Sony new HDV camera competition with Canon XH-A1???

That would be ideal if it was the case, but I don't think it is. People have pointed out skewing in some of the Crossing The Line footage, and Jim has said that there's some skew in there. But Jarred has also said "we were aware of rolling shutter issues, and we fixed them." I'm sure they're not going to share how they fixed them, it's probably proprietary knowledge, but if they're fixed that's good news.
 
Hello to everybody.

I have to take a decision this week to buy a camera for the documentary we are going to shoot between November and May. We will be shooting in very different conditions including low light.

First week of November are going to be the first days of our shooting collecting material. Final shooting will be taken in May 2008.

Here are two options:

1 Go for an XH-A1 that is a 3CCD and has a proved good performance in the documentary typical conditions.


2 Buy a HV20 for the first two months of research and buy later this new just presented CMOS based HDV Sony or stick on the XH-A1 for the final shooting.

http://www.sonybiz.net/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=biz_en_CH&contentId=1187079485470

XH-A1 right now is already at the top of our budget. We will be using a full set of Nikon/Nikkor lenses with a Brevis35mm adapter and rails.

I do not know if option 2 is just waisting money on a camera that is inadeguate for documentary and waiting for something that will be easily around 5500 usd with CMOS that usually does not perform well in the conditions we would like to shoot.


Just came in:

The new Sony HDV looks that will be around 6500 usd! And will be available in first quarte 2008:

http://ibc.mikkowilson.com/

So this brings it anyway out of my budget...

Any idea? Suggestion? :dankk2:
 
Last edited:
Buy both. Just returned from the mountains climbing and shooting with the A1. It's hard work to have not the HV20 in your pocket... BTW: shooting on tape is just great! If I had to use a computer and cards I would lost it all.

3CCD or CMOS?
In the digital cameras you see the best low light perfomance on the CMOS.

If you look to the 'neighbors' the digital SLR photo cameras ( hey, they shoot video too...) you see the new Nikon with a 12 MP CMOS, the Alpha Sony/Minolta with CMOS, the Canon with CMOS, Panasonic/ Lumix with a LMOS, all make noise free images capable for high ISO ratings.

Clean, noise-free digital signals and new processing engines. They tend to drop the CCD for high end and move over to the CMOS concept. Still producing CCD too, its a smooth transition. And Red...

So it's wrong thinking that CMOS is bad and 3CCD is good, its just continuing and developing.
 
Giovanni Bertani said:
Hello to everybody.


Here are two options:

1 Go for an XH-A1 that is a 3CCD and has a proved good performance in the documentary typical conditions.


2 Buy a HV20 for the first two months of research and buy later this new just presented CMOS based HDV Sony or stick on the XH-A1 for the final shooting.
Click to expand...

If your going to go for option 2 keep in mind the low light performance of the HV20 was implemented at a cost of noisier imagery (compared to the HV10). Unless you need the 24P or HDMI consider spending less on the HV10. But if your budget allows, the A1 is the better choice.
 
I would get both the A1 and HV20. HV20 is an ideal B-roll camera, and for hard to access places. Get a Steadicam Merlin for the HV20 to eliminate its wobbling issues.
 
By the end I have ordered the XH-A1 and a Cinevate 35mm adapter. As I've seen it provides much better all around performance.

Thank you for the suggestions!

Giovanni
 
marketmd said:
I would get both the A1 and HV20. HV20 is an ideal B-roll camera, and for hard to access places. Get a Steadicam Merlin for the HV20 to eliminate its wobbling issues.
Click to expand...

Wow... this is beyond my actual budget. I will get the steadycam maybe in December.

Thank you anyway!
 
Welcome to 35mm club, you be spending lots more then you expect.

Save your money and buy some extras for the Brevis. You need a follow Focus, a HDV monitor (XHA1 2.8 LCD is not good enough for critical focus with 35mm) .Extra battery for monitor and XHA1 , Mattabox and filters for beter light control . You need at less a few ND if you are shooting outside, ( the XHA1 N.D is not usable when you want your lens wide open). Different diffuser for different Bokeh.Different Lens. You will end up paying more then just the HV20.
 
DavidChia said:
Welcome to 35mm club, you be spending lots more then you expect.

Save your money and buy some extras for the Brevis. You need a follow Focus, a HDV monitor (XHA1 2.8 LCD is not good enough for critical focus with 35mm) .Extra battery for monitor and XHA1 , Mattabox and filters for beter light control . You need at less a few ND if you are shooting outside, ( the XHA1 N.D is not usable when you want your lens wide open). Different diffuser for different Bokeh.Different Lens. You will end up paying more then just the HV20.
Click to expand...

Yes yes... but for now I think that Mattebox,filters,monitor and follow focus are a better priority than a second camera like the HV20.

As you well know (:cheesy:) in October I am receiving the Brevi35 image kit with 72mm extender and rails. After that I would like to buy a MatteBox. Which one you suggest and which filters you think are essentials?

And

What kind of monitor and follow focus you suggest?

I've jump on the boat.. man this boat is expensive! :Drogar-Kriz(DBG):

Thanks
 
You need to get gears for your lens to use with the Follow focus. RED rock lens gear are by far in my opinion the better option. Although many people would like it to be 360* . But does a 35mm lens turn 360* ?

Follow focus: well it depends on your deep your pocket is. I use to have a Chroziel, solid like a rock, I regard selling it away. Redrock is good, or even Cavision.

Filters N.D 9 , ND 4 , you can also use the 35mm screw on ones for your lenses.

Mattabox. I personal like the Geardear set. You can also use it with the 35mm lens. And because you are using the XHA1, They can add a hole for you , so that it does not block the auto focus sensor when just using only with the XHA1.

Monitor, Get any that shows HD resolutions. Marshal seem to be the people's choice here.
 
Thanks David

My budget i zero right now... So for some time the only thing I could buy are the screw on filters...

For anything else I have to wait Janaury... :shocked:

As my economics will improve I will consider seriously your suggestions. :thumbsup:


Cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top