What light and what filters Jim? If the light's the 20DW-2 you might also want an NP-f960.

Re: NP-F750 batteries or "compatible" for VX-2100
 

<<<-- Originally posted by Jim Gunn : or should I just purchase the Sony brand batteries at full price elsewhere? -->>>

Sony really screwed me and I'm certain many others when they discontinued the 960 batteries before shipping the new 970s. I bought my PD170 from EVS about a month ago and they had just sold their last 960. I ended up ordering 2 third party batteries from J&R as EVS had nothing to offer and I had a wedding to shoot in less than a week. I talked to a salesman at EVS this week and he has no idea when Sony will ship the 970, plus I saw B&H has none in stock either.

Shame on Sony!

<<<-- Originally posted by Tom Hardwick : What light and what filters Jim? If the light's the 20DW-2 you might also want an NP-f960. -->>>

I ordered a Sony SOVF58M VF-58M 58mm Neutral Density Filter Kiit and also a Sony SOHVLS3D HVL-S3D 3w DC Hot-Shoe Video Light plus a bulb that runs off of the camera battery. I am looking forward to using this for daily use and also testing the low light performance of this camera at night in clubs and in the evening.

You've chosen the best low light camera you can get Jim and I'm sure you'll find it a lot better than the XL1 in that department. But by buying the VX2100 won't you miss the XLR inputs? Didn't you have the PD170 on your short list? I'd have thought that a better competitor for the Canon.

The 3w video light looks to be too small and too feeble, but I'd like to hear your report once you've used it. Nice that it uses the intelligent shoe but the 20+20 with a Lumiquest diffuser avoids the 'point-source-of-light' look that brings such sharp shadows.

Glad you got an ND. Out in ther sunshine the VX can certainly do with more ND than is supplied by the lens barrel switch.

tom.

The 3-watt will be a disapointment as it is uneven and way too low powered. I've had a couple for a while and they stay in the drawer unless I simply cannot light any other way and the quality isn't as important as the record.

Doesn't sound as if Mike would see the (3w) light at the end of the tunnel.

<<<-- Originally posted by Tom Hardwick : You've chosen the best low light camera you can get Jim and I'm sure you'll find it a lot better than the XL1 in that department. But by buying the VX2100 won't you miss the XLR inputs? Didn't you have the PD170 on your short list? I'd have thought that a better competitor for the Canon.


The 3w video light looks to be too small and too feeble, but I'd like to hear your report once you've used it. Nice that it uses the intelligent shoe but the 20+20 with a Lumiquest diffuser avoids the 'point-source-of-light' look that brings such sharp shadows.

Glad you got an ND. Out in ther sunshine the VX can certainly do with more ND than is supplied by the lens barrel switch.

tom. -->>>

The XL-1 doesn't have XLR inputs per se, although I have used two handheld mics plus the on-camera mic to record up to three channels of audio at the same time in night club and crowd shoots with two hosts with my XL-1.

As far as the PD-170, I won't work with a b/w viewfinder, period. I film a lot of documentary style videos and spontaneous footage and Ii want to see color like I do with my eyes. Give me color or forget it.

My friend had one of those small lights on his VX-1000 or 2000 and I liked it, so I'm sure I will get use out of this light and I like that it draws power from the camera battery. Anywayy, it's cheap, so I will probably buy another on-camera light eventually anyway.

960 batterey
 

Just got a 960 battery for $40 on Ebay.....

just look for the battery on ebay

its a buy it now so you don't have to bid on them

Are you certain it is a 'real' Sony battery and not one of the fakes?

Yes they are Sony OEM batteries... come in the same
blister pack and all....

I have two of them now..... $40 each... took about
two weeks to get them as they send them from Hong Kong


but if I had bought the batteries here in Dallas theywould
have cost me around $350... and I got these for $80 total.

I can look up the seller but it was batteries-007 or something close to that if not correct... should be easy
to find on ebay... again, buy it now option so no bidding

Jim,
I also just bought a PD170 and needed a battery ASAP so I got the CTA NP-F960 for 59.95 from B&H. I used it at a wedding, went all day with it and the camera displayed the battery use. No problems seen.
Bob

PD170 rejects battery
 

Purchased 2 Power 2000 ACD-607 (Li-ion) battery, substitute battery for Sony's NP-960L.

They are new batts. less than 1 month. Today my PD170 "rejected" one of the batteries.

After clicking in the battery and turning on the camera, the usual blue screen on the LCD and then a few moments later an ominous message came on the blue screen to the effect that it only uses Info-Lithium batteries and after a few more moments the camera shut down.

The other battery works fine, in fact since their purchase I have already used both batteries and recharged them at least twice .

For some unexplained reason the camera does not recognize the battery as an "Info-lithium" type battery.

If you'll indulge my personifying the camera a wee bit,it's as if the camera will sip just enough juice from the battery to flash a message that it doesn't like the taste of that battery, bye...bye...click...black LCD.

Any ideas, suggestions or similar experiences? If it's an inherant flaw in the battery, do you think B & H will exchange it ?

thanks,

Ken

B&H should. I've seen this before when the other battery makers don't quite get the 'looks-like' formula correct.

I ran into the same problem when I bought my VX-2100. Both 3rd party batteries that I had recently purchased and that I had been using successfully with my VX-2000 will not work with my VX-2100. They likewise will not work with the PD170 that I recently purchased. I have posted this information on this forum previously because it is a pain to buy batteries like this and not have them work. I think Sony decided to make the newer cameras pickier with respect to batteries to sell more of their own at inflated prices. Luckily you can now get genuine Sony batteries on Ebay for a reasonable price.

Battery question..
 

Hi I'll do a shot tomorrow with a VX2000 and I wonder if my batteries for my trv-19 are compatible with the VX.. (NP-FM50)

I expect the run time to be less..?

I'll also use a sony monitor.. What is the cable out conection from the cam??

Thanks.

No Alfred, you need NP-F... (without M) batteries. Outputs: Video (composite cinch), Y/C (Hosiden) and Firewire.

Thanks Andre, pity about the batteries.. (Firewire to connnect to monitor?? Is that possible?)


Thanks.

normally monitors don't have firewire (except for the latest and expensive models) so composite video or S-Video are the only choices.

Mike, what longest lasting battery do you recommend the most for the pd-170?

The big Sony batteries. They have the power and they (at least all mine have ) last a long time. I have Sony Li-On batteries that are 6 years old and still work well. The local college has some on VX-1000's that are over 8 years old.

I recently bought a "genuine" Sony NP-F960 on Ebay for about $40. It came in packaging that looked exactly like what you would see in a store in the US (Sony packaging). I thought it was a great deal until I tried to charge the battery and it stops charging at about 200 minutes (vs about 600 minutes on my other 960's). I have written to the ebay seller asking for an exchange, but no reply so far. I guess that is why I buy 90% of my stuff from B&H...

I have noticed that it is sometimes possible to get my 2100 and my 170 to accept a third party battery after initially rejecting it. If you recycle the power switch you can usually get the camera to accept the battery rather than giving the dreaded message. It isn't a reliable approach so I only resort to this if I am in a pinch. Normally I only use the third party batteries with my 2000, which doesn't complain at all.

VX2100 battery
 

hello, i have a gift certificate to amazon.com so i was wondering if this is a legit battery for the vx2100... i know that sony tried to eliminate the compatability with some of the 3rd party batteries but maybe one of you have tried this battery out, thanks

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00007LV4Z/qid=1104004229/br=1-10/ref=br_lf_p_10//103-1234096-0215030?v=glance&s=photo&n=11041781

I have several "incompatible" batteries that work fine with my VX-2000, but that generate a message when used with my VX-2100 and PD-170. The camera gives a message that the camera requires "Infolithium" batteries, then shuts down. However, if I flip the power switch off, then on again, the message does not reappear and the batteries appear to work properly. I believe that the message only appears when the battery is first placed on the camera, and then the camera turned on. The message never appears again if you leave the battery on the camera. Given that the batteries normally stay on the camera, this has turned out to not be much of an inconvenience.

New PD170 owner has a few questions.
 

I'd like to begin by thanking Chris Hurd and the whole dvinfo.net community for all the help and knowledge I've gained by my daily visits since a friend referred me here last year. It's sure nice to be able to research a problem or get the insight of much more experienced camera operators available here.

I received my order from B&H yesterday and am now the proud owner of a Sony PD170. My first impression of the new rig is that I'm very impressed with the low light capabilities but the added manual features will take some getting use to.

I ordered a Sony 1.7 Telephoto lens that is going back to B&H. When the zoom is at it's widest angle with this lens installed I get the corners of the view cut off. (I know there is a technical term for this but it escapes me at the moment.) This characteristic is unacceptable to me. I'll either buy another brand that does not do this or do without.

Is there another lens I should consider?

Of coarse the camera came with a small battery, but I would like to have 6-8 batteries as I will be traveling quite a bit. I purchased a NP-F770 today that boasts an 8hr recording time. I know the real world use I get out of it will be less.

Do you own any of the NP-F960's?
Are they worth the added expense?
And finally, where is a good place to order them at a good price?
Im also looking for a good dual/multiple charger with AC/DC power options.

I bought the Sony UWP-C1 wireless mic system and really like how the receiver unit came with an adaptor for mounting on the smart shoe.

I have the supplied mic for the camera plugged into Input1, the wireless mic into Input 2.
I have the Rec CH Selection set to CH1-CH2.
Input 1 Level is set to Mic, phantom power is On.
Input 2 Level is set to Mic, phantom power is Off.
Do I have this setup correctly?

I'm monitoring audio with a set of headphones and watching the db meter as instructed in several threads and articles found here. I'm hearing some interference or buzzing when the LCD is opened. (Though I shoot through the viewfinder 99% of the time.) I've read in a few places that the PD170 had a problem with this when it was first began shipping, but that the problem was resolved on later models. My serial number is 11123**.

I'm at a loss as to what causes this. Any ideas?

Finally, I need an on camera light for nighttime interviews in the outdoors. I've see the cheap 10w lights Canon sells but think I'll need more than that.

What would you suggest?

Sorry for the long post and multiple questions. Answer one or all at your leisure. Thanks again. I'm really excited about this new camera and this weekend it's getting put to the test for the first time. I'm helping a friend who has a new outdoor product shoot some footage outside for an instructional DVD he wants to include with the product.

Re: New PD170 owner has a few questions.
 

<<<-- Originally posted by Tyge Floyd : When the zoom is at it's widest angle with this lens installed I get the corners of the view cut off. (I know there is a technical term for this but it escapes me at the moment.) -->>>

I think "vignetting" is the term you're searching for. I'm not familiar with that lens for the PD/VX series, but I'm guessing you will experience something similar with just about any telephoto adaptor. To avoid that problem you would need a huge, heavy chunk of glass. Before returning the lens you should see if anyone knows of an adaptor which will not vignette at full wide... I tend to doubt that such a thing exists.

Also, you need to be aware that both the viewfinder and LCD panel "overscan" on the PD-170 and virtually all prosumer camcorders. This means that they don't show the entire video frame. So in reality I think you'll find that the tele adaptor vignettes before you get to the full wide zoom, but you just aren't seeing it in the viewfinder. Plug a professional monitor into the camera which has an "underscan" feature - that means it will show the entire 720x480 frame. If you don't have one, then capture a few seconds of footage to tape and import it into your editing software to have a look. That should also show you the full frame.

This is not generally a problem since all consumer TV's also overscan, however if you're going to project your footage on a screen or distribute via the web then you may find some unpleasant surprises that you didn't realize were in the frame.

battery
 

I too offer the same thoughts re tele-converters. Tele ad-ons will vignette at least part of the main lens zoom range. If using an ad-on (any) you should be aware of the limitations and only use it at towards the tele end of the camera's native lens. I have a Century Optics 2X.

Batterywise it is wise to have as much"power" as you anticipate using, but practicallity comes into play as well $$$$ . If you have several (2, 3?) high energy batteries AND a good traveling charger you should be set. I bought an Optex charger (model # Li2000) (It can also handle other brands/formats, Canon etc. , of LiIon batteries) to handle my batteries for the PD150 (same used for PD170) and the "M" series on my sony 828 digital. The charger comes with a house line adapter and also a 12v car adapter. Since it is separate from the cameras I can almost always be charging the required battery. It is small too so is easy to add to the kit. I am sure there are other similar units.

One more question addressed. Hopefully someone will jump in on the other subjects

Martin

Hey Tyge,

Congratulations on your PD-170 purchase. I would like to hook up with you sometime and compare the XL-2 and PD-170 side by side in a low light situation to see how the Canon stacks up. As far as the vignetting goes, I would echo what Boyd and Martin said. Just watch channel 8 news stories. There's at least one field camera that is showing vignetting. I see about 2 or 3 stories per newscast with this phenomenon. I will send you my cell phone # by private mail.

Have fun with the new camera!

=gb=

>>I have the supplied mic for the camera plugged into Input1, the wireless mic into Input 2.
I have the Rec CH Selection set to CH1-CH2.
Input 1 Level is set to Mic, phantom power is On.
Input 2 Level is set to Mic, phantom power is Off.
Do I have this setup correctly?<<

Look at the Rec CH Selection VERY CAREFULLY. Many people get confused by this. It is sending CH 1 input to BOTH CH1-CH2. Not something you want if you're using another mic in CH2. Set it to CH1 (which means the mic on CH2 will then go to CH2).

The rest of the Mic settings are correct for what you're using.

I use the Canon WD58 WA adapter and it does a pretty good job. There is some vignetting but it only becomes noticeable with vertical objects at the edges of the frame. At another wedding forum, there seem to be many other PD-170 owners using the WD58.

You might want to consider the new NP-F970. Two might be all you need.

I like the Frezzi micro-fill on board light. Expensive but dimmable from 35W, very small and lightweight. Just need a soft box for diffusion.

Good luck with your 170!
Bob

I think that if I had 6-8 970's that should get me through a couple of days of shooting before having to recharge. I have an assignment in the works that will put me in Zimbabwe for a month or more this summer and I'm worried about being caught over there without enough camera juice. There could be times when I'll be away from electric power for 2-3 days at a time, though I would presumably have DC or even inverter power possibly.

I talked to B&H and they are allowing me to return the Sony 1.7 lens. I'll put that money toward additional batteries for now. After some actual field use time behind the camera this past weekend I've just about decided the telephoto lens may be something I just will not need as much as I had originally thought.

I'm a lot more comfortable with the audio settings now. I did end up switching the Rec CH to CH1.

I'm still shopping for a lighting answer. Thanks for the input.

Craig, let's get together soon and see how these cameras compare in low light. I have to tell you I've been very impressed thus far. Shoot me an email to editor@texasoutdoorsman.com.

There is one thing about this camera I'm not at all happy with, the eyecup. It is very thin, flimsy and collapses backwards if I pull the camera into my eye like I like to. It drives me nuts and is virtually useless for my style of shooting. I'm already looking for another one but am not seeing much available.

<<<-- Originally posted by Tyge Floyd : There is one thing about this camera I'm not at all happy with, the eyecup. It is very thin, flimsy and collapses backwards if I pull the camera into my eye like I like to. It drives me nuts and is virtually useless for my style of shooting. I'm already looking for another one but am not seeing much available. -->>>

Try the I-CUFFDV viewfinder hood. EVS has them.
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EVS&Product_Code=ICUFFDV

Battery and Hum
 

Tyge:

The hum is an LCD flipout door malfunction that Sony (I believe) will repair. B & H may take it back.

I purchased an aftermarket 13 hour battery at B & H for $59.00. Just for regular shooting it goes for about ten to twelve hours. Not bad.

i have 3x960s, i don't think even one of them has ever run out on me during a shoot! they're great. the best thing about a camera at this level is you can get batteries that long that are cheap, small and last a long time. upgrade to a bigger cam, and you'll soon realise the pain batteries can be :)

and yes, the recording channels mode is very odd when you first use it, and makes little logical sense.. but when it "clicks" you realise just how good an idea it is.

Sounds to me as if you're describing barrel distortion rather than vignetting, Bob. (Canon WD58). If it really is vignetting (darkening the corners of the frame) then make sure you remove any filters before fitting the Canin w/angle.

tom.

Thanks Tom,
You're right...I meant barrel distortion, not vignetting.
Bob

battery or PD170 problem? help!
 

When I turn on my PD170, the battery power remaining shows something around 145 minutes. In less than one minute, it´s almost empty. It jumps from 145 minutes to that "almost no battery" sign, and then turns off.

When I attach the battery to the recharger, it shows around "2h47m" of battery life.

What might be causing it? If it´s a battery problem, do you think the better is solution is thinking about buying another one?

Almost forgot: this battery (Li-ion 5500ah~7.2V - NP-F960 from a brand called ENERGIA) has being used for about 8 or 9 months.

It sounds like the battery blew a cell. Either return it if you have a manufacturers warranty and get a new replacement battery or go out and buy a new replacement. Batteries do occasionally blow cells and when that happens you can't fix it.
Don

Don, you mean my battery won´t work beyond those 147 minutes?

No, I mean you're battery won't work for more than a few minutes if that. Once a battery blows a cell the battery is not going to hold a charge at all and will give false readings. This has happened to me once with another brand of battery for my 150s. You need to replace that battery with a new one.

Don