new to HVX200, and have some questions

[Abohisham]

Hi all. I am new to the world of HVX200 (Just got mine few days ago), and I seek your kind help to get me started with these questions:

1- I don't have P2 cards nor Firestore drive, so can I record 1080p24 directly to my laptop using firewire cable? and is it must to be an Apple laptop?

2- If yes, then is it a good idea to use a laptop as a recording media in the field?

3- Is it must to have lens adapter to have a good image quality? Can't I just get it using the camera alone?

4- What is the best editing system you recommend (Mac, Windows) and apps as well.

Thats for now. Thanks in advance.

 

[THoff]

Hi all. I am new to the world of HVX200 (Just got mine few days ago), and I seek your kind help to get me started with these questions:

1- I don't have P2 cards nor Firestore drive, so can I record 1080p24 directly to my laptop using firewire cable? and is it must to be an Apple laptop?

Yes, you can record any non-native recording format directly to a computer given the right software. While some NLEs will do it, there are better solutions like DV Monitor HD, Scopebox, and DV Rack HD / OnLocation. Solutions exist for both the Mac and PC.

2- If yes, then is it a good idea to use a laptop as a recording media in the field?

It obviously requires tethered operation, which can be difficult or impossible depending on what and how you shoot. It does work well for events.

3- Is it must to have lens adapter to have a good image quality? Can't I just get it using the camera alone?

A 35mm / DOF adapter has nothing to do with image quality. They are used to reduce DOF. In fact, a 35mm adapter can NEVER deliver an image that is better than the built-in lens, since you can't eliminate the built-in lens from the equation.

4- What is the best editing system you recommend (Mac, Windows) and apps as well.

On the Mac, undoubtedly Final Cut Studio 2. It is full-featured, easy to use, and priced well. On the PC, Canopus Edius has the best P2/MXF support, but its creative tools lack behind Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere CS3.

 

[David Saraceno]

I don't believe a direct capture through a NLE is a good idea in the field.

I like FCS2 in part because the package covers capture and editing, DVD authoring, encoding, FX, titling, sounds, etc.

 

[Abohisham]

Wow, really appreciate your quick reply guys.

But for the lens adapter, if it is only about reducing the DOF, why it is so expensive to get one while I can do a good DOF using the camera alone? Also After Effects can help me to do it in post digitally.

Ok now level 2 question rogar-Happy(DBG): : What is the best format and media to put my production in if I want to give it to a TV broadcast channel?

:dankk2:

 

[majormorgan]

You can get good DOF in camera, but to get close to 35mm look you'll need to be pretty open on the F stop and also pretty zoomed on the lens.

This causes you two issues, if you can't control the light exposure very well, then you may not get the stop opened as much as you like. If you do stop down to below or on F2.8 you start losing picture resolution which means a slightly blurrier image.

On the zoom, if you move the camera, pan or whatever its harder to keep the action smooth and you'll start to experience magnified camera shake.

If you want filmic and the best options then a 35mm adaptor will let you stop open as much as 1.4 on the lens, although you lose light through the adaptor, but at least you'll have a hi res image even at wide open aperture as the HVX can still be on F4. The lens can then be a suitable angle for your shot, so it can be a 50mm or whatever whilst still retaining the DOF you want.

Its for you to have a play with your stock lens and different shooting conditions.

Enjoy !
Richard

 

[majormorgan]

Also whilst aftereffects can help simulate DOF it won't be as good or as quick as getting DOF incamera. Also it may not look as true as real life DOF.

But try it anyway !

Richard

 

[filmelife]

for p2, i found Sony Vegas to be best with the raylight plugin.