DownSouthAlec
Active member
My friend is thinking of purchasing this for an Indie-Film. He has looked into it and is pretty certain he's going to drop a good amount of money on it. Is there any better cameras for the price?
Aj-hpx3000
- Thread starter DownSouthAlec
- Start date
scharky
Veteran
AJ-HPX3000= $48,000
2/3 in CCD
1080P 4:2:2, 24P, 30P, 60i
Red One= $17,500 (plus waiting list time)
Super 35mm Cmos
4520x2540 24p and 2k windowed up to I think 70FPS
So the question is, when did you want to start shooting, becuase the wait time is still pretty substantial for the Red. Workflow will be more taxing on your computer as well for Red footage but with the ultimate payoff of higher resolution footage with a higher dynamic range. Of course you could also shoot 2k windowed and then have an easier workflow.
For an indie film, I personally would choose the Red (and have) even though it is still in it's infancy. If your shooting requires a faster workflow and a more ENG style then the hpx3000 may be your choice.
2/3 in CCD
1080P 4:2:2, 24P, 30P, 60i
Red One= $17,500 (plus waiting list time)
Super 35mm Cmos
4520x2540 24p and 2k windowed up to I think 70FPS
So the question is, when did you want to start shooting, becuase the wait time is still pretty substantial for the Red. Workflow will be more taxing on your computer as well for Red footage but with the ultimate payoff of higher resolution footage with a higher dynamic range. Of course you could also shoot 2k windowed and then have an easier workflow.
For an indie film, I personally would choose the Red (and have) even though it is still in it's infancy. If your shooting requires a faster workflow and a more ENG style then the hpx3000 may be your choice.
snowleopard
Well-known member
Keep in mind that the Red is still a very limited camera. Unless they've updated lately, it's MOS, has no internal playback, and only one video output signal. It can only record to flash ram for now, and only in four minute increments if shooting 4k. There's also no indication as to when these issues will be fixed. Only say-so on Red's part.
Also, it's dishonest to say that it's only $17,500. That gets you a camera body. No viewfinder, no lens, no batteries, no RedRam, no tripod plate or cage. Even Red has admitted that a base system to get it to work is about $35k. Plus, you need a monster system to ingest and edit it all.
Then there's the waiting list. If you order yours now, you'll probably get it in about ten months. By the time the Red One actually works as advertised, and you can order one and it shows up at your door a couple days later, the other companies will have caught up in technology, and down in price.
Personally, I wouldn't buy the HPX3000 either. I wouldn't buy anything. I'd rent, and hire talented crew to use it and make your work look good. The only way your friend should buy is if he knows he's going to make several projects with the camera, and he has a good chance of turning a profit with the camera. At that, I'd look at the HPX-500, which is $20k with the lens, and P2 cards. Or he's loaded with cash and money is no object. And if that's the case, I'd buy a Vision Research Phantom 65. Or if he has time, wait for Red, sure.
Also, it's dishonest to say that it's only $17,500. That gets you a camera body. No viewfinder, no lens, no batteries, no RedRam, no tripod plate or cage. Even Red has admitted that a base system to get it to work is about $35k. Plus, you need a monster system to ingest and edit it all.
Then there's the waiting list. If you order yours now, you'll probably get it in about ten months. By the time the Red One actually works as advertised, and you can order one and it shows up at your door a couple days later, the other companies will have caught up in technology, and down in price.
Personally, I wouldn't buy the HPX3000 either. I wouldn't buy anything. I'd rent, and hire talented crew to use it and make your work look good. The only way your friend should buy is if he knows he's going to make several projects with the camera, and he has a good chance of turning a profit with the camera. At that, I'd look at the HPX-500, which is $20k with the lens, and P2 cards. Or he's loaded with cash and money is no object. And if that's the case, I'd buy a Vision Research Phantom 65. Or if he has time, wait for Red, sure.
scharky
Veteran
Very true statements snowleopard, but I would have to say as well, the 48,000 for the HPX I'm guessing does not include a lens either. But I agree with your points, if the OP's friend simply wants to spend 60K on camera equipment alone, just to shoot a film, then renting a camera package would get you much more than simply buying one. Now if this friend also makes his living shooting films with his purchased camera equipment that's great and I would say buy away, but to just buy a camera to shoot a film? that's a little wastefull.
Also note, that audio is now enabled in the Red and you can review clips in camera.
Also note, that audio is now enabled in the Red and you can review clips in camera.
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DownSouthAlec
Active member
Thanks a lot for the info guys. I am e-mailing him this link. I dought money is an issue though.
snowleopard
Well-known member
Good to hear that Red has resolved the audio and playback problems. I was probably overly critical. What I'm most critical about them is that the waiting list is forever.
But yes, I agree on the HPX3000. Actually, we're pretty much in total agreement.
DownSouthAlec - If money is not the issue (as in, your friend is wealthy) I'd look into hiring a crackerjack crew and find out what camera system the DP wants to use, and rent that camera (some own their own gear). You can always buy later. If your friend has enough talent to be hand-on with the camera and wants to make an expensive guerilla film with a light crew, I'd still rent.
But yes, I agree on the HPX3000. Actually, we're pretty much in total agreement.
DownSouthAlec - If money is not the issue (as in, your friend is wealthy) I'd look into hiring a crackerjack crew and find out what camera system the DP wants to use, and rent that camera (some own their own gear). You can always buy later. If your friend has enough talent to be hand-on with the camera and wants to make an expensive guerilla film with a light crew, I'd still rent.