Andromeda opinions

M

mgalvan

Well-known member
I'm curious as to people's opinions regarding the Andromeda upgrade for the DVX100A. I have a HVX200 on preorder, but after reading up on this upgrade, it just has me thinking about the possibilities. I'm particularly interested in the 2.5 stops of added dynamic range, which would add a lot to the image. This upgrade would seem to also give you uncompressed HD (720P only) which is interesting.

Any thoughts on this vs. the HVX.
 
The way I see it, if you don't need variable frame rates, 1080p (we'll have to see what this actually looks like from the HVX) and you don't need to be on the run the Andromeda is a killer system.
 
As far as the Andromeda vs. the HVX200 goes, I think it depends on what you'll want to do in terms of filming workflow. The Andromeda needs a laptop but the HVX200 has more flexibility in allowing several options for filming (P2, Firestore, laptop, straight to firewire HDD). If you need some high end compositing and what not, the DVX100/A/B with the Andromeda would be the best bet but the HVX200 is no slouch either just from looking at the specifications. Ideally, you would have the DVX100/A/B with Andromeda as a special effects camera and the HVX200 as your main camera. But seeing as how not everyone has about $10,500 or so to spend on cameras alone and then the added cost for a capable laptop and high end NLE and external HDD's, that's just something only the really rich and experimental pioneers should try.For me, I'm going with the straightforward approach and getting an HVX200, I'm not one for experimenting. Add to that, there's a possibility that they could have an Andromeda modification for the HVX200 and there's no telling what that could give us!
 
Neither are production products yet so I would reserve any judgment until they can both be completely evaluated.

Some points to consider:

The long term reliability of the Andromeda modification (and even the companies long term existence) is unknown.

I would think that purchasing an HVX is a fairly safe choice as even if, in the end, you decide that it isn't for you, its resale value should mean that the cost of ownership will not be significant.

I am fairly certain that the moment either of these become "real" there will be a wealth of information flowing all over this and other sites world wide, and in the case of the HVX it seems that we are a matter of weeks away from that point in time.
 
Shaw said:
The way I see it, if you don't need variable frame rates, 1080p (we'll have to see what this actually looks like from the HVX) and you don't need to be on the run the Andromeda is a killer system.
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If one was to shoot in the highest resolution with Andromeda (1540x990 - above 720p but below 1080p) and then use the uncompressed images and uprez them to 1080p, would you think it would actually be a very good uprez because of the uncompressed nature of the footage (and assuming the footage is well shot and clean).
 
I would go with the Andromeda as my main setup because
1) Dynamic Range
2) High resolution
3) Great for special effects 4:4:4
4) Cost less than HVX
5) Storage cost less than P2 cards

The only time I will use the HVX is when I need variable frame rate. Hopefully it will have the same dynamic range as the Andromeda.
 
The Andromeda's output is impressive indeed.

Given the two choices HVX or Andromeda, like Jun, i'd go Andromeda.
 
Andromeda looks very nice, but variable frame rates mean a lot to me, which is why I have the HVX on order. Plus, there will be a lot of work for people who own an HVX.

In a few years, you will no longer see all these huge cameras on news crews and at special events. everyone will be using some small cam like the HVX with tapeless capture.

Andromeda is certainly a option, though limiting, for smaller budgets that still need quality HD.
 
I'd seriously consider going with Andromeda, even without the variable framerates. The extra latitude and color information is pretty useful.
 
I'm not sure...I'd have to get a killer laptop if I got an Andromeda (not that a laptop is a bad thing)

either way, I'd be a broke bastard:grin:
 
pookie said:
like Jun
Click to expand...

Pookie, that has made my day....:evil:

tjohara99 said:
I'm not sure...I'd have to get a killer laptop if I got an Andromeda
Click to expand...

I have the powerbook G4 1.5 Ghz and (2) Hitachi Travelstar (both recommended by Juan) and it works just fine. I also got a backup battery for the laptop. In total it all cost around under $1800. That entitles more than 2 hours worth of footage.

You can also use the laptop for personal reasons and have a portable editing station where you can see the footage.

But for $1800 you can get only one P2 card. How much footage is that? And even after you get the footage...you need to input it? If you want portable...the deck cost another $1800.

Icarus2005 said:
Andromeda looks very nice, but variable frame rates mean a lot to me
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It definitely means alot to me to. That is why I'll rent it. I really ponder this...

I like the vairable frame rate....but if used too often can be overkill. If not used enough...then is it justifiable to get just because of the variable frame rate?
 
Hi Jun,

It sounds like you are a beta tester for the Andromeda system. Any thoughts on the system in terms of quality and workflow? I'm really torn between buying the HVX or upgrading my DVX with Andromeda. Any opinions at this point would be most appreciated.
 
mgalvan said:
Hi Jun,

It sounds like you are a beta tester for the Andromeda system. Any thoughts on the system in terms of quality and workflow? I'm really torn between buying the HVX or upgrading my DVX with Andromeda. Any opinions at this point would be most appreciated.
Click to expand...


The quality...I have never been in a situation when I'm just cutting something where I have an issue of "too much resolution." But I recently cut something together and I had to Shrink the image to fit in the screen. I didn't think I would ever have to say that. Prior to the Andromeda...I always complaint of trying to stretch the image...either squeeze or use anamorphic to get MORE footage.

Those were the days. I guess someone heard my complaint and now has given me TOO much footage to work with.

The dynamic range is dead on. I've did some test...nothing "awesome" as to be posted on Reel-Stream website. But I shot in my bedroom out toward the window. I close the window blind.

I shot the DVX and Andromeda at the same time.

With the Andromeda, you can see shadows from the trees that were cast on the blinds and in the dark area in my room you can see the sneaker in underneath my bed.

With just the DVX...the blind were so bright that the shadow that was on the blind was blown....to the point where you didn't even know a shadow was there. The areas under my bed were dark and grainy.

As far as workflow...it depends on the setup you want. I personally like portable...and purchasing a powerbook is better than the HVX deck. Atleast with a laptop you can use it for personal reasons, edit, and see your footage. I check out the HVX P2 deck...and you still need something else to view the footage besides the deck. You get that all with the powerbook.

My intent is to get it very portable as to use it with the Magiqcam. I'm going to get a custom backpack where I can place the powerbook. Karl @ Cinetech as been very helpful...and hopefully I can get it done there. Once that project is done...I'll send my info to Juan at ReelStream. Hopefully they will post it.

Besides the powerbook....you need some harddrive. As mention...the Hitachi works great. But check ReelSTream website for updates on other HardDrive that Juan test. But that is because I want portable on a "steadicam-like" rig.

If you don't care of portable...then any raid harddrive or single 7200RRM hardrive would do. I haven't tested it....but I've taken Juan's word on the powerbook and Hitachi Travelstar and it works. Such as a MacMini would do well.

The question and concern was....what about all this wire coming off the camera to a deck or computer....? Well, the reason I got the Andromeda was so that I can shoot shorts or feature with intent of quality. I got the RedRock Micro so that I can shoot projects and make it look like film. Having said that...I got the Andromeda and RedRock Micro so my project can be close to "Film" without paying for it. On a film set...you have film cameras with wires coming off of it to video tap, to play back recorders...to sound mixers...

So...I treat the Andromeda system as a film camera. If you treat it like a film camera...it will give you film quality.

If I had to do it again....I will do it again.
 
Don't forget HVX200 got the possible to upgrade with andromeda ;) Anyway I'd chose dvx100 with andromeda because of 4:4:4. I'm a visual fx artist, you know. First of all, I got to buy a Powerbook :P
 
melwasul said:
Don't forget HVX200 got the possible to upgrade with andromeda ;) Anyway I'd chose dvx100 with andromeda because of 4:4:4. I'm a visual fx artist, you know. First of all, I got to buy a Powerbook :P
Click to expand...

Andromeda seems pretty close to selling their product. It might be a few years before the HVX mod is available. And there's no guarantee that the chips in the HVX would yield better latitude results than the DVX.
 
Yes I agree Isaac,

I haven't read up on it...so I should do the research before I speak here...but I "think" it's the same chip. They just compress it differently. If so....Then the Andromeda will still yeild a better result.

Now...I'm going to do research on that statement...if panny have release info on the HVXchip?

Of course the HVX footage we only see is of the car...not a good first clip.

Please Jan...get us a better footage.
 
Very interesting ... thansk for the info. I am leaning towards the Andromeda upgrade more right now as opposed to the HVX. But my only concern now is shooting being tethered to my Powerbook. Is there a limit as to how long the USB cord can be between the camera and the powerbook? I suppose shootiing with the powerbook in a backpack or something is one option, but I'd like to know if we can get a really long USB cable and have the Powerbook stationed somewhere else. How did you deal with this during beta Jun?
 
Powerbook works?

Powerbook works?

Maybe the Powerbook has changed, but mine won't work when closed. It automatically goes to sleep. I've tried various settings to bypass the switch, but no dice.

This would seem to be a large flaw in the backpack idea.

Jon
 
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