Who has already shot varicam, and now considering HVX?

[esperman]

Hi all. I'm just curious...how many here have shot DVCPRO 50 or 100, and plan to buy this camera?

[khmuse]

I myself haven't had the privilege to shot with the Varicam, but I have been on a couple of projects that were (the end results were outstanding). I would certainly consider the Varicam if it were within my budget, but frankly if I had a project that would need it, I would almost certainly rent, not purchase it.

The HVX is in a different league and at its price point, it is something that I will purchase to replace my DVX. The ability to shoot native 16:9 720p and over/under crank is all that it took to get my interest up. When I saw the output of the camera first hand at resfest, I was reassured of my decision.

[skidgel]

I haven't shot with the Varicam, but I worked on a few shorts that used it and I did titles and effects work on the resulting footage. While I could never afford a varicam, the primes, and all the accoutrements, I would definitely pay the rental fee (1000-1500 a day depending upon what you add to the package) for a short with a production schedule of 1-2 days. If I did a feature (which would definitely have a much longer production schedule), I’d buy the HVX200 and be a total control freak over the lighting, set dressing, etc... so the film had the highest of production value.

That all said, I’m thinking about getting a HVX200 with a couple of friends. And I’m keeping my DVX100A!

John

[fiercecurry]

I have used it once, rented it. Still prefer film though, especially since you are spending about the same on the rental as you would on a 35mm package.
However, the HVX is in a different league. Meaning its affordable. Any camera over $10K i would only rent. But thats me. So the HVX, being under 10K makes it a compelling reason to own. Of course i will still rent this camera first and test it before i make a purchase.

[filmstox]

Hey esperman,

I've shot a few projects on DVCPRO 50 and 100 with the SPX800, SDX900, and the Varicam. I've been a fan of Panasonic cameras since the TV station used to shoot for converted entirely to DVCPro25 on the AJ-D400 cameras. The HVX is the most exciting offering I've seen in a long time and it answers a very specific niche within my normal shooting requirements. What I am the most excited about is the ability to shoot 4:2:2 on a camera that doesn't command a 1200/day rental rate and won't require a $10,000 dollar deck. I find myself on a number of projects, mostly industrials and pilots, who need to shoot green screen but don't have the budget for a 4:2:2 workflow. These are the projects that will benefit the most from the HVX. There is still a lot of projects that I will rent the bigger cameras for but the HVX answers a very real need at the right price point for a lot of what I do. It will also allow me to ease some of my upper end SD producers into HD without causing too much sticker shock. And the occasional low budget feature wouldn't hurt either.

-David C. Smith
LA / OC D.P.

[Gibby]

We've used the Varicam and SDX900 extensively for for television projects - with excellent results. We're definately buying an HVX200. Sometimes we'll use it as a second unit camera for Varicam or SDX900 productions. For certain projects, the HVX will be the only camera used, or two HVX's will be used, Camera A for interviews/talent, and Camera B for b-roll and a second angle to cut to. When we do remote productions and risky environments that require high mobility and small crews, the HVX will definately be the camera used. We don't produce indie films. We produce national television programs, high-end business videos, commercials, and infomercials. Our television programs usually feature travel, sports, music, lifestyles, and documentaries.

Gibby
www.cut4.tv

[esperman]

Well, I had a feeling that quite a few people who have worked with the DVCPRO 50/100 format would want this camera. Of course I still need to see the camera in person, and shoot footage....but if the images from the HVX are half of what I'm hearing on the web....

Also, I have to say I haven't owned a camera since I sold my 16mm bolex EBM, I ALWAYS rent cameras..mainly becuase the gig dictates what camera/ cameras I'll need to use. And to be honest...why spend the money on a SD camera?

I really like the panny format, and this may be THE personal camera to have for the next couple years. I havent been this excited about any video camera, ever. Period. The value per cost has tremendous potential.

[Ralph Oshiro]

I've shot with Sony HDCAM HDW-F900s, DVW700s, and Panasonic SDX900s, and I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to that fat DVCPRO50/DVCPRO-HD signal! The NBC show I work on bought about four or five DVX100s. I figure that even if they don't buy some HVX200s (because of the expense of the P2 cards), I'll bet money that they'll be renting my HVX200 with my Steadicam Flyer after they see the picture. I totally see the HVX200 complementing our F900 shoots quite nicely. I expect our graphics department will want to use the HVX200 too, to create plates and stuff for their CG and After Effects stuff that they do for the show.