is metal. Some cameras, like RED have all aluminium bodies.

November 25th, 2010, 11:37 AM	#4
Philip Fass Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, VT Posts: 397	Much below the price range I gave, I'm guessing the HVX-370 is mostly plastic?

November 25th, 2010, 01:26 PM	#5
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	Not having used it, but I'd assume the central chassis is metal. You need a rigid structure for mounting the camera onto the tripod and the lens mount, which acts as a support when the camera is hand held. It's usually items like the V/F housing that get made out of plastic on the cheaper ENG style cameras. The correct plastic can be an extremely effective, robust material used properly.