Camera Advice Please!

[Bachman]

Anyone here been using the JVC HD200U? We have been using Digibeta up till now, but we want to start shooting some HD and we wont be getting our RED until Dec/Jan, so we need an interim camera. Be good to get some feedback from everyone as to recommendations. Dont wont to spend over 10k

[Cail Young]

The HVR-V1E is quite a nice camera to use; if you can stomach HDV. I recommend the hard drive accessory as HDV on tape is not fun.

[Bachman]

we'd prefer something that looks like a pro camera and can take pro leneses. Looks like were stuck with either Canon or JVC

[Scott Webster]

I take it you're looking at a shoulder mounted camera? which only gives you the option of the JVC range or the Canon XL-H1.

There are 2 majors with the JVC range. SSE Split Screen effect and dead pixels. As a rental company we could not work with the SSE problem. Check dvinfo.net for more details.

I'm beginning to become interested in the Canon XL-H1. Add the camera to the AJA HD Io and a Macbook Pro you have a system that could compete with a F900 for greenscreen/studio work. Utilising the Apple Prores codec and getting 1440x1080 4:2:2 off the Canon HD-SDI out

AJA Io HD and XL-H1 (http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?p=661197#post661197)

Colorspace Indi Test (http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=92536)

In fact you can save some money and use the Canon XH-G1 if you don't require the detachable lens and shoulder mount option of the XL-H1. From memory the G1 also has timecode and audio within it's HD-SDI stream where the H1 doesn't.

Remember also that the JVC is progressive only in HD, no interlace option and the camera does not down convert over firewire.
If you shoot Canon 25F(progressive) you will need the camera to do the transfer as no deck is compatible with the format. Shoot HDV 1080/50i and you can use a Sony HDV VTR.

Sony had a mock up of a HDV DSR250 at NAB (Shoulder mounted, fixed lens, large tape capable HDV camera) but I doubt this will fit your time frame.

Every dollar you spend now is one less you'll have for your Red kit!

PS: Rocky has been out of the business for 3 years. Growing grapes in Martinborough. Gets on the tools occasionally but had the good sense to get out while the getting was good!

Hudson Vineyard (http://www.nzwine.com/wineries/winery.php3?wineryID=1451)

[Bachman]

Thanks Scott

I dont think its money we cant spend on a RED though because we will have to Rent Digi's in the mean time anyway..aready have about 8k's worth of camera hire penciled till Dec. Maybe we might be better off picking up a used 570.

Are you going to have a RED in both cities? I see Monkey in Welly have 2 on order, but then they have 80 mil in the bank.

[Scott Webster]

Are you going to have a RED in both cities? I see Monkey in Welly have 2 on order, but then they have 80 mil in the bank.

You've heard that story too? A hell of a hobby, 2 Vipers and enough accessories to keep Michael Mann and David Fincher happy. Home movies must be sick :)
I believe they're in Aussie at the moment on a job.

We'll be rolling out Red's as fast as we can get them. Wellington won't miss out.

[Cail Young]

we'd prefer something that looks like a pro camera and can take pro leneses. Looks like were stuck with either Canon or JVC

Both the XLH1 and HD200 take their own special lens format, not standard 2/3" lenses. So I would say interchangeable lenses is a bit of a moot point in the sub $10k range. If ergonomics is your issue, build a zacuto rig or similar.

[Bachman]

You've heard that story too? A hell of a hobby, 2 Vipers and enough accessories to keep Michael Mann and David Fincher happy. Home movies must be sick :)
I believe they're in Aussie at the moment on a job.

We'll be rolling out Red's as fast as we can get them. Wellington won't miss out.

I used to work in the production village next to Panavision. I remember some geeky guys working up stairs on some web site named TradeMe, one of them was Nigel Stanford. He had a 10% share. God damn it!...I knew I picked the wrong industry.

[Cail Young]

Both the XLH1 and HD200 take their own special lens format, not standard 2/3" lenses. So I would say interchangeable lenses is a bit of a moot point in the sub $10k range. If ergonomics is your issue, build a zacuto rig or similar.

That said, the XLH1 has HDSDI, genlock and TC ports, which you may find handy.

[Ralph Oshiro]

I would choose the JVC HD110. Most pro-like ergonomics and body cosmetics of the bunch. I work on a major network show--and they bought five of 'em to use as 24p B-roll cameras. Operationally, I like shooting with it. Again, it's the closest thing ergonomically to anything else in its class, and that's primarily why our show choose the JVCs over the others.

[Bachman]

Shit! why can't I have my RED NOW! :-(