Newbie: accesories for the DVX100 B

F

flowolf

Member
I've been working with a PD150 (don't scowl!) and that has been a pretty good workhorse for corporate video, event video etc but now I'm well into the research for my first documentary and I want something wider, warmer and generally more filmic. (is that a word?)
The 100B seems like a good option. In addition to the camera, I'm ordering two heavy duty batteries, the Petrol bag with raincover and perhaps a zoomcontrol. (any suggestions?) I have the bebob for my PD150 and it's a nice piece of equipment.
I want to order at B&H because they have the PAL version and I'm from Amsterdam. What's this I've been reading about the $400 rebate? Couldn't find anything on the Panasonic site...?!

I want to shoot Squeeze Mode. How does that compare to native 16x9? (The 16x9 mode on the PD150 is crap.)

What about the anamorphic lens? Is it worth the extra cash compared to shooting Squeezed?

O yeah, I want an on-camera light. Suggestions?

Thanks to all, I appreciate your help,

Wolf
 
Flowolf,
Do a search on this site and you'll find all these topics have been discussed in detail.

Squeeze is pretty good when shooting progressive. The Anamorphic gives the best resolution for widescreen, but has a few issues. Lite panels makes a nice on-camera light.

Cheers
 
The 100B provides for remote focus/iris as well as zoom and record start/stop. Any controller that works for the HVX will also work for the DVX100B, so you can look at Evin Grant's review of the Foxi & Varizoom for a start.

Squeeze in 25p will deliver an image just as high-resolution as the PD150 when the PD150's *not* in 16x9 (i.e., there's as many lines of resolution in a 16x9 squeeze 25p DVX as there is in a 4x3 PD150 image). Not as many lines as in a true native 16x9 camera, but an awful lot more than the PD150's 16x9 can deliver (unless you shoot the DVX in 50i interlaced; in that case it will perform comparably to the PD150).
 
Thanks, guys. (Sacksnack, I did search the site quite a bit but it takes a long time to find the posts with the right info, forgive me...)
I'm getting more and more excited about this camera. Plus, I'm getting a $400 rebate!!! (finally found it...) And Berry, I believe your book comes with the camera, right?! Absolutely brilliant, as the Brits say! (and then to think that a week ago I was set on the Sony Z1- HiDef magic, native 16x9- but when I looked at some footage shot with the FX1, it turned me off completely)
 
What mics are you going to be using? If you're using an ME66 then you'll NEED a pad to bring the levels down a bit before they enter the mic inputs, otherwise you'll get distortion on anything other than almost silence.

Also, I assume you know about the UV filter to protect the lens?

Cheers
Aaron
 
I'm using an AKG SE 300B+CK91 mic. What's with the pad? Never heard of it.

And tell me about the UV filter- never used it on the PD-150! Is it necessary or precaution because of the lenses extra sensitivity?

Anything else I should know about the 100B? I understand the Panasonics are more complicated to operate than the Sony's. (Luckily Barry Green's book is included with the cam!)
I'm not a tech-type, I'm an item-director trying to do (learn) camerawork.

BTW, going through the accessories list at B&H I saw the Besco VS 65 oncamera light with barndoors. Has anyone worked with this light?

Thanks for the help!
 
Not sure about those mics, but when I got my DVX100b the other week, I quickly found one the ME66 I have (that I was using fine on my XM2) was way too loud for the DVX's inputs. Hence I need to get myself a pad to drop the levels down about 15dB.

Most people use the UV as protection against stones, hits etc. Better to replace that than the lens of the camera.

I guess with the DVX, the things to note/be aware of are obviously the progressive nature and I assume you're in NTSC land so it has all the crazy 24pN and 24pA. http://www.adamwilt.com is a good site to find out about that.

Aaron
 
Actually, I'm in PAL-space- Amsterdam. Looking forward to shoot progressive/experiment with this new way of filming. I'll check out Adam Wilt! Less issues with 25P? I have a lot of reading to do...

And ehh, I'm very curious about the Besco on-camera light. Anyone?
 
Then yes you're life's a little simpler, no 24p worries for you.

I just looked up your mic specs, and it has a nominal output of -40dBV AFAIK, but I also noticed it has a -10dB attentuation switch. So I'd guess you'll be perfectly fone.

Sorry, can't help with the light as I've never used one, although that said, I should look at inveseting in one at some point.

Aaron
 
I don't know if you will get the Barry Green book right away with your camera. I bought my camera a good 2 months ago and haven't received anything yet. I have been learning so much from this site and that has kept me progressive with this progressive camera.
 
Aaron Koolen said:
Then yes you're life's a little simpler, no 24p worries for you.

I just looked up your mic specs, and it has a nominal output of -40dBV AFAIK, but I also noticed it has a -10dB attentuation switch. So I'd guess you'll be perfectly fone.

Sorry, can't help with the light as I've never used one, although that said, I should look at inveseting in one at some point.

Aaron
Click to expand...

Thanks, Aaron. BTW, I'm not getting a discount and no books or software, either:furious3:
 
Bummer. Same here in New Zealand. The rebate has stopped here, but I think the price of the camera dropped and is less than what it was with rebate. Or that's what a panasonic rep told me. :)
 
I would like to use the ME66 with my DVX100A as well. Will somebody explain what a pad is? I understand that the mike is too hot for the camera and a pad will bring the levels down. But what is a pad and where can I get one? Thanks. Henry
 
Thanks for the suggestion and the link to the pad. I will be shooting a project that will take place almost entirely outdoors, and some of it will be run and gun. I am hoping the directionality of the ME66, plus it's greater sensitivity, will work better than my AKG 300B for an outdoors shoot. Again, thanks for the information. I'll order one tonight so I can use it for a while before the shoot. Henry Mindful Productions www.mindfulproductions.com
 
No prob. If you haven't ordered, another option is to get a small 30cm or so XLR cable that has it built in. That way you can use it when on camera as a small cable and if you need a big run, just add to the end. It can be a little easier to manage than a large pad. Either way though I think you'll be fine, and the pad has selectable attenuation.
 
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