HVX200 test questions

[barnapkins]

I’m working on a test for students to take before they are allowed to check out the HVX200 cameras kits. A kit includes HVX200, 2 batteries, charger, wide angle, and 2 p2 cards. I was looking for some input on HVX200 specific questions that I should add to the test.

Thanks

[THoff]

The camera makes a "clunk" noise. Is it broken?

[mikkowilson]

When someone comes to borrow the kit, unpack it all to check it, then make them re-pack it all. You will instantly know if they respect the gear.

- Mikko

[siniarch]

thoff, I think he means a test before they even get to use the camera or know anything about it. But I like where you are going with it.

Along the lines of what I was thinking:
What rooms in your house should you be careful when filming, or avoid at all and why? (not an one answer question, bathroom, kitchen. anything with water, but lets you know who is thinking about safety)

You can ask about lens focal lenghts and if they know what a wide, tele, etc.?

When plugging the camera to the wall, what things should you consider? (again, safety, taping the cord down. or making sure no one will trip, making sure the plug is safe. maybe even using a surge protector)

you can ask if anyone know the difference between HD and SD.
Also about frame rates.

Along the lines that Thoff was thinking:
I'd give them a copy of the manual in PDF form or something and ask each one to read it for homework. then I'd drill them about funcitons of the camera and see who really wanted to learn about it. and those are the ones that will actually operate the camera.

[siniarch]

That's a good one from Mikko. I thought you were conducting a written test. if its a test to see how they will handle the gear right before they borrow the camrea. then what mikko said. But I'd make them do exercises.
Have THEM unpack the Camera.
Have them insert the battery.
Have them insert the p2 cards.
Have them shoot infront of you perhaps moving around.
(zoom in, zoom out. pan, connect the wide angle lens, etc...)
have them connect it to the wall.
have them break down and pack it all.
(i'd give them an inventory list, and have them check it off when unpacking, and have them check it off when re-packing)

[THoff]

thoff, I think he means a test before they even get to use the camera or know anything about it. But I like where you are going with it.I should have added a smilie at the end of my post to make it obvious that I wasn't serious.

[ProfessorU]

I think one of the questions should be:
"How much does it cost to replace this camera?"

[SeanEmer]

should probably make sure that students shooting with the HVX also have the capability of editing with the footage file types they make. It would be a drag for someone to shoot all day only to find their editor doesn't accept .mxf files.

[ProfessorU]

Can we assume that these students have used a different camera before? Here's some more specific to the HVX:

What's the difference between 24p and 24pN?
How can you get more accurate focus without a HD monitor?

[barnapkins]

Wow these are some great answers! I was thinking of making it a two part test, first part written and if they score a 100% there will be a practical test where they setup the camera (battery, p2 cards, tape, etc) thanks siniarch (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=17145) that was a great idea. Almost all of the students have used DVX100's and DVC80's but most of them sadly do not respect them. The hardest rule to enforce so far has been panasonic tapes only in the 100's! I catch people all the time using sony's and some really cheap 80min tapes, I cringe then throw them away haha.

[tmnt]

Along with the instruction manual, photocopy some photos of how EXACTLY the equipment is to go back so they have no excuses for being lazy.

[siniarch]

No Problem,
Glad I could help. Good luck with the students. (where were you when I was in school. this project sounds like so much fun. hahahah)

[Justyn]

It's always good to spy on them too. Maybe set up a hidden camera.. give them a task and the come back and watch the tape privately or even together with them and point out the good things they did and the bad...


I'm going to be teaching a group of people basic filmmaking in Scotland and I've gotten a syllabus together. We're concentrating on editing first as I think that it's important to let people know what is used.. what isn't and we'll cut some found footage together.. so they can see what works. BUT, the first major test or project I'm having them do is to document a process from beginning to end in a cinematic and or non-convential way. Should be interesting to see what they come up with...

[SISUMAN]

When we check out the portable equipment at local station in the 90's there was more involvement in what the shoot was about and if it was scripted or part of a planned project. The training on the equipment should be in place before they even think about checking out a sophisticated piece of equipment like the AG HVX200. But one question I would ask and pay very close attention to : 'can you operate the zoom ring when in the sevro mode?'. The answer is an emphatic 'NO' because damage may/will occur. I would think that after the safety issues the return of the camera in the same working condition would be the next priority that would guide your questionaire. I would invest in the BOOT CAMP series and have them view and test on the fundamentals of the camera. If your funded by tax dollars you have a civic responsibility to assure that the camera is well taken care of. I may be talking a little over the top but if your checking out the camera without even a familiarity of the skill level of the student your asking for trouble. Teach skill and responsibility.

[DerrickTempleton]

Unless your students are of the fulbright variety, I think they're gonna bomb a test like this. For every student I know who uses this forum and understands how to use/take care of equipment, I know 50 who don't. But they're all gonna want to use the hvx. I say it should be an all practical thing. Let them show you what they can do, not tell you. You'll get a much better sense for who will actually take care of it than who stuffed some numbers and terminology into their short term memory.

[barnapkins]

Hey everybody i have a the test questions, wondering what you all thought.
The basic requirements are:


1. They Have to have an external hard drive (so they don't store all the HD footage on the small school drives)
2. They have to present a story board, outline or some type of shooting plan, which has to be approved (this avoids people taking the camera out and shooting party's and family vacations and things of that nature)
3. They have to pass (100%) the following written test and a hands on test.

Any suggestions of questions i should add? Especially things that could damage the camera. (ex: plugging into a mixer)

1.Do you have an external hard drive?
a.Yes
b.No

2.Can you manually operate the zoom ring when in the servo mode?
a.Yes
b.No

3.Who is responsible for stolen or damaged equipment?
a.Ryan in the cage
b.The person who checked the camera out
c.Debra Hooper

4.What is the best all around recording mode?
a.480i
b.1080i/60p
c.720p/24pn

5.What is the difference between 24p and 24pn? (Write answer)



6.What is the Mic/Line switch used for? (Write answer)



7.When copying to an external hard drive what should the PC MODE be (via firewire)?
a.USB Device
b.1394 Host
c.1394 Device

8.When copying to a computer what should the PC MODE be (via firewire)?
a.USB Device
b.1394 Host
c.1394 Device

The next page is a digram of the camera (from the manual) and they will have to identify certain parts (mic/line switch, Mic input, etc)

Then the practical test would be something like:

Inserting the P2 cards, battery, hooking up the AC power.
Setting a scene file to 720/24pn
Shoot something
Off load on to portable hard drive and computer.

Think this is a fair test? I would love any comments or suggestions!

Thanks!!

[Robbie Comeau]

Hey everybody i have a the test questions, wondering what you all thought.
The basic requirements are:


1. They Have to have an external hard drive (so they don't store all the HD footage on the small school drives)
2. They have to present a story board, outline or some type of shooting plan, which has to be approved (this avoids people taking the camera out and shooting party's and family vacations and things of that nature)
3. They have to pass (100%) the following written test and a hands on test.

Any suggestions of questions i should add? Especially things that could damage the camera. (ex: plugging into a mixer)

1.Do you have an external hard drive?
a.Yes
b.No

2.Can you manually operate the zoom ring when in the servo mode?
a.Yes
b.No

3.Who is responsible for stolen or damaged equipment?
a.Ryan in the cage
b.The person who checked the camera out
c.Debra Hooper

4.What is the best all around recording mode?
a.480i
b.1080i/60p
c.720p/24pn IMO

5.What is the difference between 24p and 24pn? (Write answer)
I think one is pal, but not to sure.


6.What is the Mic/Line switch used for? (Write answer)
Switch from on camera mic to an external mic like a shot gun mic, or LAV mics.


7.When copying to an external hard drive what should the PC MODE be (via firewire)?
a.USB Device
b.1394 Host
c.1394 Device

8.When copying to a computer what should the PC MODE be (via firewire)?
a.USB Device
b.1394 Host
c.1394 Device

Then the practical test would be something like:

Inserting the P2 cards, battery, hooking up the AC power.
Setting a scene file to 720/24pn
Shoot something
Off load on to portable hard drive and computer.

Think this is a fair test? I would love any comments or suggestions!

Thanks!!


there!

[mb72378]

I'm not sure if the students will be checking out tripods as well, but it might be a good idea you make sure they know how to properly attach the camera to the tripod. (you can never be too safe.)

[SeanEmer]

Tripod idea is good. And The Como just failed I think...



2.Can you manually operate the zoom ring when in the servo mode?
a.Yes
b.No


Err... never manually move the zoom ring when in Servo mode. There's a reason the alternative mode to Servo is "Manual".




5.What is the difference between 24p and 24pn? (Write answer)
I think one is pal, but not to sure.


lol. PAL format is for PAL HVX cameras only. 24p is 24 frames progressive, "over 60", meaning that the file is actualy 59.94 (4, right?) frames per second with a pulldown introduced to maintain the 24fps recorded material. This is for compatability with HD tape formats if I recall correctly. Of course this wastes a lot of space on hardrives and cards, which require no 60fps standard. So we have 24PN, the N meaning Native. This records a true 24p file (23.976 technically...), which saves space because there is no need to duplicate frames to fit the 60p standard for tape. Using PN mode lets you get more recording time out of your P2 Cards or Harddrives without sacrificing any quality.

and so on... lol

[barnapkins]

Robbie Comeu: Sorry you fail, you can check out the DVC80's :)

[jjb]

Barnapkins

As you probably know most likely the firewire port will not be covered under warranty as there are too many things that you can do to kill it. I would suggest that you add some questions covering this subject (see manual P-79).

[mikkowilson]

Robbie Comeu: Sorry you fail, you can check out the DVC80's :)

http://www.forumspile.com/Misc-OhSnap_Bear.jpg



:)

- Mikko

[SPZ]

Sincerely, I believe you need to learn a bit more about the HVX yourself. (original poster)

I do not know if you're teaching those kids how to shoot for narrative, but if card space is not an issue, the best mode to shoot on the HVX should be 1080 24pa. More resolution. Better picture.

Also, when handling the HVX, it would be wise to learn about how the scene files settings work. Some preset scene files are better for low light, others for more dinamic range, etc.

Also, don't forget to tell those kids to turn OIS off when on a tripod!

Cheers!

[ShootDC]

I would definitely discuss camera care with anyone who is checking out the gear for a shoot. Basic things like lens care. Wouldn't it be wonderful to get the camera back without finger prints all over the LCD screen?

Another poster mentioned earlier about packing the gear. Make a one sheet that lists all the gear in the package. I would even take a few snapshots to show how the gear is packed so that they care for it properly and its ready for the next user.

I guess that's not HVX specific. Some structure is key if the gear is to be passed around to many useers. Hope things work out well for you and your students.

[barnapkins]

Sincerely, I believe you need to learn a bit more about the HVX yourself. (original poster)

I do not know if you're teaching those kids how to shoot for narrative, but if card space is not an issue, the best mode to shoot on the HVX should be 1080 24pa. More resolution. Better picture.

Also, when handling the HVX, it would be wise to learn about how the scene files settings work. Some preset scene files are better for low light, others for more dinamic range, etc.

Also, don't forget to tell those kids to turn OIS off when on a tripod!

Cheers!

SPZ,
We are in fact limited to card space. Which is why i suggested to them to shoot in 720/24pn, mostly because most of the students will be shooting docs. I've also showed them all the other formats and went though every single scene file setting. I encourge them to listen to what i suggest but that they should do what is best for them. But i "Sincerely" appreciate your concern.