Want to buy a professional Sony DV cam

[DMW]

Dear All :

I'm looking for a camera for my panel. I have a plan to setup my editing panel within 15 days with FCP studio 5.1.

I heard Sony DSR 400 is a professional DV cam which can capture broadcast quality photography. I don’t know whether this is correct or not.

My budget around USD 6000/=. I can also spend a little high if there is any better facility available.

How about HDV or HD cam? Is it more expensive? How much an entry level professional camera (compare to DSR 400) will cost? Any idea? Any Suggestion!

What is the basic difference of DV and HDV? May I shoot the ad film with both? Which will be better? Pardon me for my poor knowledge, please.

I read about Sony HVR Z1, JVC HDV GY 100U, Canon XL2 etc. in the net. Are they professional camera's?

A huge list from my side kindly help me if possible. In our country Sony camera's are mostly used. Can any one help me to find out the best possible combination for me.


Camera :
Lense :
Tripod:
Tripod head:
Tripod bowl:

I will be greatful to you.

Keep continue on this pl.

regards

[MovieSwede]

what are you planning to shoot? Weddings, Movies?, TheThingsWeDontSpeakOf, Sports?, Docs?

[DMW]

what are you planning to shoot? Weddings, Movies?, TheThingsWeDontSpeakOf, Sports?, Docs?

Thanks for joining with me. I would like to shoot

1. TV commercials
2. Drama Serials
3. Talk show and
4. Documentary

Any suggestions?

regards

[Huy Vu]

Dear All :



My budget around USD 6000/=. I can also spend a little high if there is any better facility available.

How about HDV or HD cam? Is it more expensive? How much an entry level professional camera (compare to DSR 400) will cost? Any idea? Any Suggestion!

What is the basic difference of DV and HDV? May I shoot the ad film with both? Which will be better? Pardon me for my poor knowledge, please.

I read about Sony HVR Z1, JVC HDV GY 100U, Canon XL2 etc. in the net. Are they professional camera's?



All those cameras that you mention are professional cameras in the sense that they have many professional features such as XLR audio input, variable frame rates, manual controls etc.

As to DV and HDV, HDV is a high definition format, which means that it has more resolution than DV. High definition is obviously better but it have a lot of problems associated with it. First is the editing. Since HDV is compressed in the MPEG format, you'll need a high powered editing system or some kind of intermediary codec to edit in HD. The second is distribution. Until either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray becomes more popular, there is no practical way of distributing it unless you're broadcasting.

From what you mention you would prefer a Sony camera, so a HVR-Z1U will do what you need. It doesn't shoot 24p (24 frames per second captured progressively to mimic the look of film) but for documentary and other similar works 24p isn't that big a deal anyway. And it does shoot HDV. However this camera, which go for around $5800 at B&H, will eat up most of your budget. If the $6000 budget you mention is just for a camera and you have other resources to call on for other accessories than this is not a problem. But if that is all the money you're willing to spend on equipment then I would recommend a cheaper camera, with the rest of the money going toward audio, lighting, editing system etc. Again I don't know what your situation is.

If that is the case and you still want a Sony camera, consider the HDR-FX1 or the FX1e (the PAL version of the FX1) for about $3500. The FX1 is the consumer cousin of the Z1U, meaning it doesn't have XLR audio input and less features. However the image that these two cameras provided are identical, and for around $300-400 dollar you can get an XLR adaptor for the FX1, which is really the only important feature you need anyway. And of course the FX1 also shoots HDV.

[MovieSwede]

Or you can get a DVX, if you dont need HighDef it has all you need.

For commercials i would say 24P is a must, myself hate any commercial thats been done in 60i or 50i. I get too much of a low budget feel.

Even docs gets a nicer look with 24P/25P.

I only shoot 25P wenever I can, the only time i do 50i is when i have to match with other cameras.

[DMW]

Or you can get a DVX, if you dont need HighDef it has all you need.

For commercials i would say 24P is a must, myself hate any commercial thats been done in 60i or 50i. I get too much of a low budget feel.

Even docs gets a nicer look with 24P/25P.

I only shoot 25P wenever I can, the only time i do 50i is when i have to match with other cameras.

Thanks a lot for helping me. I would like to take this opportunity to get knowledge from you. Let me share some informations about our situation and my stupid knowledge regarding camera with you . So you may give me better suggestion.

Location : Bangladesh

Camera and broadcast : Usually betacam sp. Very recent people are using DV Cam. But still broadcast from beta. We do our shooting/ediitng on DV and transfer to beta for broadcast.

Editing : Mostly PC based (Adobe, media 100 etc.). Very few are using recently FCP Studio 5.

Cameraman/|Cinematographer/Viewer: Prefers Sony Camera and the colour. Cinematographer dont like small light weight camera like JVC GY HDV 100 U or Canon XL2. I dont have that much knowledge to convince them these are good cameras. But I read in the net that these might deliver good quality out put.

HD : Market Not yet ready and dont know how to handle the edits/posts.

Shoot and edits: I need a good budget feel in the production may be close to DG Beta/16mm.

My budget : For camera will be around USD 8500/= and for tripod, field monitor, if lenses are required, carrying case , matte box for camera etc. will be around USD 5500/=.

P+S technik Mini 35 : I dont know how it will help me and what is the benefit compare to the cost. Any suggestion?

24p/60i/50i : What is the basic difference of PROGRESSIVE and INTERLACE? Is that very in the production quality? Can I shoot both of them with one particular camera? Is it easy to handle by the editors?

Camera - people are suggesting : Here some people are suggesting me to go for Sony DSR 570, Sony DSR 400 or Sony DSR 450 but they dont have any 'reason to buy' suggestion. Also they dont have any ROI of these three camera's. I need your professional view on this.

My work : Will shoot TV commercial, Talk shows, will give rent for Documentary shoot and drma serials shooting.


So sir how do you feel now with this stupid man and the questions. Pl help me out. I know this is not a big investment for some persons but this is very big for me to start with smooth begeining. I have already decided to buy Mac Quad 5 and FCP 5 for edits. I need a good camera and edit setup which will run smoothly for 4 years so that I can get back my investment.

Thank you very much to have patience to bear me.

Warm regards

Dream Merchant:)

[mcgeedigital]

I'd reccomend a used Sony DSR-500/570 or DSR-300/370 with decent lens.

It has a better zoom than the DVX, longer (184 minutes) recording time for Doc work, and is an excellent editing format.

I still use my DSR-500 all of the time, its a great camera.

[Huy Vu]

24p/60i/50i : What is the basic difference of PROGRESSIVE and INTERLACE? Is that very in the production quality? Can I shoot both of them with one particular camera? Is it easy to handle by the editors?

Progressive footage means that each frame is captured all at once. So shooting 24p means that in one second you captured 24 "whole frames." Interlaced means that you're capturing both half of a frame in one second. So for 60i footage each second the camera will capture half of the lower part of the frame and then it will captured the upper part of the frame, then putting it together to form a whole picture. So 60 divided by two is 30 interlaced framer per second, this is NTSC standard. 50i is similar except in one second you'll only capture 25 interlaced frame, this is PAL standard. All camera will be able to shoot 60i, and their European counterpart should be able to shoot 50i. 24p depends on the camera itself. You should not have trouble editing these in any format since most professional editing program now supports them.

[MovieSwede]

Basicly
24P = MovieLook
50i/60i = sports, newslook

I think with your budget and your versitile needs the HVX200 would almost be the perfect cam. The almost is the camerabody wich your cameraman think is to small. But there are riggs you can buy to make it more ENG-style.

If he has any doubt about the footage look here
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=57118

Thats among the best (or better) S16-look ive seen.

But with this cam you can do everything if you dont count in a rocketpack. ;)

[TeeJaysPlace]

Greetings, DMW. We shoot network cable series using the Sony HVR Z1. I find our HDV footage to be of noticably better quality than standard DV we shoot; however, several of our editors have stated that the format lacks the contrast ratio and image quality that one would find in higher end cameras. While designed as an High Defination camera, the Z1 is nevertheless regarded as a "Prosumer" model. Also, the HDV format (apparently) fails to meet Discovery Networks standards for Hi Def programming, whereas Sony's newer XD Cam does. On the plus size, the Z1 does pack a lot of options into a small design, which can be helpful for documentary-type film making. It also comes at pretty great price (I believe around $3,000 If you do choose to shoot in HDV, please be advised that Final Cut Pro 5.1 will NOT recognize time code breaks when you import your footage. The simplest way around this is to capture your footage with timecode using "Capture Now", and abort, then restart on breaks. Also, standard DV decks will not read HDV tapes, so you'll either have to invest in an HDV deck or capture directly from your camera. The original $3000 HDV recorder offered by Sony, the HVR-M10U, was pushed out the door pretty quickly and tends to wear over time. I believe that Sony has just released a new HDVR which is supposedly more durable and comes in at bout $1000 less than the original M10, so be sure to shop around. Good Luck!

[DMW]

Greetings, DMW. We shoot network cable series using the Sony HVR Z1. I find our HDV footage to be of noticably better quality than standard DV we shoot; however, several of our editors have stated that the format lacks the contrast ratio and image quality that one would find in higher end cameras. While designed as an High Defination camera, the Z1 is nevertheless regarded as a "Prosumer" model. Also, the HDV format (apparently) fails to meet Discovery Networks standards for Hi Def programming, whereas Sony's newer XD Cam does. On the plus size, the Z1 does pack a lot of options into a small design, which can be helpful for documentary-type film making. It also comes at pretty great price (I believe around $3,000 If you do choose to shoot in HDV, please be advised that Final Cut Pro 5.1 will NOT recognize time code breaks when you import your footage. The simplest way around this is to capture your footage with timecode using "Capture Now", and abort, then restart on breaks. Also, standard DV decks will not read HDV tapes, so you'll either have to invest in an HDV deck or capture directly from your camera. The original $3000 HDV recorder offered by Sony, the HVR-M10U, was pushed out the door pretty quickly and tends to wear over time. I believe that Sony has just released a new HDVR which is supposedly more durable and comes in at bout $1000 less than the original M10, so be sure to shop around. Good Luck!


Thank you very very much.
I am now trying with JVC HDV GY 100U and HVX 200. Will try some footage with z1 also.

Your suggestion will help me a lot to decide.

regards

[iffy]

Bhai,

I'm from Bangladesh as well. I have a contract with Channe-i and STV to do a feature HD film "Masud Rana" and I chose the HVX 200. It's a little work around, but it will get you the best picture quality possible -- even if you need to transfer it to 35mm for film out.

[iffy]

In other regards, please bhai -- go out there and bring fresh ideas to change Bangladesh film and TV. The medium has gotten so boring, lack of knowledge, everything shot in a small apartment or office, that we're falling way behind Bollywood.

The Bangladesh people are smart, give them what they want. Do better lighting. Have a costume designer, not actors wearing their clothes from home. Do ADR, DUBB, but do not keep hard to hear dialogues just because money is concerned.

I think the Bangladesh industry is falling behind... because no one wants to invest good money in good project (like 5 years ago) and thus, we have crappy products.

Make a difference.

[Kyle Stebbins]

man you have $6000+ dollars and you dont know the difference between DV and HDV. man, it would be nice to be you =)

[NewYorkLion]

I imagine bangladesh is a looong way off from HD, I would stick with dvcam or beta. Honestly, I like the look of beta SP better than any of the DVcams. I would buy a used D35 with a beta back and tehn eventually get a DVcam back.

[attar-khoje]

wow..!! I found 2 bengali here..!!!:D cool....

bro...DMW.. I would suggest HVX200...its the best in its price..I am also looking forward to buy it by this month. It has progressive scaning which is necessary for film shoot.....other than that I think it will serve perfectly for other productions also.

The only problem you might face is the p2 cards. They are very short in memory...so you will have to get several of them or atleast 2 so that u can swap while recording. well u have to carry a laptop too to download all the footages....

well I guess with ur budget u can get all of of those with no trouble......)

hoping to see something good bro..!! :)

shanti

[attar-khoje]

Bhai,

I'm from Bangladesh as well. I have a contract with Channe-i and STV to do a feature HD film "Masud Rana" and I chose the HVX 200. It's a little work around, but it will get you the best picture quality possible -- even if you need to transfer it to 35mm for film out.


bhai..iffy..!! apni jodi hvx200 kine thaken..taile kindly ki bolben, apni camera-ti kotha theke kinechen..?

arekjon bengali ke peye khub khushi lagche..:)

shanti