Taking the plunge on the HVX - any tips?

W

Wheatloaf

Member
Hi everyone,

So I think I'm finally going to buy an HVX to shoot my first feature (as DP). I just want to make sure I thought everything through and didn't miss anything.

I looked around at the links on the authorized dealer thread and it doesn't look like it'll be cheaper to buy in the States (I'm in BC).

I think I'll buy it in Alberta (no PST) at Applied Electronics and get it shipped here. I'll buy 2 4GB P2 cards with it... which is pretty much all I can afford. I'll see if they can throw in a UV filter for me too... or do DVX filters work with the HVX?

I don't think I can afford another battery, as the camera and 2 cards completely breaks the bank as it is. The HVX can take DVX batteries though, right? So I should be fine on that front.

Is there anything I'm missing? Like I said I won't be able to afford things like camera bags, batteries, polarizers (unless those are super cheap), tripods, P2 store or similar, more cards or anything.

If there's anything else that's super critical though, please let me know!

Oh and by the way, there are production photos up from the last HVX feature that I did under 'media' at www.kayfabeentertainment.com . The footage looks great... I'll post a trailer when there is one!

Thanks for your input!
 
Well it sounds like you can't afford much at all.

Can I ask what your post production plans are?
If you can't edit in HD, I would suggest you shoot SD if you are that strapped for cash. The DVX100b is a kickass piece of camera and it will help relieve your cash crunch. Then get a decent tripod and other necessities. Remember success isnt in pixels, it is in lighting, acting, sound, and most important story. I think if you cant even afford a tripod, HD isnt for you at this time and place. HD editing is expensive if you dont already own the software. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
I guess I wasn't really clear. I will supply the camera and the 2 cards, and the production will rent the rest... tripod, extra cards, etc. The editing will be done in the latest FCP. The storage will be purchased by the production.

I really don't have any responsibility to provide the other gear. The director is psyched that I'm buying the camera for the movie and will do whatever it takes to support the camera.

My choice is either shoot it on the director's DVX100B, or buy an HVX and do the movie on HD. If it were any old movie I wouldn't put my neck out and buy a camera... but this is my first feature. It is so exceptionally well written... I can hardly believe it. It stars professional actors, one of whom stars in a popular TV series that shoots here... many have won awards in the past. It may be the best movie I've ever worked on on the page and in terms of the cast. I know how rare a well written script is. The potential professional ramifications of a feature DP credit on HD with this movie at this stage of my career are huge. It just seems like a good career move.

The other factor is that I pretty much need a camera to get paying work anyway. I've really wanted one for a long time, and after my experience on Kayfabe with the HVX my mind is made up. It's basically just a question of when I get the camera... this is earlier than I had planned, but if I get it in a few months I will have missed the opportunity to shoot my first feature on HD, and that seems stupid.

Does that make more sense?

I guess the point of my post (making sure I hadn't fogotten anything critical) was sort of ruined by the fact that I didn't mention what other gear there would be available that I personally don't need to provide.

I also didn't double check the prices with you more experienced folks... I'm looking at $7430 with 2x4GB... which is ~$6700US, which seems to match up with places in the States selling the body for ~$5500 + ~$550 for each 4GB card. When I factor in the shipping and the customs stuff I think it's roughly equal cost to buy it in Canada, and a hell of a lot less headache. The place I'm buying from has a local store, so if I have any service issues I can take it there.

What do you think now that I've properly explained myself, oh DVX Gurus?

Thank you for your responses!
 
Cool. Sounds like you're going to have some fun!
Definitely get a UV filter. They're really cheap- $30 or $40.
 
Sounds like a smart move to buy. I would imagine the director is not going to spring for a case so I would grab a good one, such as storm or pelican. The uv filter is key to protect the lens. Barry's hvx book will help in getting the most from the camera. Beyond that, I would make sure you have devised a redundant workflow with the director before hand if he doesn't have a lot of familiarity with p2. Lots of great suggestions on this site. Good luck with the shoot.
 
Thanks for your responses everyone!

I got some advice to try to talk to Applied Electronics to knock a few bucks off the price. Does anyone have experience doing this? Is it true that you can get stuff for less money just by asking? I've never 'haggled' before, and I don't want to pull a Peter Griffin...

I was thinking I could ask for a UV filter and/or polarizer and see if they could throw them in for free. Does that seem reasonable?

I will try to get a Pelican case as soon as possible. The 1550 has been recommended to me, is that a good one?

And what about shipping? Would be a good idea to get it couriered here? Which shipping company do people recommend? I suppose I will need some type of shipping insurance as well? I've never shipped anything like this...

So many questions! I've never bought anything for anywhere near this price before!

Thanks again for your help!
 
Alot of your questions can be answered by common sense.

Some people bargain well, and others don't. Low prices on the cam are about $5400, or slightly less. There's your position.

UV filters run between $50 to $100.00. There's your position.

Do a google search of the Pelican 1550 for reviews.

Shipping is by the usual suspects. Discuss that with your supplier. There is UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Work towards two day air delivery.

Ask for insured delivery. Costs more but is worth it.
 
Thanks for giving a more clear description... I thought you were supplying everything!
If you are just in charge of camera, the HVX is a wonderful choice. My main concern with your situation has been cleared. My misunderstanding. I will say, go for it!

Best of Luck. Don't forget to come back and post your clips!
 
Thanks a lot for your help! I'm arranging the money today (time to call in some favours!) and I'll place the order today or tomorrow. It will take 2-3 days to get in to Calgary, and I will follow the advice here and get it shipped next day or 2 day with insurance and have it early next week!

I'm super excited about it!

I will definately post a trailer when there is one. In the meantime there are production photos up at www.kayfabeentertainment.com under 'media' for the HVX feature "Kayfabe" (A fake movie about a fake real sport) that I camera operated on.

There is a short script trailer up under media at www.yumiinlove.com , which is pretty good considering we haven't shot a single frame yet! This is the feature that I'm DP on.

I look forward to learning more from you guys in the future. I will post soon... probably when I start to figure out our workflow situation for Yumi.

Thanks for all your support!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top