“Second unit” cam

dakotapod

dakotapod

Veteran
I’m going to be doing some “not so camera friendly” shots. Without getting into too much detail, there is a possibility the camera may not survive. :o So obviously I don’t want to use a DVX for these shots.

I have been looking into older cameras and settled on the Sony TRV900.

Now it has occurred to me… What the hell do I know! ;D

Thought I would look for some input from the veterans. I have been looking at the following cameras and found I can pick them up for under a grand:

Panasonic AG-EZ1

Panasonic AG-EZ30

VX1000

TRV900

So, any input on what would be the best choice? I would like the camera to survive of course and if it does, nice to keep it on hand. Any input from anyone who has experience with these units would be groovy. 8) And if I missed any models that would be cool too.

Thanx
 
Re: “Second unit” cam

I’m tagging this so it moves back up the food chain – ;D

C’mon – Some of you good folks MUST have some first hand knowledge on these older units …

Obviously not asking which one is as good as a DVX – That’s just retarded (Not PC? :-/ )

24fps not an issues cause Marcus and the crew have the wonderful DVFilmmaker.

Just looking to use as secondary cam. (if I dont smash it :o )

Some fast quick shots so just curious what one of these oldies is better then the other and why. All I know of these is just old reviews and specs off the web.

Throw a guy a bone here… ;)
 
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I think it may depend on how visible you want the camera to be on your "“not so camera friendly” shots".
 
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I've done a few "i'd rather you not know you're making your film debut", I can't get into the detaiils here type of shoots.

The smaller the camera:
1- easier hidden, less visible
2- less to carry when you're running
3- easier to shoot fast
4- hurts less if they catch you

Personally, I'd go wiith the Panasonic AG-EZ1, still have mine (bought it new), good quality video.
 
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Not worried about size – not too much dif on them. Unless I get some feed back it’s the EZ1 or 900. Ya - the EZ1 has 1/3" chips but It’s the oldest of the pack so was wondering about quality... So, how’s it hold up?
 
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It's working as well as the day I bought it, haven't had the slightest problem, the quality is very good, and you'll probably get one for a very good price.
It's what I'd go with. The TRV900 is a little akward to work with if you ask me, although the VX1000 is a nice machine.
 
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K - How much for the EZ? ;D ;D You don't need it anymore... You've moved way beyond needing that antique. 8)
 
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The EZ1 has the same chipset as the Canon XL1. If you like the XL1's video quality, you'll like the EZ1.
 
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you can buy a Canon Optura 40 for $650 at BH. It uses something called "RGB Primary Color Filter" which is supposedely the same color filtration as many 3chippers. In good lighting, outdoors, it is pretty impressive for what you pay. in low lighting, bad lighthing, it does suffer a bit. the solution then becomes..USE GOOD LIGHTING!!

or get an on camera light. I like this because it does give you tighter shots than the dvx. optical zoom is 14x, then add a tele...I bring it with me on makeup-cosmetic type shoots because of that. in good lighting, it still, unbelievably matches well with DVX footage shot in interlaced.

if you get that plus WA and even tele, you have a decent setup for many interesting, new shots.
 
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I originally thought about a camera like that but I concluded from various posts from Barry and others that I would be better off with an “old school” 3CCD as apposed to the newer generation mega pixels - be it one or even 3CCD's – I could be wrong :-/ but I get the impression the advantages to the older units out way the advantages to the new little consumer models… But as I noted originally – What the hell do I know! ;D

Thanks for the input.
 
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Sorry my friend, but I do actually use this little camera quite a bit, it's a great size.
Go for a 3 chipper with whatever you decide though, you've got a much easier time in post matching cameras that way.
Good luck with your "project".
 
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Get the EZ30. It is the best camera in the line up. I've used alll of them except the TRV900. The EZ1 doesn't give you firewire and the battery is rather weak(if I remember correctly).
 
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Better yet - get the GS400 - and don't let anyone abuse it.

I have three of them and they are wonderfull.
 
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"forget what these guy's are saying...[and] although it doesn't look as sharp [the panasonic gs200] on a tight shot.....you can't tell the difference".

Uh oh........."the same as the dvx except it uses 1/6" chips"..."this camera matches the dvx footage perfectly".

An interesting post.........but.........
 
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globalsearch / Nick Adams

Thanks for the tips! But I want 3CCDs and no smaller then ¼” – (Thus the older Cameras)

booggerg


The EZ30 is really tough to find. I don’t think it was marketed for long or people won’t give them up. Firewire is not completely necessary – be transferring via deck anyway.

Thanx for input guys - :D
 
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