Pricing

[Guest]

I just got this pricing info from ZGC, and I was wondering if someone here would be willing to pick through this and let me know if they see any issues.

Panasonic AG-DVX100 "A" NTSC USA Retail Box Unit A system $3,325
-2 Panasonic 2800 Ma Battery Pack $110 ea
-Zoe DVX Zoom Controller $249
-Century Optics .7x Wide Angle Lens (Bayonet Mount) $649
-Century Optics 1.6x Telephoto Lens (Bayonet Mount) $729
-Century optics fish eye with Bayonet mount $425
-Panasonic 16:9 Anamorphic Lens (Adapter modified) $839
-Century Optics Cine-Focus Gear $329
-Chrosziel 411-53 PK Matte Box w/2 Stage Filter Holder and French Flag $ 1,600
-Chrosziel DVX100 15MM Rod Support System included
-Chrosziel Side Flag Set and Mounting Brackets $750
-Chrosziel DV Follow Focus w/ gear $ 1,350
-Formatt 4x4 Clear Hi-Definition Filter $ 135
-Formatt 4x4 UV Haze Hi-Definition Filter$ 125
-Formatt 4x4 Polarizer Hi-Definition Filter $135
-Formatt 4x4 .6 Graduated Soft Edge ND Hi-Definition Filter $140
-Formatt 4x4 Color Enhancer Hi-Definition Filter $250
-Formatt 4x4 Black Supermist Diffusion Hi-Definition Filter $135
-Sennheiser MKH 416 Cinematographers Shotgun Mic w/Windscreen and Case $975
-Sennheiser Blimp Windscreen and Pistol Grip Shockmount (GoTo) $345
-Sennheiser MZCAM On Camera Shock Mount (GoTo) $30

-Sennheiser EW500 UHF Wireless Lavaliere Microphone System (GoTo) upgraded mic $1,200
-Gitzo Boom Pole w/Mic Shock Mount (GoTo) N/A
-2 Vangaurd Aluminum Hard Case for Lens/Filter Kit (GoTo) N/A

-Bogen 510/515 Kit Tripod and video Fluid Head including Carrying Case (GoTo) $1350.00
-Bogen 3198 Professional Tripod Dolly (GoTo) $231
-2 XLR Mic Cable (1: 24 inch and 1: 30 foot) $9 ea
-100 Sony Premium MiniDV Tapes N/A
-1 Schneider Pro Lens Cleaning Cloth N/A
-1 Schneider Cleaning Solution Spray N/a

Some questions I have already:

How long should the batteries quoted last?

Why would I want to use wireless lavalier mics on a "film" shoot?

Is there any noticeable difference in image quality when using a "hi-def" versus a "std-def" lens or filter when shooting in standard definition?

How does the tripod quoted sound?

The MKH416 mic is being quoted rather than the MKH60...Which would be better? I was told the MKH60 was the way to go by a local production rental house, but I don't think they carry the other mic so it could be that they just want the business...

Do I need a wide angle lens and a 16x9 anamorphic lens to get good 16x9 photage? If not, why would they quote me for both?

I think that's it for my questions...

Anyone have any other concerns?

[HorseFilms]

The first thing I noticed is the batteries:

-2 Panasonic 2800 Ma Battery Pack *$110 ea

Don't get them. Buy them from this site. They're cheaper and provide longer life. They're available here:

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/battery/

[soarprod]

MKH60 is better, they are correct.
But, If you are shooting with the anamorphic lens, why would you get a .6 fisheye or the 1.6 tele lens? You will notice the change from the anamorphic to those lenses when you compare footage.
Also, the lav mics are good if you are way far away from the actors and you need to hear them - probably, you replace this dialog later with better sound from the MKH60.

[taubkin]

I'm still to figure what does a 4x4 clear high-resolution filter does?

And yes, you can't use another lens with the anamorphic, wich means if you use them, you'd have to go for a "in-camera" 16x9 and would have less resolution in those shots. So I still don't get them either.

Besides that, you are getting some quality stuff, the best of the best. (The sennheiser blimp is not as good as Rycote's but it's half the price).

[Boy]

man, if you're buying all of that gear at once, you think they could at least give you a package price... (assuming that is a quote from them of coarse)
i mean just off hand, the century .7x lens adapter is 629 from EVS, and that isn't even a package price.
some mighty fine gear though ;D

[Guest]

I'm still to figure what does a 4x4 clear high-resolution filter does?

And yes, you can't use another lens with the anamorphic, wich means if you use them, you'd have to go for a "in-camera" 16x9 and would have less resolution in those shots. So I still don't get them either.

Besides that, you are getting some quality stuff, the best of the best. (The sennheiser blimp is not as good as Rycote's but it's half the price).



as far as I've been lead to believe the clear filter is just for protection...

if I'm hearing you correctly, in order to get proper 16x9 photage the anamorphic lens adapter must be used, which cannot be used with any of the other lenses, correct?

How does using the "in camera" 16x9 reduce the resolution?

thanks

[TC]

But, If you are shooting with the anamorphic lens, why would you get a .6 fisheye or the 1.6 tele lens? *You will notice the change from the anamorphic to those lenses when you compare footage.
If your going to get the .6 fisheye and the 1.6 tele, soarprod is right, you won't be able to use them in conjunction with the ana. However, if you find the NEED to use them, while your working on a project using the ana. You can put on the new lens and shoot in squeeze. It won't be as good of resolution, so the footage will look a bit different, but that's not even a problem with the fisheye, as it already looks far different.

That's quite a list. I love the Formatt filters, the black lip is a great touch.

[TC]

How does using the "in camera" 16x9 reduce the resolution?
It's not using the full surface of the CCDs.

[Prairieboy]

Sounds like you are jumping intoa huge investment. Spend some time to read through alot of the posts here. The time will save you hundreds of dollars. Little things like the lens adapters, using a 72mm clear, instead of a 4x4, buying the dvx batteries (which are much better). Alll this will save you in the neighbourhood of over a grand. As well if I may recomend you contact Rush at EVS (evsonline.com) He has treated many of us here very well, and if you spend that kind of dough he will not only give you great service and prices, he may bake you cookies. Good luck, and have fun with it.

[TC]

Oh yeah, I wanted to say that too. Go through Rush and EVS, ZGC is great and all, but most DVXusers go through Rush, and we've all had great experiences.

[Rush]

he will not only give you great service and prices, he may bake you cookies.
Yes, I will! How did you know? ;D
Koss, if you like, send me an email at rush@evsonline.com, I can surely beat all those prices. ;)

[TC]

Ooh, a challenge! ;D

Fight!

[Guest]

Yes, I will! *How did you know? *;D *
Koss, if you like, send me an email at rush@evsonline.com, I can surely beat all those prices. *;)

Actually, Rush...Why don't you just take what I've posted and let me know what you can do. I'm flexible on manufacturers too. Something I don't think ZGC quite understood when they quoted me.

Yeah, since everyone here speaks so highly of you, give me your input concerning this quote.

Thanks in advance...

[Rush]

Actually, Rush...Why don't you just take what I've posted and let me know what you can do. *I'm flexible on manufacturers too. *Something I don't think ZGC quite understood when they quoted me.
Yeah, since everyone here speaks so highly of you, give me your input concerning this quote. Thanks in advance...

Be happy to, I just emailed myself the list to my work address, and I will get to work on it on Friday. ;D I am still at the DV Expo on Thursday.

[Rush]

Ooh, a challenge! ;D

Fight!
You betcha TC! I can't wait to challenge those guys' prices. ;D

[Prairieboy]

Go get em Rush! ;)

[Guest]

Be happy to, I just emailed myself the list to my work address, and I will get to work on it on Friday. *;D *I am still at the DV Expo on Thursday.


Thaks Dude! :)

[Rush]

Koss, your quote has been sent. ;)

[Jim Brennan]

Man, I love a happy ending. ;D