"Good" tripod, monopod, batteries (big) and sound equipment.

A good hardcase, that many of us are using, the "Workforce" briefcase style toolbox available at Lowes, Home Depot and maybe other places. It's an aluminum hardcase, padded interior with repositionable dividers. Another similar one I've found is the same type of case at Menard's, comes with the same padded interior, rounded outside edges and foam block interior for customizing holes for your equipment.

I'm using two of the Workforce boxes for my two VX-2000's, and accessories. These are only running approx. $19.95.

Also, the Canon WD-58 wide angle lens is a nice addition, screws right on, and now comes with it's own lens shade.

I got my VX2000 last fall. I'll tell you what I've wound up with:

Circular Polarizer
UV Filter
Optex Wide Angle Lens
Extra batteries:
2: NP-F750
1: NP-F960
Quick Charger (I cheated -- had it left over from my TRV20)
Lowepro MiniTrekker backpack
Hard Case (only $19.95 at Lowes!)
Sony HVL-20DW2 video light
Adorama monopod (also a left over from my previous kit)
Standard lens cap for the VX2000 (cuts down on size)
Standard rubber lens hood for the VX2000 (cuts down on size)
Thin circular polarizer for the Optex Wideangle
UV filter for Optex (warning: vignettes!)
Replacement strap (the one that comes with the camera is too short)

[edit]And, today I just ordered an ATR55 shotgun mike which, I think, and with the stuff mentioned below, leaves me covered for just about any audio situation.

That's strictly the camera stuff. I also got these for recording ambient sound, street performances, etc.:

Sharp MT-15 minidisk recorder
Sony ECM-MS907 stereo microphone (small handheld)
Vivanco EM-216 stereo lapel microphone

My whole kit fits nicely in the Lowepro backpack (except for the hard case, of course), travels very nicely, and provides everything I need for shooting high-quality video.

You might want to replace you UV with one from Tiffen.

Why?
 

I usually do nature video near where I live with my VX2000. When I shoot against a 100% clear and blue heaven I can see some noise. Why?

TIA

br

I don't see that with my PD150 when shooting outdoors. Are you using the ND filters when prompted by the camera?

I assume from your description that the sun is not in or just outside the field of view and the noise you describe is not flare, right?

P.S. Please edit your personal information and use your real name.

Members who are still using "handles" (which are no longer permitted, see the link in my signature below), are urged to update their signatures with their real names (click "user cp" button above, then choose "edit profile"). That way one of the admins can come through and update your username for you. Thanks,

bluerabitt, you have to give us more details. I've never even seen/heard noise from footage shot with a VX2000.

Yes I use ND filters when needed. May be my prior explanation is not correct. When I see the heavens in my NTSC monitor I can see it some (a little) grainy...The movie is not over or underexpossed, and I have not sun reflections...is just the pure blue "tropic" heaven. Any idea about?

Federico Prieto

Chris: mail sent......

One thing I've noticed with any lossy compression scheme is that the areas where you usually can really see artifacting is in big smooth colors. Is it possible that you're seeing DV artifacts and not camera noise?

Yes Brian; that is possible....I believe that it is what I see.

Thaknks

Question about vx2000 low lux mode
 

Recently, I was filming a band and the the light was very low so I decided to try the low lux mode under the ae function. While it gave a tremendous boost to the video in terms of brightness, it also made the band appear in slow motion.

What did I miss, forget to do? Does anyone here have experience using the low lux mode?

What is the best way to film in low light situations? Should I adjust the exposure and shutter speed manually and forget about the low lux mode? Or does it work with some setting that I forget to do?

Yes, forget about the low-lux mose. The band weren't in slow motion (you'll notice that the sound track was perfectly normal) but they were being filmed at 1/3rd or 1/6th sec. These slow shutter speeds are fine if that's the effect you're after, but in reality you're better off sticking to 1/50th, using the faster wide-angle end of the zoom and applying gain up.

tom.

Thanks Tom

how can I improve VX2000 audio?
 

Hi - I use a Sony VX2000 and want to find a way to improve the audio - I would like to attach a professional 3-pin mike like a Sennheiser, but I don't know if there is any kind of adaptor that can be attached to the camera to allow for this - any advice?

Perhaps look at the Beachtek and Sennheiser ME66/K6.

Improve VX2000 audio
 

Here are two options copied from my ever-present wish list:

 Studio 1 XLR-BP-PRO Replacing the original XLR-PRO, this beltpak version features two XLR inputs, switchable for mic/line, volume controls (attenuation), mono/stereo, ground lift, as well as 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch inputs (which you should be cautious about using). The box features DC blocking and almost no internal loss of mic signal (unlike certain other brands). It is less expensive than the original XLR-PRO boxes. USD$200 at http://www.equipmentemporium.com/audiofor.htm

 XLRH8/DV cable Adapts XLR to stereo mini, bridges audio over Left and Right camcorder channels to eliminate noise. Blocks any stray voltage at camcorder input. Note: Some miniDV camcorders may not require voltage blocking. However, most Sony's work best with this cable. http://www.equipmentemporium.com/audiofor.htm (USD$50)

Sony VX200 Horzional lines
 

I get short horizontal or fuzzy edges on moving people or things. Takes still pictures very clear. I have tried program scan and fast shutter speeds no help. Any advice? Clean the heads, take the camara in, or normal.
My daughter's ice skating competion looked so bad I can't watch it on TV. On the camara with the small picture you don't see the fuzzy edges.

This is not normal AFAIK.

Always a good idea to run the cleaning tape for 5 seconds and see what effect that has. Try a different tape.

If you have made adjustments on camera operation and want to get back to nominal, use the Reset button on the camera.

If the problem persists, I'd return it for service. Hopefully it is under warranty.

lines
 

New sony tape didn't fix it. Camara reset didn't fix it. Head cleaner ordered, comming in the mail.

what about faulty connection? such as a stressed cable?

Mike (and anyone else who'd like to add their 2 cents),

I have used your suggestions and have done a lot of further research on what audio equipment to get for the upcoming safari. You had suggested the Sennheiser MKE 300 but what would you think about the K6ME66 combo instead? That seems to be the top microphone suggestion in various other posts around the forum.

I did notice comments about reducing the output, both for the MKE 300 and the ME66, how is that done? Do I have to send it to Sennheiser or is there a attenuator that can be put in series with the mic or what?

I would also add the LightWave mini mount and windsock as wind noise is definitely present on safari.

Lastly, do you prefer a specific XLR adapter and/or cables. I am leaning toward the Studio 1 because overall the posts seem to a bit more positive as contrasted to the BeachTek.

Thanks for everything,

Jacki

The problem is that a microphone will not solve your problem. Ths shotgun, of whatever brand and quality, is sitting in the Land Rover, not with the Lions. So you are going to get Land Rover sound, not the crunch you are looking for. It's the inverse square law biting you here.

Even a parabolic reflector setup won't give you quality sound in this case.

The ME66 setup can be had with a reduced gain (the K6) amplifier. Order that one from the get-go. B&H probably can handle the order. I would not use a MKE-300 at all if I had a choice. Too flimsy and no way to put a fuzzy cover on it for wind protection.

My preference would be for an AT835B microphone which I think works as well as the Sennheiser and costs about $150 less. I believe it to be more rugged and less prone to overload in loud environments. But that is my choice and you may like something else.

As far as an XLR adapter goes, I would not use one. I'd just get one of the cables that has a condenser in series with the signal wire to block the DC voltage from the camera and let it go at that. The length of wire that will be unbalanced will be about the same and you won't have to put up with the adapter which is a pain. I thnk you can get those from Markertek or build your own according to the schematic furnished by Jay Rose in DV Mag. Go to the web site and search his articles for the diagram. Probably $20 worth of parts at radio shack.

The LightWave mount and fuzzy cover is a good idea and you will no have wind problems unless you stick the camera out the window at 60 mph.

sony vx-2000 concmer help
 

I would like to buy the sony vx-2000 but, I only have about $1700 to spend. Is there any place beside b@h that is secure and cheap to purchase this camera. I bought all the accesories for this camcorder already from b@h but, my budget is forcing me to bargain hunt for the actual camcorder. Help me in my search.

Unless you are incredibly lucky, the $1700 new VX2000 is not available. Most sub-$2000 deals are all gray market or bait and switch products AFAIK.

I think you got your priorities reversed if you purchased camera-specific accessories before you obtained the camera.

You should be able to purchase a low-use 2000 for that amount of money if you need the camcorder right now. One good place to look is in a Sony Outlet store. Some good bargains are to be had and the products usually come with a new-product warranty.

Michael, I believe someone on this sight posted a message saying they had bought the vx2k just to film his daughters wedding and was selling it afterwards in may. It seemes he is only gonna use it that one time. He mentionted he would sell it for less than $2000 including a couple batteries. Maybe one of the moderators could find his post. If I run across it again I'll let you know.
charles french

Peter Kulka in the classified section here. vx2k

Thanks 4 help
 

Thanks for the info--I used to use a friend of mine's vx-2000 so this is why I have the accesories mark but, thanks for all the useful info. I will check out classifieds as well.

On Camera Mic vx2k
 

The mic on this camera seems awful flemsy or cheaply attached. Does this mic come off the camera? I could find out the hard way and break it off but I figured I'd ask first.

Nope, it does not come off unless you break it or disassemble the camera. The reason it flexes is that is a shock mount to minimize noise transmission.

Isn't that a PAL VX2000?

You know, for all the beating on-camera mics take, I like this one. Of course I'm used to my old full sized Pana vhs recorder too. I shot an entire gymnastics meet from the grandstands, and I am really iimpressed with the quality of the sound I got from my VX2k.

Me too! Good to hear there's somebody else out there who's pleased with the on-board mic. It has its limitations, of course it does, but for a no-hassle run and gun recording it's absolutely fine.

tom.

My camcorder is NTSC

VX2000 vx. VX1000
 

Everyone complains about the Audio performance of the VX2000 but how its audio compared to the VX1000? I've used the 1000+BeachTek Adapter with rather good results. Would you say the VX2000 is worse than the 1000 in that regard??

For most uses, no.

vx2k stills
 

Has anyone gotten any good stills with the 2k. I've taken a few, some are better than others. Any suggestions on any required settings.

ty, charles

Rather than take stills to the Memory stick (which I presume you're doing) simply go into the menu and set the camera to Progressive scan. Now you have a motordrive still camera that will record 15fps for an hour or more, and not break sweat. You'll also record full stereo sound and you'll be able to choose the *perfect* moment from the timeline in post. Further, you won't have JPEG compression trying to squeeze lots of info into memory.

From a taking point of view, don't use the ND filters. Up the shutter speed so that you're shooting at the sharpest aperture - f4. Shoot in bursts if you like. When you've taken 30 pictures of a group of four people you'll get a much better print than the guy who took one picture on his mega-pixel Nikon.

tom.

vx 1000
 

ok, i have asked this about a 100000000 times but have never really been told the answer i guess.....anyways on the vx1000 i have been told that it doesnt have dv-in. now what does that mean? does it mean that i cant hook it up to my compter or whatever?


Thanks

The information you have is false for VX-1000's in the US. The connector is clearly marked DV In/Out and it works.

In Europe, the input was defeated for import duty reasons, I'm told.

Mike is correct (as usual). The (non-EU) VX1000 has dv in and out. DV in/out just means that it can record or playback a video signal over a firewire cable. You can connect the camera to a computer or another dv camera and playback or record.

The only thing that the VX1000 will not do is an analog to dv pass through. You can't use it to convert analog to dv like you can the VX2000/PD150 and most other newer DV cameras.