Upgrade to HPX 500???

jinks

jinks

Well-known member
Hi! I'm thinking of upgrading from my hvx 200 to the hpx 500 and take advantage of the rebate before month's end. The problem is, I don't know much about interchangeable lenses and all that stuff. The most popular lenses I see like the Fujinon A20x8.6BRM-SD and the Canon 20x etc, seem to be standard definition if I understand that right. Question... will I be able to reccord hi-def footage with these SD lenses? If so, what's the difference between the SD lenses and the pricey HD lenses? Excuse my naivity and ignorance here on what may seem like an obvious question, but I just want to understand everything in detail before making the big leap!

My second question is, besides the obvious like batteries, filters, p2 cards and a carry case.... what are the must have accessories for mostly run n' gun style shooting? I have heard of plates...what are they for? could you please also recomend a starter lens for a beginer like me.
Thank you for the info and any additional advice offered is highly appreciated!

Jim.
 
Recommend?

I recommend that you spend two long nights reading all the HPX500 post on this forum. It is all here. Everybody has had the same questions and all the answers are already on this forum. So order the camera before you lose the rebate window and then start reading.
 
You're in the same boat, that i was...

shortly: you can get cheap used 2/3 SD lenses that will work on HPX, though quality is always a question, a lot of people use SD lens and have no problem. Otherwise, be prepared to pay at least 8k for a stock HD lens, 20-30k for quality HD lens.

SD lenses maybe subject to more higher CA, softer image and things like that, though i
read that high end SD lenses work better than some cheap HD lens, haven't tried that
myself... and i won't, i guess HD lens are there for a reason...

as for accs, you will need a mic, hpx doesn't have a mic, of course, p2 cards, batteries, hpx
has Anton Bauer mount and you would need AB batteries, but you can get a different
battery mount plate let's say to V mount, as i did, and get cheaper V mount batties..

plate? probably talking about quick release plate. extremely comfortable, you screw your
tripod plate to quick release plate and then you can just put your hpx on quick release
plate in a second, and take it off same as fast... you definintely need that, without this,
you won't be able to mount camera on the tripod.
 
Although Nate was spot on with his post and this is not the first time these questions have been answered, I'm sure it won't be the last. Some people don't have the patience for repeat questions and answers, and some don't have the patience to go searching and reading through all of the posts.

First off, I use SD lenses. Are HD lenses better? Probably, but we have found that most of the broadcast series lenses, ie. Canon "J" series and Fujinon "A" series lenses work the best. They are all simple to mount, just needs to be a "B4" lens with a 12 pin connector. I would say most of the SD lenses that I have used look 95% as good as the HD counterparts. Without comparing them side by side, you or your clients are not typically going to know the difference. I don't get the CA most people are talking about with my $125 lenses. And for the $7800+ price difference, your money is much better spent on other accessories.

Secondly, the carrying case and tripod plate are included with the camera. Grab yourself a nice tripod, lots of different opinions there. I recommend getting IDX Batteries, for price, size, etc. - They are a better bet in my opinion. You'll have to get an IDX battery mount, wich will be around $100ish, but you'll save money in the long run with the purchase of batteries and a charger. Get yourself a nice shotgun microphone and maybe a lavlier mic. Also, grab a small, basic lighting kit. I use Coollights, but there are many out there that are affordable. Just don't grab the crap off Ebay cause it won't last.

The last thing is the P2 cards. Very expensive endeavor. My recommendation is grab maybe a 16GB P2 card to hold you over for a month, then grab the new nNovia ProFLEX DVCPRO HD recorder coming out next month. Kinda like a firestore, but much better,better build and form factor, removeable hard drives, NTFS file system, and they're not bankrupt like Focus Enhancements (firestore) is. A 120GB package will cost you around $2k, P2 cards of that size would be $7000+. You can also add 120GB hard drives for only about $300 each, which is VERY reasonable. Additional 120GB of P2 equals....you guessed it...ANOTHER $7000. You'll be able to shoot all day with the ProFLEX.

Overall, this will be a very nice setup for you. I think you'll like it and find that it will be a fairly easy transition from the 200. Good luck, let us know if you have more questions.
 
Hadnt heard of the nNovia proflex recorder. Will keep my eyes out for that. But you can pick up a firestore used these days for a pretty decent price, Ive shot countless hours on mine, never a hiccup. Im wondering if the nNovia will allow direct to Quicktime recording or recording in pn modes?

I second the IDX batteries, I use four 4 Endura 10 batteries and one (small) endura 50, which only has about half capacity as the 10 but can come in handy. You can also piggyback these if you need to record for an extended period and are worried about stopping for battery change out. I didnt buy the AB to Vmount adapter for my cam, I changed the battery plate completely so I could use the IDX wireless bracket as well. Also your charger can double as a power adapter simply by using a 4 pin xlr (cant charge at same time).

If you do in fact need mics, go to audio forum and ask there. This seriously needs just as much research as your camera choice. Same for lighting. Things need to fit you and your usage requirement, for example you may never need a lav (I have them and didnt try to be conservative on price because I need quality and still Ill look at every other option first).

Run n gun hmmm, rain cover, I have the pana. Filters, battery powered external hdd can be handy to offload from camera or laptop. Some kind of bags to throw your batteries in, before you pack them(keeps them in good condition). Rosco lens tissue if your not already using it. Bag you can easily get around - I use a small Kata with trolley, but also have a large kit bag. Backpack, always handy on the move to hold all the extras. I have often been forced to leave bags at hotel etc and hit the street with camera on strap, backpack and tripod slung over shoulder (carbon fibre legs would help with weight - but I use vinten alloys), good for large outdoor events where there is no SAFE media room.

Back to tripod, another critical choice IMO. I use Vinten Vision 11 - but theres plenty of options out there and again this is something you need to look into as often its a personal choice on feel. When your shooting and you need a solid pan, this one never lets me down. I often only do it twice for a second option.
 
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Noel Evans said:
Hadnt heard of the nNovia proflex recorder. Will keep my eyes out for that. But you can pick up a firestore used these days for a pretty decent price, Ive shot countless hours on mine, never a hiccup. Im wondering if the nNovia will allow direct to Quicktime recording or recording in pn modes?
Click to expand...

It's not out yet. About another month and it should be out. Yes, it will record straight to quicktime, staright to avi, and mxf. I believe it will record the "pn" modes and "pa" modes in native mxf, but not sure about the quicktime yet.

There are 5 very distinct advantages to the nNovia recorders:

1. nNovia is a solid company and all they do is make recorders. Focus Enhancements services multiple industries and filed for bankruptcy last Wednesday, so they may or may not be around. 3 out of the 5 firestores that I have had needed to be sent in for service at some point. If the company isn't there, that's an expensive brick.

2. nNovia mounts inline with the battery. Dual V-mounts or AB mounts so there is actually somewhere to put the drive rather than it being on some funky mount.

3. Removeable drives. The drive comes out, multiple drives can be waiting to pop in and go. The drives are VERY reasonably priced. There are standard drives and solid state drives available.

4. NTFS or FAT file system switchable. No more worrying about gaps being in your footage between files. You can have 1 continuous file if you wish.

5. ProFLEX will record from all different formats, including DVCPRO HD, 100, 50 & 25, as well as HDV and SD, without having to get different recorders. It will also record from all 4 major brands or cameras, including Panasonic, Sony, JVC & Canon.

I don't work for nNovia (yet) but I have experience with both products. I have owned multiple series of Firestores, Including FS-4's, FS-3's, etc. and I'm very, very impressed with nNovia. I'm hoping to have a full review of the new ProFLEX series recorder in the next month or so. I'll be doing the test with one of my HPX500's, and I wil try to obtain a couple of other cameras to do some testing with as well.
 
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Getting a lens is no big expense. Any Canon J series will do just fine and shouldn't set you back more than $200. Make sure it has a 12 pin connector. You won't regret the upgrade. I have both cameras and the HPX makes its little brother look like a toy. The HVX takes nice pictures, but the big guy is a truly professional camera and despite it's size is actually a better run 'n gun cam.
 
I bought an HPX this past summer (when the rebate was going to run out in June....) and have not regretted it one bit. The HVX has taught me a huge amount, but footage from the 500 just blows away everything else I've shot. I also use $200-300 SD lenses from Fujinon and Canon and they take great picutres. One problem is breathing, and that is a function of $$$. However, it hasn't shown itself on any videos yet as the actual focus changes in most shots are very small.

One other issue you may not have considered relates to rails if you have a matte box. You will need a special set-up for the type of plate that the shoulder mount cameras use. Zacuto offers the nicest set-up but there are others so check around. Same applies to monitor mounts. You won't use it in run and gun mode but when taking fixed or sutdio shots I feel naked without my Carrion monitor. I was shooting Saturday with a client I've worked with before but that hadn't seen the Carrion. He was just blown away at the picture, both indoors and out and how much better I was able to see what was really going on compared to the stock LCD flipout.

BTW, I use A/B batteries and charger. Totally bullet proof and they last for hours with the HPX. They are Digital ProPac and Hytron 120's (140's are the new version). My run n' gun tripod is a Miller CF Solo DV and Bogen 516 head. I second the notion of putting lots of money into the legs and head. The 516 works and is very reasonably priced, but if you can afford it go whole hog on the legs and head. Nothing is more frustrating than jerky pans.
 
don't be scared of an SD lens. the images are beautiful. not saying that a 30k HD lens isn't better, just saying that if you don't have 30k to throw around, there are millions of better ways to spend that cash... if 30k is pocket change for you, go for it.

otherwise, buy a used SD lens and try it. i'm sure you'll be happy. if not, resell it on ebay for the same price as you bought it and keep shopping.
 
Thank you so very much for all the info and advice. I've learned so much more since posting this thread than I learnt in the last three weeks reading all the posts on the 500. My question is on the lenses, what kind of lenses exactly are those costing 200-$300 that everybody seems to be talking about? all the lenses I've so far come across like the fujinon a17x range between $1100-$2200. A search for canon "J" series turned up a whole bunch of rentals than actual sales. Could you please give me the exact type/model of lenses that cost $300? and if possible point towards some sites or place I can find them.
You have all been very helpful and I can't thank you enough. Keep those tips coming!

Jim.
 
Ebay Ebay Ebay. Although there are some places to pick up used lenses, Ebay will probably be your best bet to start. I use Canon J15x8.5 lenses. They had a 6 pin connector that I had to change to a 12 pin, but there are lenses like the Fujinon Eagle Series and other Canon J series that will all work fine. Note that these are "external focus" lenses, which means the focus ring in the front externally moves the whole front glass element. Newer lenses are internal focus, where there is still a front focus ring, but the front glass element stays stationary and there are internal glass parts that move. Some people care, I myself don't at the moment. Using a Mattebox, you'll want an internal focus lens.

Optics wise, I feel these lenses produce just as nice of an image if you can get clean glass. Mine are clean, were well taken care of in someone's personal stock. Some have been passed around like trading cards and are not in great shape. For a little bit more, like sub $1000, you can find much "nicer" lenses, and the higher the cost, typically the nicer the lens. It's up to you what you want to spend.

Say you want a wide angle lens. You can get a VERY nice lens from $2500 - $6000, whereas the HD counterpart will be up above $20k. It's really all prefrence on what you want to spend and what it is that you need.
 
check bexel. they have an ebay store. they have tons of used b4 mount lenses. i got an old canon j13x9 there for $150. since then i got a canon yj18x9 internal focus for $800.
 
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