Basic questions re: HVX200

[trassalg]

I'm looking at buying an HVX200 for a documentary shoot beginning later this year. As this is the first time i am purchasing equipment (rather than just renting) I want to make sure I understand a few things before doing so.

1) What quality can I record to tape with this camera? I understand the only tape one can use is miniDV. For true uncompressed HD I believe one must record to P2 media directly, but while that isn't necessarily cost efficient (for the price of the P2 cards and the amount of hard drive space required) I'm thinking more along the lines of recording to miniDV, but only if the quality is good enough. Is 1080i or 720p possible when recording to tape, or is the compression used drastic?

*The final product will be distributed for television with the possibility of a 35mm print for some markets.

2) I'll be in the field shooting, in questionable conditions, therefore want a basic light kit to use for interiors, but can't be lugging around anything big. Is there one that anyone can recommend for use with this camera that they've had good results with?

I think that's about it for my questions for now, but I'm sure I'll have more with your responses. Looking around this seems to be THE forum for those who are knowledgeable in this realm.

[Stephenh]

The HVX in tape mode is DV and DV only. So DVCPRO or DV are your options. If you had a P2 card you could effectively record in 1080 or 720 and down convert to DV tape which would give you slightly better image quality than shooting straight DV tape.

[Ram S.O.S]

1) What quality can I record to tape with this camera? I understand the only tape one can use is miniDV. For true uncompressed HD I believe one must record to P2 media directly, but while that isn't necessarily cost efficient (for the price of the P2 cards and the amount of hard drive space required) I'm thinking more along the lines of recording to miniDV, but only if the quality is good enough. Is 1080i or 720p possible when recording to tape, or is the compression used drastic?

Even though my HVX won't be here until Wednesday I can answer this. You can only shoot Mini DV to tape as in standard 720X480 SD. In order to shoot anything else with the HVX you must have a P2 Card or Firestore. You would have to get one of the HDV offerings from Cannon, SOny or JVC to shoot higher quality footage to MiniDV tapes.

[trassalg]

Is the image quality of the competition (Sony Z1, for example) better or worse than the HVX200? In your opinion, is it worthwhile using the HVX200 to shoot to miniDV (for a cinema verité documentary) or is it necessary to shoot in HD? I've been living out of the states for several years so the whole HD boom has been lost on me. I'm not aware to what extent HD content is necessary in current television trends, or if it truly makes much of a difference at this stage.

Basically, is the "fake" HD image from a Sony Z1 better quality than the DV quality of the HVX?

Also, if I go the route of recording to P2 media and down-converting to miniDV, is the conversion real-time or is it slower/faster?

[David Saraceno]

Is the image quality of the competition (Sony Z1, for example) better or worse than the HVX200?

Given you are in a HVX200 user forum, the answer to that question is kinda self evident.


Basically, is the "fake" HD image from a Sony Z1 better quality than the DV quality of the HVX?

What "fake" HD image? Might want to explain.

[trassalg]

Regarding the HVX200 vs. a Z1U, my interest is in finding out what the general opinion is as far as shooting direct to miniDV (as opposed to HD). The Canon still shoots a better image, I assume?

When I referred to a "fake" HD image, I mean that the Sony Z1U is compressed HDV
shot on miniDV. Is this the same resolution/quality image I can get shooting regular DV on this camera?

As for miniDV tape stock, what difference is there between the following 3?:
Panasonic AY DVM63PQ
Panasonic AY DVM63MQ
Panasonic AY DVM63AMQ

Thanks for all your help.

[Luis Caffesse]

Try using the search function on this site.
Many of these questions have been discussed before.

[Stephenh]

As Luis Caffesse suggests do a search on a particular point at a time.

There is no fake HD image on the Sony. Both the Sony and the HVX record HD. They just go about it in a difference format (HDV Sony) DVCPRO HD HVX. One is mpeg compression the other isn't.

The other issue is colour space. HDV is 4.1.1 NTSC and 4.2.0 PAL I think. Someone will correct me if I am wrong. DVCPRO HD is 4.2.2. Two cameras to different work flows.

Both are good HD cameras. At the end of the day budget and final delivery would suggest which camera to choose.

[TubEfingers]

i got an hvx200 but i also use a Z1 at work,shooting corporate interviews,
without any bias,i think the hvx at standard def looks bout as good as a Z! -shooting 1080 and downconverted,
Z1 picture is crisp and sharp, hvx got a warmer more organic look in my opinion,maybe its the progressive?
but what do i know!

[SISUMAN]

Hi,
if you come here asking questions expect a little homework... Having said that I feel that you are still in a box about using the HVX200 capacities or capabilities.
What you are considering is to use about 10% of it's ability, or like driving your Porsche just to get a quart of milk once a week. There is alot of power there that you need to learn about and a few good, easy ways to learn about it.
I would, if I were you in your situation and I've been in your situation lately, buy the 'HVX200 BOOTCAMP' DVD series and watch it. Second read this article on Creative Cow about a real world Documentary and see what you can do in the 'field'.

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/ross_shane/P2/COWMag_JanFeb07_P2.pdf

And if you have a real problem with buying a P2 card you can rent one and DUB the content to mini-DV tape. The results will rival any 480i camera. A big advantage is that if you shoot in 720pN you will decrease your HD recording requirements by a factor of 2.5. So 10 mins of footage in 720p will be 25 mins of footage if shot in 720pN, and transferring to a hard drive using the same amount of space. Many things like this, especially in time lapse and overcrank or undercrank features, are what set this little handheld apart from all of those over priced 90s technology cameras..... Good luck with your Documentary!