My Problem With My XDCAM - Help!

Don Bloom · December 18th, 2009, 09:33 PM

I suggest we all wrap aluminum foil around our heads to ward off the evil camera spirits that makes us spend our money on needless things like Nanoflashes, light kits, tripods, wide angle lenses, media cards, etc etc etc.

As for the boss issue (wife) tell her to go shopping. Anything she wants. You know she'll get sensible things, not big screen LED TV, Nanaoflashes, light kits, tripods etc.
When she gets home and see's all the things your camera(s) made you buy, simply tell her, "but honey, it was on sale". At least that's what my wife always says to me.

May the force be with you!

Tony Newman · December 18th, 2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Luce

Kevin, get rid of the wife. She jeopardizing your relationship with your camera. No marriage is worth that. That's the sacrifice most of us have made here.

I laughed my a$$ off! My wife laughed too! I appreciate the humor of this entire thread. I think many of us are in the same boat... -Tony

Paul Inglis · December 19th, 2009, 09:52 AM

When I read the Kevin’s post I though he was reading my mind, but I now realise that all XDCAM EX babes are telepathic and we’re all done for!

I so wanted a nanoFLASH for my EX-3 and the nanoFLASH needed a 4-Pin Hirose to D-Tap and thought I’d get the 4-Pin Hirose to XLR while I was at it, along with some HD-SDI Cables and a Cold-Shoe Tripod Mount. Then they demanded I power it too and asked for a Protech ST-7 Shoulder Mount and it’s accompanying Protech DC-EX3 Power Supply Cable, which needed three BNC Thin Patch Cables as well as a Sony VCT-14 Quick Release Tripod Plate not to mention; IDX Endura 10 Lithium-Ion Starter Kit (Supplied with: 1 x VL-2Plus Charger, 2 x E-10 Endura Batteries and 1 x Power Supply Cable).

Oh, then they demanded Sandisk CF cards and I sighed with relief as everyone was happy. But…

…oh no! It need a 7” HD Monitor with HD-SDI in as well to monitor the footage from the nanoFLASH.

Surely that must be it…

…nope, now they all want shorter cables!!! Just to look more sexy!!!

Not only do I have to put up with the EX-3, but now the nano is chirping in too! It’s always two against one now!!!

Slava Kouznetsov · December 19th, 2009, 10:10 AM

You made my day! I laughed so hard! That's exactly what happening to me too.
I'm kind of obsessed with dressing up my lovely EX1. But I afraid I can get instead another EX and this time it will be not a camera. Please help!

Kevin Spahr · December 19th, 2009, 10:15 AM

Eugene, that was a great idea but when I tried to boil some water I burnt it. (I really didn't burn the water Brian, I was just joking around again.)

Seriously, I have a great wife, she helps me with the video jobs, and even shoots second camera when needed - and does a good job too!. She is a musician and I help her with her music performances as the roadie, maintaining her web site, and can you believe it, I even did a couple promo videos for her. This was her first summer doing festivals and it was quite successful and I'm currently recording her second CD which should nearly double the income on CD sales. Plus traveling to the festivals on the weekends is like a mini vacation and you get to meet really interesting people.

After years of a regular job it is nice to be heading toward just doing creative things. Video is my "retirement business" where I can take a job if it is interesting or pass on the ones that are a pain in the butt.

I have to go, the UPS man is at the front door with a delivery... (Brian now I'm joking again.)

Piotr Wozniacki · December 19th, 2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olof Ekbergh

I think the definition of a Pro is someone who works really hard to support his camera/lighting/audio/studio/editing suite.

All this thread is fun, but this statement is soooo accurately describing so many of us...

Myself being just a "serious hobbyist" only some 2 years ago, video has developed into my second profession (meaning I do produce actual DVD's that do actually sell) - mainly in order to support my rig!

When I realize that, I'm not sure whether it's still funny...Rather more like vicious circle kind of thing.

Peter D. Parker · December 19th, 2009, 11:14 AM

Kevin, please accept my deepest sympathy for what you are going through.

On my passage through life, I always try to help my fellow man as much as I can. With this in mind, I am willing to relieve you of all the burdens you are going through.

I will, at no cost to you, accept all your camera equipment into my care. Simply contact me by e-mail and I will arrange collection of all your equipment, thus lifting this tremendous burden from off your shoulders.

No, NO, please, there is no need for you to offer your sincere gratitude, I do this as a personal favour to a fellow man.

Go now, send the e-mail and re-kindle those magical moments you and your wife first felt in the years before that demon video entered your lives but in those tender moments, please pause and offer a thought to me, your redeemer!

Peter

Paul Inglis · December 19th, 2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter D. Parker

Kevin, please accept my deepest sympathy for what you are going through.

On my passage through life, I always try to help my fellow man as much as I can. With this in mind, I am willing to relieve you of all the burdens you are going through.

I will, at no cost to you, accept all your camera equipment into my care. Simply contact me by e-mail and I will arrange collection of all your equipment, thus lifting this tremendous burden from off your shoulders.

No, NO, please, there is no need for you to offer your sincere gratitude, I do this as a personal favour to a fellow man.

Go now, send the e-mail and re-kindle those magical moments you and your wife first felt in the years before that demon video entered your lives but in those tender moments, please pause and offer a thought to me, your redeemer!

Peter

Peter you are such a kind, kind man :) If you struggle with this task, I'll help share your burdon :)

Bruce Rawlings · December 19th, 2009, 01:30 PM

I am concerned that so many people are affected by the EX syndrome. As an EX1 owner I am beginning to feel the affects myself - TIR filter being the latest sign and Nanoflash on the horizon. Are there any other camera manufacturers that have managed to avoid creating this problem or is it universal and comes with the video production territory?

Adam Reuter · December 20th, 2009, 10:44 PM

Here's the good thing about accessories though: You can, for the most part, use them for other cameras.

The Nanoflash, for example, supports any camera that outputs to their inputs. Not just the EX line of cameras.

Tripods...buy a good one right off the bat and you'll have it for a quarter of your life.

Audio gear...again, buy great stuff from the beginning and it'll last you for a long time to come.

Lights, same deal.

Cameras are the first to go in terms of obsoleteness. But I'll say with the EX1, when I read that it was great in low light, had long record times, great resolution like HD should and a sharp LCD screen...I knew it would be a workhorse and outlast other's for awhile. This camera really shouldn't cost under $7K but I'm glad it does! I expect I'll be using it until it beeps its last beep.

For the record, I rent audio/lighting gear for what the shoot requires and pass the cost to the client. I do own a wireless lav system, wired lav, tripod and on-camera light (I do mostly event work/talking heads/interviews) but for anything more complicated I rent. If the client can't afford me + the equipment rental then it's usually not worth my time.

Brian Barkley · December 21st, 2009, 07:24 AM

It would be interesting to know everyone's age & experience as to how long you've been in this business and where did you get your O.J.T. Also would be interesting to know what everyone does? Are you a one-man-band? What kind of films do you produce? Approximate income level? I'll tell if you wil . . .

Chad Johnson · December 21st, 2009, 12:00 PM

I, for the most part, am a one man band. I even bought a KATA "one man band" bag to prove it. I have 2 EX1 cameras. One I purchased, one I won in this contest: How Do You Play With Your One Man Band Contest Winner Announced

I am also an audio engineer/Singer/Songwriter/guitarist, and I produce Jingles as a sideline. I think my signature has links to my work. I work for a marketing agency, but business is slow and I'm down to 1/4 time. BUT I have been going for jobs as an independent contractor, and making more money then ever. TV ads mostly, but Short 2 minute "shows" about travel or cooking too, and some DVD projects. Whatever comes around. I pride myself on getting great audio, which is actually MORE important than video in video projects. Most videographers have neglected proper study of audio capturing and editing, and their work suffers because of that.

Some work examoles: YouTube - ChadWork1's Channel
My Music: Chad Johnson at HumboldtMusic.com
Random Personal Video stuff: YouTube - Chadfish's Channel

Adam Reuter · December 23rd, 2009, 03:51 PM

I am a one-man-band for the most part but hire freelancers when necessary. It all depends on the production.

My "bills payer" is my wedding photography. My minor bill payer is freelance videography which ranges from event work (again, weddings) to short films and whatever else in between. My even more minor money maker (although I will be doing more direct marketing this coming year) is as an audio engineer at a small recording studio.

The reason I bought the camera was because I have about 4 major projects (3 documentaries and a reality show) in the works and it made no sense to keep spending $300/day to rent a Panasonic HVX200 when it a). Couldn't shoot in lowlight for crap and b). I was unhappy with how sharp "landscape shots" looked. That plus I wanted to offer HD wedding videography services in my area and no camera up until the EX1 was a good lowlight shooter (at least in the price range).

So when I read a few reviews on the EX1 about how sharp it was, 1/2" full raster chips, uncompressed audio, great in lowlight (almost equal to a Sony PD-170) and much longer recording times compared to the HVX200...I bought it blind. And I couldn't be happier.

Bob Jackson · December 23rd, 2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Newman

I laughed my a$$ off! My wife laughed too! I appreciate the humor of this entire thread. I think many of us are in the same boat... -Tony

remove the word "many" Tony, I think all of us are in the same boat.

James Huenergardt · December 23rd, 2009, 08:08 PM

I completely understand!

I'm the proud owner of 3 EX1s and 2 of them want nanoFlash recorders, and a second 35mm adapter, monitor, etc.

The oldest one is nervous I'm going to trade him in for an EX1R ;-)

December 18th, 2009, 09:33 PM	#16
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I suggest we all wrap aluminum foil around our heads to ward off the evil camera spirits that makes us spend our money on needless things like Nanoflashes, light kits, tripods, wide angle lenses, media cards, etc etc etc. As for the boss issue (wife) tell her to go shopping. Anything she wants. You know she'll get sensible things, not big screen LED TV, Nanaoflashes, light kits, tripods etc. When she gets home and see's all the things your camera(s) made you buy, simply tell her, "but honey, it was on sale". At least that's what my wife always says to me. May the force be with you! __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

December 21st, 2009, 12:00 PM	#27
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	I, for the most part, am a one man band. I even bought a KATA "one man band" bag to prove it. I have 2 EX1 cameras. One I purchased, one I won in this contest: How Do You Play With Your One Man Band Contest Winner Announced I am also an audio engineer/Singer/Songwriter/guitarist, and I produce Jingles as a sideline. I think my signature has links to my work. I work for a marketing agency, but business is slow and I'm down to 1/4 time. BUT I have been going for jobs as an independent contractor, and making more money then ever. TV ads mostly, but Short 2 minute "shows" about travel or cooking too, and some DVD projects. Whatever comes around. I pride myself on getting great audio, which is actually MORE important than video in video projects. Most videographers have neglected proper study of audio capturing and editing, and their work suffers because of that. Some work examoles: YouTube - ChadWork1's Channel My Music: Chad Johnson at HumboldtMusic.com Random Personal Video stuff: YouTube - Chadfish's Channel __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

December 23rd, 2009, 08:08 PM	#30
James Huenergardt Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA Posts: 513	I completely understand! I'm the proud owner of 3 EX1s and 2 of them want nanoFlash recorders, and a second 35mm adapter, monitor, etc. The oldest one is nervous I'm going to trade him in for an EX1R ;-) __________________ Reel Inspirations - www.reelinspirations.com Commercials, Dramas, Image Pieces, Documentaries, Motion Graphics

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December 19th, 2009, 09:52 AM	#18
Paul Inglis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: British Isles Posts: 415	When I read the Kevin’s post I though he was reading my mind, but I now realise that all XDCAM EX babes are telepathic and we’re all done for! I so wanted a nanoFLASH for my EX-3 and the nanoFLASH needed a 4-Pin Hirose to D-Tap and thought I’d get the 4-Pin Hirose to XLR while I was at it, along with some HD-SDI Cables and a Cold-Shoe Tripod Mount. Then they demanded I power it too and asked for a Protech ST-7 Shoulder Mount and it’s accompanying Protech DC-EX3 Power Supply Cable, which needed three BNC Thin Patch Cables as well as a Sony VCT-14 Quick Release Tripod Plate not to mention; IDX Endura 10 Lithium-Ion Starter Kit (Supplied with: 1 x VL-2Plus Charger, 2 x E-10 Endura Batteries and 1 x Power Supply Cable). Oh, then they demanded Sandisk CF cards and I sighed with relief as everyone was happy. But… …oh no! It need a 7” HD Monitor with HD-SDI in as well to monitor the footage from the nanoFLASH. Surely that must be it… …nope, now they all want shorter cables!!! Just to look more sexy!!! Not only do I have to put up with the EX-3, but now the nano is chirping in too! It’s always two against one now!!!

December 19th, 2009, 10:10 AM	#19
Slava Kouznetsov New Boot Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 8	You made my day! I laughed so hard! That's exactly what happening to me too. I'm kind of obsessed with dressing up my lovely EX1. But I afraid I can get instead another EX and this time it will be not a camera. Please help!

December 19th, 2009, 10:15 AM	#20
Kevin Spahr Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carlisle, PA Posts: 451	Eugene, that was a great idea but when I tried to boil some water I burnt it. (I really didn't burn the water Brian, I was just joking around again.) Seriously, I have a great wife, she helps me with the video jobs, and even shoots second camera when needed - and does a good job too!. She is a musician and I help her with her music performances as the roadie, maintaining her web site, and can you believe it, I even did a couple promo videos for her. This was her first summer doing festivals and it was quite successful and I'm currently recording her second CD which should nearly double the income on CD sales. Plus traveling to the festivals on the weekends is like a mini vacation and you get to meet really interesting people. After years of a regular job it is nice to be heading toward just doing creative things. Video is my "retirement business" where I can take a job if it is interesting or pass on the ones that are a pain in the butt. I have to go, the UPS man is at the front door with a delivery... (Brian now I'm joking again.)

December 19th, 2009, 11:14 AM	#22
Peter D. Parker Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Preston England Posts: 147	Kevin, please accept my deepest sympathy for what you are going through. On my passage through life, I always try to help my fellow man as much as I can. With this in mind, I am willing to relieve you of all the burdens you are going through. I will, at no cost to you, accept all your camera equipment into my care. Simply contact me by e-mail and I will arrange collection of all your equipment, thus lifting this tremendous burden from off your shoulders. No, NO, please, there is no need for you to offer your sincere gratitude, I do this as a personal favour to a fellow man. Go now, send the e-mail and re-kindle those magical moments you and your wife first felt in the years before that demon video entered your lives but in those tender moments, please pause and offer a thought to me, your redeemer! Peter

December 19th, 2009, 01:30 PM	#24
Bruce Rawlings Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 410	I am concerned that so many people are affected by the EX syndrome. As an EX1 owner I am beginning to feel the affects myself - TIR filter being the latest sign and Nanoflash on the horizon. Are there any other camera manufacturers that have managed to avoid creating this problem or is it universal and comes with the video production territory?

December 20th, 2009, 10:44 PM	#25
Adam Reuter Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 234	Here's the good thing about accessories though: You can, for the most part, use them for other cameras. The Nanoflash, for example, supports any camera that outputs to their inputs. Not just the EX line of cameras. Tripods...buy a good one right off the bat and you'll have it for a quarter of your life. Audio gear...again, buy great stuff from the beginning and it'll last you for a long time to come. Lights, same deal. Cameras are the first to go in terms of obsoleteness. But I'll say with the EX1, when I read that it was great in low light, had long record times, great resolution like HD should and a sharp LCD screen...I knew it would be a workhorse and outlast other's for awhile. This camera really shouldn't cost under $7K but I'm glad it does! I expect I'll be using it until it beeps its last beep. For the record, I rent audio/lighting gear for what the shoot requires and pass the cost to the client. I do own a wireless lav system, wired lav, tripod and on-camera light (I do mostly event work/talking heads/interviews) but for anything more complicated I rent. If the client can't afford me + the equipment rental then it's usually not worth my time.

December 21st, 2009, 07:24 AM	#26
Brian Barkley Major Player Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 233	It would be interesting to know everyone's age & experience as to how long you've been in this business and where did you get your O.J.T. Also would be interesting to know what everyone does? Are you a one-man-band? What kind of films do you produce? Approximate income level? I'll tell if you wil . . .

December 23rd, 2009, 03:51 PM	#28
Adam Reuter Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 234	I am a one-man-band for the most part but hire freelancers when necessary. It all depends on the production. My "bills payer" is my wedding photography. My minor bill payer is freelance videography which ranges from event work (again, weddings) to short films and whatever else in between. My even more minor money maker (although I will be doing more direct marketing this coming year) is as an audio engineer at a small recording studio. The reason I bought the camera was because I have about 4 major projects (3 documentaries and a reality show) in the works and it made no sense to keep spending $300/day to rent a Panasonic HVX200 when it a). Couldn't shoot in lowlight for crap and b). I was unhappy with how sharp "landscape shots" looked. That plus I wanted to offer HD wedding videography services in my area and no camera up until the EX1 was a good lowlight shooter (at least in the price range). So when I read a few reviews on the EX1 about how sharp it was, 1/2" full raster chips, uncompressed audio, great in lowlight (almost equal to a Sony PD-170) and much longer recording times compared to the HVX200...I bought it blind. And I couldn't be happier.