HVX vs Z1U low light..??

[Justin Marx]

I just shot a wedding last night, and compared the footage of my camera (hvx200) and the other guys Z1U..

We were in a VERY VERY DIM banquet hall, and his footage (light wise) looked better than the HVX.. I was shooting 480i 24p with the 180degree shutter..
Lets just say it looked BAD. Thank god his looked ok..

What's the deal? Is the Z1U better under low light conditions? or did I have a setting issue? Of course I'm thinking now that I should have changed it to 1/24th instead of the 180 degree shutter, but that wouldn't have made much of a difference..

Thanks..

- - Justin

[Green Hornet]

Yeah, the hvx200 likes light.
I would go so far as to say, that any inside shooting needs additional light.

The Sony chips are very sensitive, even having owned them I never really liked
the "Sony look", but they were always more sensitive than everyone else.

[J Michael]

What's the equivalent ASA rating of the HVX chip? On the Z1U it's 160. Also, perhaps there was a difference in gain settings.

[Justin Marx]

He had no GAIN on, and neither did I.. no grain no gain... It looked terrible with the gain on in this dark invoronment.

WE both had on camera lights (his a bit better) so they will have enough stuff to get by with..(thank god I don't have to edit it!)

I really do have a lot to learn about this camera.. Like, NO FOCUS assist for 480i mode (WHY?) I really actually like the viewfinder/LCD of the Z1U much better, and it would be a wise thing for Panny to come out with a replacement finder.. Crucial focus while doing handheld with no 1st AC on a dark, run and gun documentary (wedding) is nearly impossible.. Why such a small viewfinder?! I think I might need to invest in a 7" HD monitor (nothing left in pockets).

I have never done a wedding, and don't think I'd like to do another.. I don't like not having zero say in lighting, and if I know something will look bad, I'd rather not shoot it.. It's not a good mindset for a wedding videographer eh? :-)

- - Thank you guys and girls :-D

[LearningVideo]

Yes. Z1u has better low light support than HVX. PD170 has better low light support than DVX.

[vocare]

Yes. Z1u has better low light support than HVX. PD170 has better low light support than DVX.

sad to say..but is true that the Pd 170 shoot better in dim area than the dvx 100
but we got to admit that the color in the dvx is more accurate than in the pd 170
gain control and iris control are more gradual on dvx.
so pros and cons, but to me, i will bring along my video light when i do wedding
in singapore. as no matter how good your camera work under low light,
it will still be grainy, hence video light is the solution to your low light situation .

www.vocaremedia.com
call to create, act to inspire

[LearningVideo]

I agree, and in way shape or form I am implying that PD170 is better than DVX or that Z1U is better than HVX. I myself bought the HVX over the Z1U. I am just a realist in that probably the only significant advantages that Z1U has over HVْX is better light support and less noise. Otherwise, HVX is better camera overall.

[ericcosh]

Apples and Oranges Folks! Progressive always requires more light. I"m not going to get into the "low light" argument. I think we've all been down that road before. This is where DP's come into play.
The HVX200 is going to require more light than the DVX100 series. If you're going to be shooting in a dark church, then the footage shot with a 200 is going to be darker than footage shot with a 100. If you're going to be shooting in an extremely dark enviroment, and they won't let you use exterior lighting, then you'll have to decide whether to use a different camera, or just decline the job.

I have a pretty simple rule of thumb after many years in the field. "Never, and I mean Never, use a new piece of equipment on a paying job until you know its capabilities".

[Justin Marx]

I have a pretty simple rule of thumb after many years in the field. "Never, and I mean Never, use a new piece of equipment on a paying job until you know its capabilities".

Good advice.. Live and learn.. Thanks for the info..

[TedRR]

Howdy Eric, good to see you at NAB again.

Justin, I've had my camera for a few weeks and still have not used it on a paying job. Eric's advice is wise. I've seen several people here who have shot unuseable stuff on a clients dime. Your reputation is important, protect it.

Another lesson, DON'T DO WEDDINGS! :)
I did them for 12 years as a side job in the 70's and 80's. That was with a 100 lux VHS plumbicon camera and deck. Talk about lighting issues! :furious3:
The wedding party gives the still photog full control, while the poor videographer gets no respect.
I wish you well and actually weddings are a REALLY good way to learn to be prepared and 2 steps ahead of everything. Take as much control as possible and get the photog on your side. Together you'll have more control of the darned hostess and the brides mom!