Low Light Camera HVX

[femmedirector]

I am not very pleased with my HVX camera as it doesn't handle lowlight well and I am all about documentary run and gun shooting.

I haven't tried it with the P2 card but I have heard it gets worst. Is there any on camera light(model no etc) that someone can recommend to improve this?

I am looking for something that is relatively inconspcious. If an oncamera light cannot help, can someone recommend another camera that doesn't have all the issues such as interlacing and compatibility with AVID COMPOSER?

[Jim Carswell]

Femme,
There are a number of lights that would suit your purpose. Check out B&H's website for a wide variety. If you don't like dealing with B&H there are a number of other alternatives out there.

There are ways of working around the HVX's low light issues. Primarily by adjusting the scene settings. While this won't create a miraculous solution it will improve the camera's performance (some what) in low light.

This is an issue that has been well documented since the camera's release a couple years ago. Also, if you don't want interlacing issues you may want to consider shooting progressive.

This camera is a great tool when used properly. I hope you don't give up on it too fast because every camera has issues of one kind or another.

Jim

[femmedirector]

Thanks! Anyone have the best scene file for this and what should I adjust. I am not too familiar with scene files. Is there a particular setting?

[Jim Carswell]

Barry's book helps with understanding what each of the scene file settings will do. If you haven't already give it a read. It is very enlightening. The book includes a couple dozen different scene file settings for varying looks.

Also, do a search of the HVX (not DVX) forum for low light and scene file settings and you will come across a number of discussions that include settings that are useful. In fact, I'll try to do a search myself and post some links in the next hour or so if I have time.
Jim

[Jim Carswell]

Femme,
Here are a few to get you started. I think you'll find there is a running theme here as far as settings are concerned. Primarily utilize "Bpress", lower your detail level and utilize norm instead of the cine color matrix.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=127102&highlight=light+settings

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=125044&highlight=light+settings

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=121559&highlight=light+settings

Jim

[emiranda]

I use this one, work great

http://www.paguk.com/C6_Orbitor/C6information.htm

[femmedirector]

Thanks for pulling up those links and thanks for that light source.
Looks great. I just need something within the next few days I am shooting next Saturday so I am looking for something local. If anyone knows someone in NYV with this system, let me know.
s

[Jim Carswell]

At B&H in NY:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278994-REG/Pag_1001_C6_On_Camera_Light.html

Jim

[ProfessorU]

Sensitivity is related to the size of the pixels on the sensor. If you don't need HD, you'll find the DVX is an excellent low-light camera. Any old Betacam with a 2/3" chip would be a great option, too.

If you need HD, finding a camera more sensitive than the HVX will be expensive.

[THoff]

The EX1 is demonstrably more light sensitive than the HVX, and comparable in cost.

[Barry_Green]

The only camera under $10,000 that's more sensitive than the HVX200 is the EX1, and that's only 1/2 stop more sensitive (unless you go in 1080/60i mode, at which point it's about 1 stop more sensitive).

[Spec-Comm]

We just unofficially became a dealer for Litepanels and we have a shipment of the Micro coming. Please call id you're interested.

http://www.litepanels.com/

Best regards,

Andrew Hoffman
Senior Operations Manager
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com

Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!

[femmedirector]

Well I think with that knowledge the best thing is to just go with an on camera light. You all have been so helpful.

[femmedirector]

oppsss...too quick. Thanks!!