View Full Version : Just got an HV20.
IAN SUN
08-27-2007, 07:21 PM
I'm leaving town for a few days to shoot a doc. I was going to rent a HVX200, but I needed long shoot times and possibly low light work, so I thought I should revert to the trusty old DVX.
But then I really wanted to go HD on this project, so I went out and bought a HV20. Going a bit out on the limb here, I sure hope this works out. I'm rigging this thing up for sound now...
Any feedback on how this camera has performed in low light?
Sure wish I had my RED.
Hey Ian. I've been shooting a lot with the HV20 + Redrock M2 adapter lately. Low light (without adapter) isn't much different than the DVX or HVX (for what that's worth). But the picture is much better than the DVX.
I'm going to be shooting another project next week and was going to use 2 HV20's. One with Redrock and one without.
We used the BeachTek adapter to hook up Sennheiser MKH 416 and MKH 50 mics to the HV20. I got a bit of a hiss off the 416. Not sure if that was the BeachTek or what. The MKH 50 was pristine sound.
Zach Nelson
08-27-2007, 07:32 PM
I got an HV20 a couple months ago. Love it! Looks so clean on my calibrated 34" Sony, but the low light handling could be better of course.
IAN SUN
08-27-2007, 07:50 PM
Hey Sean, I gather you are happy with the results?
By the way, I'm cutting next week but if your shoot is only a couple of days me and my new HV20 are available!
My shoot is one easy day! I'd love to invite you and your HV20 on board! :-) Email me your rate with that giant HV20 camera and I'll see if it's something I can afford on this shoot.
Oh, and yes, quite happy with the results. Mainly because of the HV20 combination with the Redrock adapter...though I have to admit I'm really looking forward to the day in November when I don't have to fuss with that set-up anymore.
donatello b
08-27-2007, 08:20 PM
IMO it performs good in low light when in 24p mode ( 1080i not so good) ...
the problem is you have no control over the gain .. but there is sort of a way to control it ...
READ Barryt Greens write up
http://dvxuser.com/jason/hv20/
and review the thread contolling exposure on HV 20
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=96503
IAN SUN
08-27-2007, 08:25 PM
Cool, I'll email you shortly Sean.
Thanks for that info donatello.
John Godden
08-27-2007, 09:08 PM
I'm leaving town for a few days to shoot a doc. I was going to rent a HVX200, but I needed long shoot times and possibly low light work, so I thought I should revert to the trusty old DVX.
But then I really wanted to go HD on this project, so I went out and bought a HV20. Going a bit out on the limb here, I sure hope this works out. I'm rigging this thing up for sound now...
Any feedback on how this camera has performed in low light?
Sure wish I had my RED.
I thought the HV20 generated some nice images................. just pan very slowly and you'll do fine with it!
JohnG
Roberto B
08-27-2007, 10:01 PM
the best other camcorder of 2007.. other than the red one..
Shawn Nelson
08-27-2007, 10:09 PM
The problem with the HV20 is how it looks. It does give decent imagery, but it's appearance is like all the other POS handycams. This is great if you are trying to do guerilla work, but bad if you want to do a paid gig. My sister used it at a wedding and literally gets laughs when she places it alongside her Sony V1u.
Roberto B
08-27-2007, 10:23 PM
give it to yours a customized rig and you'll have your look..
alejandro
IAN SUN
08-27-2007, 10:24 PM
The problem with the HV20 is how it looks. It does give decent imagery, but it's appearance is like all the other POS handycams. This is great if you are trying to do guerilla work, but bad if you want to do a paid gig. My sister used it at a wedding and literally gets laughs when she places it alongside her Sony V1u.
Yeah, I'm hoping nobody starts laughing when I pull it out. Especially the client!
"Soooo.... how much am I paying you for this again?"
IAN SUN
08-27-2007, 10:27 PM
give it to yours a customized rig and you'll have your look..
alejandro
The look I'm going for right now is Frankenstein.
liquidigital
08-28-2007, 05:34 AM
It would be truly amazing if the RED professional pocket cam has the Mysterium sensor size. How cool would that be to have that ability in a small package? And I keep mentioning pancake lenses (primes like the ones from Pentax), hoping someone will hear me. LOL But I suppose until then, the HV20/Redrock combo is the way to go. Looking forward to seeing some images from your set-up. :)
Jeremy Hughes
08-28-2007, 06:08 AM
Yeah, I'm hoping nobody starts laughing when I pull it out. Especially the client!
"Soooo.... how much am I paying you for this again?"[/QUOTE]
Paint it black and put a matte box on it. Best I can think of that doesn't involve making a shell for it.
jaadgy akanni
08-28-2007, 08:06 AM
The problem with the HV20 is how it looks. It does give decent imagery, but it's appearance is like all the other POS handycams. This is great if you are trying to do guerilla work, but bad if you want to do a paid gig. My sister used it at a wedding and literally gets laughs when she places it alongside her Sony V1u.
I know what you mean, Shawn. I've seriously considered selling my JVC Gy-HD200 and getting an HV20 'cause I sure could use the cash towards my RED purchase, but I'm afraid that with the HV20, I'll be out of the game for a few months.