hvx200 w/ DOF vs. Red

[Holosynthetic]

....

Mike, thanks for that explanation, I know where your coming from because I do fit into that "beginner" category. I understand completely the amount of time I will need to dedicate to learning the equipment, and my determination is skyrocketing. I want to make the best finished product possible and will go to any lengths to get there because I am a perfectionist. While I wait for Red I was going to dedicate my time to learning Final Cut Studio w/ Shake like the back of my hand. If I wasn't willing to put this much thought into it all I would have browsed the isles at Best Buy and just picked up a consumer video camera for less than 2k.

hey holosynth, are you joking?.. with us?..

Not at all, I am quite serious about this. While my career choice may not be Director / Cinematographer (just an Actor for those browsing the "Jobs" section), I feel that knowing every aspect of film is important. I don't want to sit around submitting for auditions, I want to use my creativity and make my own visions come true.

Did you think anyone would advise the HVX?

I honestly didn't know what people would say. At the moment Red is not in anyones hands, which could lead people to still side with the HVX in terms of availability. I think Spartacus is right in his assumption that spending ~$15k for a DOF adapter is "insane", but I want the absolute best picture I can get.

 

[donatello]

" I want the absolute best picture I can get."

if you would actually spend 15K on the DOF adapter ..then IMO there is NOTHING to decide ... 25k - best camera/picture will be RED with nikon mount ... you already have nikon lens - use em ...

 

[Holosynthetic]

Since your an actor, this camera system certainly provides the "Kiefer Effect". Good luck on your decision and I hope you do get to learn all you can about production. Might I suggest getting started as grip, you will certainly get an education, build contacts, and see how things work behind the camera. Also, it is the quickest way to get on set, but do not bug people, the power is in the observation and anticipation of the needs of your superiors.

Cheers.

I understand the "work from the ground up" approach to the working world, my mother always fancied the idea of starting in the mail room and getting promoted, but to be honest I don't find much interest in doing jobs like being a Grip (how can I say that without coming off as arrogant? haha). The problem with being a grip is that your there to do your job and like you say "not bug people" which is the only way I could possibly try to shmoozy my way into getting connections. I unfortunately don't like to hard sell myself like so many other actors, I know what I can do but I don't need to get in peoples faces about it.

 

[Fugitive]

If you are not a cinematographer, and are not planning a filmout, then you probably are going to be viewing your images on a television. The DVX has the best picture for plain SD.

If you must choose between the HVX+... and Red, I think everybody has said it: RED. If nothing else, in terms of resolution alone Red kicks every other cam in its price range (and many not) in the balls.

 

[Holosynthetic]

If you are not a cinematographer, and are not planning a filmout, then you probably are going to be viewing your images on a television. The DVX has the best picture for plain SD.

If you must choose between the HVX+... and Red, I think everybody has said it: RED. If nothing else, in terms of resolution alone Red kicks every other cam in its price range (and many not) in the balls.

I was planning on editing with playback at full 1080p resolution on a 30" Apple monitor with the Panasonic BT-LH1700W for color correction, both of which connected to the Kona 3 card. If there is a better setup I am not aware of could someone chime in?

 

[Holosynthetic]

Try observation, reason, and listening to go with hard work, passion and force of will. Are these not the tenants to being a good actor?

Indeed they are (along with a good understanding of psychology), and instead of talking (not including these posts mind you) I am following my passion in my own way in order to show my talents. If you would like to talk further about the business world then I would would love to talk through other means (such as Private message or email). I think for now it would be best to talk about camera equipment, because thats what we're all here for :thumbsup:

 

[Fugitive]

I was planning on editing with playback at full 1080p resolution on a 30" Apple monitor with the Panasonic BT-LH1700W for color correction, both of which connected to the Kona 3 card. If there is a better setup I am not aware of could someone chime in?

The point is, it depends on how your "audience" is going to see it, not on how you are going to work with it.

If you target output is Television, or DVD, then a DVX is a much cheaper option. You probably dont even need HD.

If you are planning a film-out (theatrical release) then HD makes more sense. Once in HD land, if you have a budget to burn(which looks like it is the case) then you dont really have a better option than RED. Hands down.

 

[Spartacus]

If you target output is Television, or DVD, then a DVX is a much cheaper option. You probably dont even need HD.

But the DVX still is DV. The HVX would at least offer DVCpro50 for SD work, rendering reds better (4:2:2 colorspace) and compressing less then DV.
I liked the DVX and the XL2 and they still offer a great production value, but it´ll always be DV at 25Mbs with a 4:1:1 / 4:2:0 color compression.