ABC may use HD100

Gibby

Gibby

Red Savant
In an article by Jay Ankeney, in the latest print edition of TV Technology, page 17, entitled "Good Morning America goes HD", Ankeney quotes Preston Davis, president of Broadcast Operations and Engineering for ABC, as stating that Davis predicts the new HDV recording format will play an increasingly larger role in Good morning America's remote productions. Davis stated that ABC currently uses DV cameras such as the PD-150, which they will gradually replace with 720p HDV cameras, and that ABC feels HDV is a very suitable format for ABC's early transition into high-definition television news.

The only 3-chip 720p HDV camera on the market is the new HD100. The HD100 is roughly the size of a PD150, so it can be assumed that the HD100 is the camera that Preston Davis is referring to. Interchangeable lenses on the HD100 has to be another feature that's attractive to ABC.

The above statement has nothing to do with the obvious ability of the HD100 to be a hardlined uncompressed 720p60 to HD-SDI news and sports camera. It refers to the HD100 as a replacement for ABC's PD150's, for ENG use. ABC, ESPN, and Fox all broadcast their HDTV in 720p. I think wisdom dictates that smaller production entities, like those of us on this board, especially those that shoot ENG-style mobile television, and who freelance or do contract production for those networks, should find this information quite interesting. It's way too early to dismiss the HD100 as just a 24p documentary or feature camera. It may prove to be much more versatile in application than us second guessers on internet chat boards think...

I already own a Z1, I'm buying two HD100's, and I can't wait to buy two HVX200's. Different paint brushes for different canvassas. The more diverse my can of brushes is, the more economic viability and survival ability my company has. When I need an F900s or Varicams, I'll rent them on a per project basis...

Gibby
www.cut4.tv
 
The HD100 without the lens is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, maybe a bit thicker. :laugh: Okay, that may be an exaggeration but not much. It's a SMALL camera. The main body is certainly no bigger than the PD150's main body. The lens is longer and skinnier. About the only thing that adds "size" to the HD100 is the handle on the top.

Someone did a size-scale comparison that showed the HD100 was almost exactly the same size as a DVX, so I'd say Gibby's right on the money by comparing it with the PD150. The HD100's just a slight bit bigger than the DVX. Now, with the 13x wide-angle lens, yes it's bigger because that lens is a lot beefier. But with the stock lens, no, it's not any bigger than a PD150/DVX class camera.
 
I know you were exaggerating with the cigs comment but it sure looks a bit bigger with the lens. And afterall, you will NOT be shooting anything without the lens on there.....:grin:

42302896.jpg
 
I've printed the PDF brochure that has a real size photo in 3 pages. Putted all three together and compaired with my PD170. The HD100 is about 15 centimeters bigger than the Sony... it's quite a difference. It's about the same size as the XL2.
 
In my initial post I said "roughly the size of a PD150" - which it is. I didn't say "exactly the size of a PD150". I've worked extensively with a PD150 and handled the HD100 at NAB, and I'm well award of their relative sizes.

I took the time to post an interesting tip, on this HD100 board, describing a new article quoting a top-level ABC network executive saying they intend to use a 720p HDV camcorder for some of their national news gathering and for their Good Morning America national program, and as a simple bylight mentioned that it would replace ABC's HD150 for those functions, and all each of you responding posters can think to address is the relative sizes of the HD100 and PD150? The point is that ABC will switch from a mid-sized DVCAM format camcorder to a mid-sized 720p HDV camcorder, which at present could only be the HD100...

Gibby
www.cut4.tv
 
Here's the size comparison photo that member 10s put together a while ago:
jvcdvx9pw.jpg


So the JVC is a little longer, but overall it's pretty much the same basic size as a DVX (or a PD150, as Gibby originally postulated).
 
Not to make a big deal out of this but sorry, there is NO way that photo is accurate.
According to the DVX manual - our camera is 14 3/8" long.
According to the JVC website, the HD100 body is 12 3/8" long. There's no way that lens is only 2".
If you look at JVC's website and look at the photos of the guys holding the camera on thier shoulder....then place your DVX on your shoulder the same way (I know it's not designed for that) you'll see that the HD100 w/lens is easily 5 or 6 inches longer than the DVX.

Here's my thoughts on the size comparison:

46511937.jpg
 
Does size really matters? Wouldn't it be cool to have a 1080i HD DVXpro camera the size of a pack of ciggarets? Imagine the manoverability.
 
Sorry to bring up the size again, but on the pdf there are exact measurements. In total the HD100 with standardlens is at least (depends on the position of the shoulder-pad) 45cm (= 17,7 inch). The DVX is roughly half that size... (I have used one quite a bit).

Size doens't say everything, but obviously, when filmen with the HD100 you're not quite as inconspicuous as with the DVX (to the un-trained eye, of course). So it all depends what ABC wants a smaller camcorder for.

The HD100 is indeed a small professional camcorder and it looks that way. To the untrained eye it's still a professional crew filming, something that might be avoidable with the DVX and the upcoming HVX. If it's your intention to draw no attention to yourself at all... this is a point to consider. Everyone saw the XL1 and XL2 as a full professional camcorder (especially with a windjammer on the mike). The HD100 will receive the same reaction.

Sometimes that's desirable, sometimes not. and sometimes it's desirable to have a smaller camcorder (like the DVX), and sometimes, not...

So IMO, it all depends what the ABC guy actually ment....
 
mezelf27 said:
Sorry to bring up the size again, but on the pdf there are exact measurements. In total the HD100 with standardlens is at least (depends on the position of the shoulder-pad) 45cm (= 17,7 inch). The DVX is roughly half that size... (I have used one quite a bit).

Size doens't say everything, but obviously, when filmen with the HD100 you're not quite as inconspicuous as with the DVX (to the un-trained eye, of course). So it all depends what ABC wants a smaller camcorder for.

The HD100 is indeed a small professional camcorder and it looks that way. To the untrained eye it's still a professional crew filming, something that might be avoidable with the DVX and the upcoming HVX. If it's your intention to draw no attention to yourself at all... this is a point to consider. Everyone saw the XL1 and XL2 as a full professional camcorder (especially with a windjammer on the mike). The HD100 will receive the same reaction.

Sometimes that's desirable, sometimes not. and sometimes it's desirable to have a smaller camcorder (like the DVX), and sometimes, not...

So IMO, it all depends what the ABC guy actually ment....
Click to expand...

The ABC executive quoted in the article specifically said that ABC will be switching from the PD150's to 720p HDV for some of ABC's national news gathering and field production for ABC's Good Morning America program. Why bring up the DVX (DV) and HVX (DVCProHD), when he specifically stated they were going to use a 720p HDV camera? ABC broadcasts theirTheir transition is happening right now, and what is the only 3-chip 720p HDV camera about to be shipped? The HD100. ABC (and Fox and ESPN) broadcasts their HDTV in 720p. ABC didn't state that they were going to use the new 720p HDV cameras for undercover journalism. ABC didn't use the PD150s for that either. The PD150, with the shotgun mic, looks like a professional camera to most observers. My crews have used PD150s quite often - and nobody thought they were amateurs. It's big enough, expecially when accessorized, to look very professional.

Why is everyone on this thread getting off on camera size tangents and discussing everything but what ABC stated: that they will be transitioning from DVCAM (PD150) to 720p HDV (if not HD100, what else?) for some of their national field acquisition? Instead of "Well, if ABC is using them, I might have to re-think my biases, it's "But the DVX is _ centimeters long...", and on and on...

C'mon guys! I love my DVX and I'm buying two HVX's. But I'm also buying two HD100 packages. I made that decision in April at NAB, where I was checking out the HD100 elbow to elbow with executives from several TV networks. I have a long resume of producing, directing, and shooting nationally-airing television programs. I've taken the time to share pertinent information that could have some positive impact on many of your production careers. I have no agenda in doing so, and I'm not a lackey for any particular manufacturer. I just feel its good "karma" to share important information whenever possible...

Gibby
www.cut4.tv
 
Gibby - First let me apologize for sort of thread-jacking from the very beginning regarding the size.

Second - I have no doubt from the very begining post that ABC is talking about the HD100. I never claimed they were talking about any other camera other than the HD100 I simply brought up the one part of the comment made by you (or copied from the article you read) about the PD150 & HD100 being roughly the same size. From there the posts have sort of spiralled into all this other conversation. I too handled the HD100 at NAB so that's why it struck me that someone (you or whoever you quoted) claimed they are roughly the same size. I'd compare the PD150 to the DVX or HVX in size but not the HD100. That's the only point I was trying to make. If I had to compare the HD100 to anything it would be the XL1 or 2.

Third - Good luck with your 2 HVX's and 2 HD100's. You must have a killer business going out there to drop "roughly" $35k on new cameras. Wish I was in your boat.
 
Sorry, Gibby, I was not trying to discret you or anything. I was just commenting on the shape and dimensions. Not of any post in specific, just to share the info I had on that. Don't get me wrong...

I'm bying a HD101e as well, and I'm pretty sure it'll be comparable to my XL2 (witch was just a little bit bigger then my old XL1).

Sorry if I offended you....

By the way: to me this is a very interesing point, because I'm waiting for my HD101 (should arrive next week), but I have never seen one or held one....
 
Doggy - No worries! Yeah, it was me that said the PD150 and HD100 are roughly the same size. no doubt the HD100 is larger, but my point is that it is a midsize replacing a mid size. Mobility is what ABC is after, and an XL2/HD100 sized camera still provides that much more readily than a full-sized rig. Having entities the size of ABC using small, affordable camcorders for some of their work opens up tremendous opportunities for boutique production shops and freelance operators. Plus it's good news for the overall industry - the more large, prestigious companies buy cameras like the HD100 and HVX, the more prices drop, storage gets cheaper, editing NLEs adopt formats, etc. For smaller prosumer and equipment-challenged professionals it's a very positive sign! I recently posted an HVX200 news item about potential use of the HVX at the Winter Olympics. Everytime a large, high-profile entity uses mid-size, 1/3" cameras for some facet of there production it benefits everyone on this board, indeed everyone in the industry who know how to use that particular camera. It's a big dance that we all benefit from. More cameras sold - more R&D, more R&D - better products, better products - more utilitarian value from them, more cameras sold - more attachments and accessories produced, and on and on. It's one big dance we do together...

My company isn't big and wealthy. Under five in-house employees, but we have extensive lists of quality freelance shooters, editors, directors, etc. With budgets, we ramp up with crews of as many as 30-40, treat them well, pay them what they're worth, cut them loose after the project, and look forward to the next project. Some of our work is contract production, but the majority is self-syndicated national television programming that we retain the syndication rights and copyright to. We're buying two HD100s and two HVX200s, but it's with project-generated funds. We maximize technology, while minimizing overhead, and it allows us to give networks and business media clients the best bang for their bucks. Part of that mazimize/minimize business model is to stay on the cutting edge of camera technology and use possibilities. That's why I comb through "prosumer" equipment tech chat boards to share and recieve the latest ideas and news.

Mezelf27 - No worries also! I've used the XL1 and XL2 extensively, and handled the HD100 at length at NAB. They are relatively close in size, being about the same weight (about 6.9 lbs for the HD100, and 6.6 lbs for the XL2). The HD100 seems less bulky than the XL2 for some reason though. As Barry mentioned, the HD100 wih the 16x on it, is relatively close in size with the DVX100A with a wide attachment and shotgun mic on it, though the DVX weighs less. I predict you won't be disappointed in your HD101E. Used with professional camera techniques, it should get some excellent images for you.

Cheers guys,

Gibby
www.cut4.tv
 
Thanks Gibby! I must say, when I first bought my XL2, I was quite dissapointed. The images were perfect, but it was a serious bit heavier then my previous XL1 and the balance seemd even worse. As opposed to my JVC GY-DV500 and DV5001 (which are both a lot heavier), the XL2 is hard to operate for an entire day.

You have handled the HD100. Is the balance better on that one? Or do you think an Anton-Bauer-rig will be needed for that?
 
mezelf27 said:
Thanks Gibby! I must say, when I first bought my XL2, I was quite dissapointed. The images were perfect, but it was a serious bit heavier then my previous XL1 and the balance seemd even worse. As opposed to my JVC GY-DV500 and DV5001 (which are both a lot heavier), the XL2 is hard to operate for an entire day.

You have handled the HD100. Is the balance better on that one? Or do you think an Anton-Bauer-rig will be needed for that?
Click to expand...

I also own a DV500U, which I bought in 2001. With my Fujinon 20x6.4 lens, Century .8 wide converter, IDX Endura battery, and Sennheiser Evolution 100 wireless, the rig weighs out to about 15 pounds. Loaded with every accessory available, the HD 100 should be under 10 pounds. I think that no matter how you accessorize the HD100, you should consider balancing front to back with your accessories. The new Fujinon 16x is not that heavy of a lens. If you look at the photos of the camera, and look closely at how long the handle is, you'll see that even using the small, stock batteries your hand can get real far forward on the handle to keep the camera balanced for carrying or low angle hand held shooting. I do a lot of hand held shooting, so that's a consideration. If you're going to use the .8 wide angle converter on the 16x, you should probably consider balancing the camera out with the optional Anton Bauer or IDX batteries, and a small wireless mic system on the back of the camera.

Unlike the XL2, The HD100 is definately a shoulder-mount camera if you want to use it that way. I'm a fairly big guy (6'2", 210 lbs), and with the sliding shoulder pad all the way back it felt comfortable on my shoulder. Reaching to the 16x lens felt a little different because it was a much closer reach than the full-sized shoulder cameras I'm used to, with 1/2" and 2/3" lenses. The 13x lens is longer and heavier, so the reach to it is more familiar. If you're using the 13x, it would probably be a good idea to also use the Anton Bauer or IDX battery system to counterbalance the camera.

How will I accessorize the two HD100's I'm buying? I don't usually need a matte box or follow focus system for the type of shooting I do. I'll rent them if I need them. Camera A will have the 13x lens, several IDX Endura batteries, Sennheiser Evolution 100 wireless mic, Sennheiser ME66 shotgun mic, a Vinten 10 tripod, a tripod-mountable mini-jib (10'), a mini-sungun, a hand held camera stabilization unit, a compact analog to HD-SDI converter for hardlined gigs, a flexfill, various filters, rain cover, hard case, and airline carry on case. Camera B will have the stock 16x lens, Century 2x (when available), Fujinon .8 wide angle converter, 1/2" to 1/3" stepdown converter, Fujinon 20x6.4 1/2" lens (from my DV500U), IDX Endura batteries, Sennheiser Evolution 100 wireless mic, Sennheiser ME66 shotgun mic, Vinten 10 tripod, a mini-sungun, a compact analog HD-SDI converter for hardlined gigs, various filters, rain cover, hard case, airline carry on case.

Why would I divulge the exact makeup of my camera systems? I think the risk of creating competitors is more than counterbalanced by the opportunity to create allies who can shoot with me...

Enjoy your new camera when you get it!

Gibby
www.cut4.tv
 
Thanks Gibby, care to divulge a little more? Specifically I'm wondering which filters you will be using with the HD100... what are your favs, the filters you can't live without?
 
Probably 65% of what I shoot is outdoors, natural light, with the remaining 35% being indoor/artificial light. The HD100 has some built-in ND filters. I prefer Tiffen filters. For each HD100 I'll pack an appropriate set of filters. The filter sets may include:

Pro-Mist, Soft/FX, Soft Net, Diffusion FX (black and gold), Warm Polarizer, Wide Angle Circular Polarizer, UV Protector (for each lens and converter lens), ND, Haze, Skylight

You can check out these filters and more on the Tiffen web site.

There may be others added in for individual projects. Hope this helps!

Gibby
www.cut4.tv
 
Sirius_Doggy said:
Not to make a big deal out of this but sorry, there is NO way that photo is accurate.
According to the DVX manual - our camera is 14 3/8" long.
According to the JVC website, the HD100 body is 12 3/8" long. There's no way that lens is only 2".
If you look at JVC's website and look at the photos of the guys holding the camera on thier shoulder....then place your DVX on your shoulder the same way (I know it's not designed for that) you'll see that the HD100 w/lens is easily 5 or 6 inches longer than the DVX.

Here's my thoughts on the size comparison:

46511937.jpg
Click to expand...
Interesting picture Sirius. The thing that shows your size comparison to be questionable is the XLR plug socket - something that shows on your photo of both cameras. There's about a 12% difference in size. The photo shows the HD 100 having a larger socket. Unless there's a new and different standard XLR plug, I'm afraid your side by side comparison exaggerates the size of the JVC. 10S's photo comparison (in Barry's earlier post), if not exact, is very close to being 100% accurate.

The HD 100 is the nicest handling camera of any prosumer I've played with. I wish others would adopt the same on-the-shoulder format - esp. the HVX 200 :(
 
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