Probably more of a supply vs. demand.

I'm surprised there hasn't been a 270 yet. The 250 must still be selling well.

I've had a DSR250 for about 4 years. So far it's performed flawlessly. I don't use it as much as the DSR500, but there are certain situations where it is the best thing for the job. It is surprising that they are raising the price. I wonder if all the DVCAM stuff is going up.

All cameras have gone up 5% in the last month.

JVC had a deal last month on their JVC GY DV5000 which included a 16X lens and rebate-price 4600-4700K

It is now 5600K for the same camera. YIKES!

Even at $5600, that's still not a bad price for a 1/2" chip camera. Of course, you have to spend another $1500 or so for batteries and a charger, but still it's a lot less than a DSR370.

The 250 is a 1/3" chip camera, exact same opticals as the PD-150

The 250 was a decent deal at $4200 or whatever B&H used to price it at but not now. In buying a large camera you're making an investment. I would tend to go for broke and spend the extra on the Ikegami HL-DV7W Professional 2/3" 16:9 DVCAM Camcorder. It's currently $11,000 at B&H and is a significantly better deal than the Sony DSR570 (unless you can find a good deal on a 500). Sure you still have to spend another 5K in a lens and batteries but at least those are transferrable. Also you're getting a 2/3" 16:9 camera that will carry you over for the HD transition. Figure you can get at least 5 years out of the Ikegami whereas the dsr250-dsr390 will be obsolete in 3 years. I wouldn't spend any more than 5K on a 4:3 camcorder right now and that's pushing it.

I think you may be overly optimistic about the rapid acceptance of 16:9, but I hope you're right. I don't really give a damn about HD, but I would be one really happy camper if the world would convert to 16:9 overnight. Once you've shot 16:9 with a DSR500 or equivalent Ikegami, it's really difficult to shoot 4:3 again (but alas, I have to all the time).

Does anybody know of any camera (the same type we are talking about) that would use my large collections of Nikkor lenses?

I have several "BIG GUNS", too bad can't use them shooting video, yet.

Wouldn't hesitate paying $10K or more for a camera like that. Presume it would be 1/2" or 2/3" CCD of course.

It is possible to buy Nikon adapters which allow you to use the lenses on a 2/3" chip camera with the standard B4 mount, ie., all of them that I know about. Nikon used to sell two--one for their wider angle lenses and a different one for the longer lenses. Your equivalent focal length would be a lot different than what it says on the lens when using it with a 2/3" chip camera. I can't remember the exact amount, but more than double, I think.

Back when I shot 16mm I had a Nikon adapter for my CP16-R, and I used my 50mm micro Nikkor all the time for tabletop copystand work, and I used the 200mm once for a really long telephoto shot.
Last time I checked, which was several years ago, the Nikon adapters were several hundred bucks. Probably somebody else makes them too. I don't know of any for 1/2" chip cameras, but it's possible there is one.

Century Optics makes an adaptor for Nikon to Sony 1/2" mount. It costs around $800 IIRC. You have to call them to get any information.

You do understand that a film-camera lens is not optimized for video, right? That's why they don't use them on HD cameras. The lens are designed for a curved film plane.

That said, since using a 35mm lens on a 1/2" camera only uses the center of the field, they should give OK results on SD cameras.

Thanks, will check it out.

Now if I can find something to shoot with my 800/5.6 w/o being accused of a moral or "John Ashcroft" crime...

Just don't caught by the Justice Department aiming that long lens at a statue that has bare boobs. Ashcroft doesn't like that at all, y'know.

Velcro coming Off DSR250
 

Anybody has this trouble?

The velcro (for wireless transmitter) on my DSR-250 Sony batteries, BP-L40 or whatever, comes off after a few weeks. Especially if I leave the transmitter there when not in use. But w/o it still come off after a while.

Does anybody use any glue (beyond what's on the velcro) to stick to the battery? I am sure the smooth surface of the battery has something to do with it. I don't really want to put superglue or anything permanet on the item, but can't continue to spend money on velcro.

I have industrial velcro on my batteries (the stuff that is not at all soft, sort of like a stiff plastic brush) and it does not come off.

Have to clean the battery surfaces with alcohol before attaching the velcro.

Superglue is not appropriate for this type of application.

Industrial grade Velcro is a must. You can buy it in random lengths off 2-inch wide rolls at a large fabric and sewing supply store. Don't touch the sticky layer and put it down in the right place on the first try. If you peel it up just once, it'll never stick as well. I use lens cleaning solution to prepare the surface, as common rubbing alcohol has a wax additive that leaves a residue that interferes with the bonding. Make sure that all the old goop from past Velcro applications is removed. Press it down at all points thoroughly for several minutes. If you do it right, it'll stay put for years. When you remove the attached items, use a rotating motion, rather than a straight-up pull, to reduce
strain that might cause it to start peeling.

Steve McDonald