couple of newbie questions

[klarson27]

hello all,

What a great resource!

I'm just starting to get into Video and I wanted to ask a couple of questions. I'm hoping to add aerial video to the aerial photography services I provide and I want to make sure that I have the right tools to pursue professional projects.

My first question is:

Can the HPX170 Provide Professional Level Quality?

I'm assuming HD is HD, but then I see the HPX3000 for 48,000 and I'm thinking that there's no possible way the HPX170 could compete on that level. What are the differences between the 6,000 camera an 48,000 camera (other than 42,000)

How about the AG-HPX500? Can the 170 Compete with it?

Can it compete with the HDX900?

I've had an opportunity to mess around with the 170 (testing on a gyro platform from a moving truck) and I do like it.

Another question is regarding the Firestore Hard Drive vs P2 media...

Given how expensive P2 is, why don't people just buy the Firestore hard drive and record directly to it? seems like a no-Brainer to me but I'm sure there's something I'm missing. Can the 170 Record directly to it? Seems like I could take a 100 GB drive out and have 100 minutes of recording per drive.

Finally another question I have is regarding different HD formats:

If I shoot with the 170 at 30FPS its essentially 1080p30 correct? I understand the difference between progressive and interlaced but it seems that 1080i60 would give you more information to work with.

A follow up question would be the 1/3 CCD in the 170 vs 2/3 in the HPX3000 or HGX 500..

I guess I'm wondering if I'm thinking terms of Frames Per Second and Interlaced vs Progressive being the components of video capture, what does it matter if the sensor is 1/3 or 2/3?

I'm hoping someone can help me with a simple explanation for that last question because it seems obvious that a chip larger would do something more, but I'm not sure how.

[Dino]

I have an HDX900 and HPX170 and two FireStore FS-100's which I use with the 900 often.
FireStore is not as reliable as P2 cards, is is susceptible to shock, cable detaching, power loss.
The FireStore is great with record capacity, especially in Native mode, that's 2.5 minutes per
Gb vs. 1 minute per Gb for not Native.

The 170 is a great B-camera for the 900, but it can't be all the things a 900 is, much less an
HPX3000. The 900 has more latitude, better S/N, resolves more detail--especially obvious
on wide shots, offers much more menu depth for image setup flexibility, better in low light,
it all adds up to a more professional, high end camera.

Regarding aerial video, unless you have a stabilization capability, no camera will give you
professional results.

Frame rate and sensor size have no relation to eachother, sensor size does affect depth of field,
S/N, sensitivity, ability to resolve fine detail and native resolution.

[wgzn]

SIMPLE ANSWERS:

Can the HPX170 Provide Professional Level Quality - VERY MUCH a YES

I'm assuming HD is HD - as far as pixel dimension TRUE. as far as flavor, color sampling and the specific ability to capture an image from one HD camera (or format) to another DEFINITELY NO.

what youre going to get with the more expensive cameras is:
- the ability to use better lenses. the lenses on the bigger cameras start at about the price of an HPX170 and go rapidly up from there
- larger and more capable image sensors, which results in better color fidelity and light handling ability

Firestore Hard Drive vs P2 media - this has been debated to DEATH here on the forum. just do a search and read what you find. they are two different tools for different people and different situations. each has its plus and negative points. and each has people who love and people who hate. not to mention that the company who makes the firestore just filed for bankruptcy last month.

Can the 170 Record directly to it? Seems like I could take a 100 GB drive out and have 100 minutes of recording per drive. - NO. you cant record straight to a hard drive. thats what a firestore is for. you CAN shoot directly to a hard drive via a computer with the appropriate capturing software. but that means you have to be tethered to a computer. great for studio, impractical for field work.

what does it matter if the sensor is 1/3 or 2/3? - MATTERS BIG! its one of two main things that seperates a $5000 camera from a $10k, $20k, and up camera

[klarson27]

Thanks peeps. To respond to the first question.. Yes I'm considering purchasing 3 KS-8 Gyros along with a platform from AerialExposures.com. Arnie has created a killer product. Two years ago I was hired to shoot Penn State VS Notre Dame and I contracted the video out to Arnie while I did the stills.

I'm still learning and it's a tough decision to make here.

I could invest 20-$25,000 and purchase the 3KS8s, a used platform from Arnie, and an HPX-170.. but I want to be pro...

or I could risk my life, family, and well being and go for 2- KS12s, a Mount, and an HPX3000 for around $95,000...

I'm more apt to go for the former since it seems much more attainable, but I don't want to get stuck with 25,000.00 worth of gear if I can't get real work with it.

Take care.

[AwakenedFilms]

Can't you rent until your business plan is in place and you have steady work?


J

[klarson27]

Good point. I think I'll take that approach.