Another Hvx vs Hpx170 question- regarding the tape deck for events

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hatsoff2halford

Well-known member
Hey everyone...I haven't been on these forums in awhile, just been using my DVX100a! I'm considering getting either the HVX or the HPX, but my usage is what I have the problem with. I am going to be doing a lot of event filming, so I'm not sure if the HPX is the right choice, due to the small amount of footage I can hold. SO, does the tapedeck on the HVX compress the footage or how does that work? Can it either use P2 and tape deck to store the HD footage?

I'm just lost as far as the better option. the events will be paying off the camera, but after this next year It'll be used primarily for short films of my own. So I'm in a limbo of sorts. Any help would be awesome.

Thanks!
 
Thanks for the quick reply. So I might as well go with the HPX in my opinion, now it's just figuring out the storage. I recall reading about an FS-100, but it seems to be discontinued or not sold anymore, so are there similar options to that? I'm not sure how the technology has progressed since back in 06 and 07.
 
I'm not sure how the technology has progressed since back in 06 and 07.
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P2 cards are now less expensive than the FireStore was. The FireStore used to cost like $2500 for 100gb, now you can get 64GB of P2 for $885 (and the HPX170 includes 16GB, so you'd have 80GB ready to go).

There's another product on the market, the Shining CitiDisk recorder that goes directly to CompactFlash cards, it's $550 at B&H and then you add your own CF cards to it. A hundred gigabytes of good-quality solid CF cards might set you back $400 or so, so ... this combo might be a little cheaper than the P2 cards, but ... I dunno. I've never heard of anyone using this product, maybe it works great, who knows, but we've got five years of P2 history and we know that they work flawlessly... I'd just go with the P2 solution, but if you want to try alternative recorders, it appears that there's at least one or two out there. You could also use the NanoFlash, or the Ki Pro Mini, or the Maxell thing.
 
i just bought a fs100 on ebay for like 300 bucks. Mines an 80gb. You can upgrade them (search on this forum for instructions) to about 250-500 gb. For less then 500 you would have 250 gb of storage. That being said, if your moving around a lot, the fs100 is a bad idea. if the fire wire comes loose you are SOL. P2 is a bit more expensive but is a lot easier to move. If your doign a tripod shot for hours on end then the fs 100 is great. (i tape a lot of lectures, so its perfect for that) If you do want to shoot only in hd, the hvx has no benefit. Since the hvx is more popular, you probably will be able to find a better deal used.
-Cody
 
if youre shooting events on regular basis id strongly suggest looking into the hmc150 camera. it shoots AVCHD to SD cards. it seems to be a popular option for folks in your situation.

go here:
http://vimeo.com/groups/HMC150/videos

there are many things that the hpx170 does better. but when it comes down to a conversation of storage capacity / price. many event shooters find the trade-offs to be worth it.
 
Thanks everyone! The reason I don't want to get the HMC150 is because of it's lack of variable frame rates. The HPX is probably what I want as of now. I'm considering just bringing my computer to the event and dumping the information onto my harddrive on the spot, but I'm not positive if the transfer times would be quick enough.
 
bringing my computer to the event and dumping the information onto my harddrive on the spot, but I'm not positive if the transfer times would be quick enough.
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there are two ways to approach that mountain:
1. buy two smaller P2 cards rather than one big one. that way you can shoot to one while you transfer the other. cards typically will transfer faster than you can fill them.
the problem with this approach is that if one of the cards fills in the middle of a crucial moment and you, for some reson dont have your other card copied, formatted and back in the second slot - you'll miss something.

2. connect your camera to your computer and just capture live to the computer.
the problem with this approach is you'll be tethered to the computer
 
Very good points..I am thinking I could just get two smaller sized ones and a 16gb. I will always have two in the camera, and I would probably just get someone to do the transferring.
 
I am thinking I could just get two smaller sized ones and a 16gb
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4s and 8s will fill up so quickly, you'll spend half your day jockeying cards. if youre going to go with 3 cards. id suggest the small pair should be at least 16s. especially if youre shooting events.
if you were only doing tv spots or indie features you might do ok with 8s. but not events. no way
 
Thanks guys. I guess 2 16's and a 32 is ok, or two 32's and a 16. Regardless, it's a lot of money...but it's worth it to do events AND have it for indie films later.
 
I still use my FS100. I dont like the duel adapter and have an old PCMCIA slot powerbook for transfers...I would get 2 of the new 32gb P2 cards...and I always transfer twice for safety, one clean copy and one with P2LogPro. I got the HVX and am thinking of getting a 171 as Bcam since I hate color matching GH13 footage with HVX.
 
this is pretty much THE thing to transfer P2 to a unibody macbook pro:

http://www.spec-comm.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3684

for what it is (basically a usb adapter) its RIDICULOUSLY overpriced. but its still affordable, rock-solid and does what it's supposed to every time without fail.

unfortunately, the same can NOT be said for the duel adapter. which is sad because they were the first to deliver a functional and affordable product to mac users. but snow leopard left them in the cold. and they apparently didnt predict enough ROI to redesign to suit.
 
Yep, exactly what I found! Thanks. With a 32 and two 16gb, transfer speeds would be probably fine with the USB adapter as well. Seems like I'll be getting an Hpx170 with an extra 32 and 16gb P2 cards + the USB adapter. Thanks for all the help!
 
hatsoff2halford said:
Very good points..I am thinking I could just get two smaller sized ones and a 16gb. I will always have two in the camera, and I would probably just get someone to do the transferring.
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One of the things I love about the HPX is the card slot selection button missing from the HVX (I've got one of each)... When I got my HPX, I went all out and bought two 64GB cards at the same time. I LOVE it... For event gigs, I shoot to one card until I get to a convenient stopping point, switch slots, pull the first card and dump it, pop it back in, rinse and repeat... Two of those 64GB cards will give you a total of 344 min of 720/24pn without a dump... Unless there's a lot of run 'n gun, I've got most of the footage already on my computer before I even leave the venue...
 
Seems like I'll be getting an Hpx170 with an extra 32 and 16gb P2 cards
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when it comes to transferring, you MAY run into trouble with various size cards. in the case of the 32gig, it MIGHT not be finished transferring by the time you fill your 16 (or 16s)
 
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