Any last reasons not to pull the purchase trigger?

F

Fitz Townsend

New member
Hey guys,

I'm an audio guy, getting into video. I'm looking to document classical music recitals on video.

I'll be dealing with:
Relatively fixed subjects, sitting down on stage.
Some fast motion by the subjects, but small motions.
Stage lighting is usually not horrible, but some low light situations are expected.
No panning on my part expected (to deal w/ the mud)
Dual system audio (of COURSE!)
Supposed continuous shooting w/o problems (from what I've read)


I've been cruising video forums for a loooong time researching what to buy. I've gone from slobbering over video cams to slobering over the GH-1. Originally, I was going to get an hmc150, no questions asked. But the drawbacks of this particular DSLRs don't appear to be a problem based on my subject matter. And I could buy into a multi-cam situation for the cost of the hmc. A significant production value increase on the gamble of quality (or reliability) value, if you know what I mean.

Lack of motorized zoom is the only thing I can think of at this point. I don't know if this can be overcome in any way, but as I start a single-cam operation, this should be ok. I won't be changing the frame at all. And once I go multi-cam, well, there you go - I don't get a zoom transition, but I can cut away, zoom in, and get close-ups.

Do you guys think I'm missing anything before I pull the trigger? Because this is a new field to me, I know that I will need things that "I can't think of at the moment." And for that reason, it's often best to just buy the 'pro' piece of gear... but this looks like it just fits the bill.


Thanks..

Fitz
:dankk2:
 
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I can't think of much, though I don't think any DSLR has a time code which might make doing multi-cam stuff a little more annoying in post.
 
Since you don't need interchangeable lenses or super-shallow DOF, have you considered the HMC-TM700K? It has a better codec (1080p60 at 28Mbps!), motorized zoom, and a much faster telephoto lens.
 
>I can't think of much, though I don't think any DSLR has a time code which might >make doing multi-cam stuff a little more annoying in post.

Yeah. Single-cam will be fine. Multi-cam could be troublesome, but I'm planning to use pluraleyes OR, I can just run all cams on a single shot - so I just have to align them once. It's live coverage of 1-2 hour events, so no retakes. It might be naive... but it sounds simple... Worst case scenerio, I could buy some back-lit LED clocks and just use ToD as slate.


> have you considered the HMC-TM700K
TM700 or HS700 have really small chips. The reason I began looking at DSLRs in the first place was for the low-light/sensor size issues.


I won't be using (SHALLOW) DOF in my primary work, which is "documentary" in nature for the most part, but for some special projects, it would be very nice. Especially since this is work in the arts - I thought it would be nice to leave the door open to some creativity in that regard.


Thanks, guys.
 
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Not to get too idealistic (i.e. anal retentive) but... Its impossible to shoot without DOF. You've got 2 choices: either shallow or wide DOF. But you knew that already, right?

One benefit of shooting with the GH1 in a concert hall, would be the 2x crop factor for when you need a telephoto shot without disrupting musicians, but want a large aperture (bright, shallow DOF). For example a 200mm F/2.8 = 400mm F/2.8, or an 85mm F1.4 = 170mm F1.4.
 
Thx Mr. DOF. :)

DOF seems to be direct shorthand for *shallow DOF* on internet forums and esp. w/ the dslr craze. So I appreciate your distinction and calling out my verbal aping. I've begun researching these things, so... I understand in theory, but just in theory.

Sorry & embarrassed to admit that f-stops are a "soon-to-be-learned" topic for me. But what you're describing sounds like a good thing, so I'll add it to the list of benefits.

Thanks!
 
Fitz Townsend said:
TM700 or HS700 have really small chips. The reason I began looking at DSLRs in the first place was for the low-light/sensor size issues.
Click to expand...

The GH1 kit lens will not be very useful if low light is a priority. The TM700 may even outperfrom the GH1 kit lens in lowlight (I'm just speculating - the TM700 has a f/1.5 lens compared the GH1's f/4.

A good, fast zoom lens alone will probably cost more than a TM700.
 
For better or for worse, my kit is a GH1 and a TM700. Haven't had an opportunity to try the TM700 yet, but even though it's small sensor size, it is 3 chip, which helps.
 
I also second to try TM700.
As its audio quality using external mic is quite good (and level is adjustable) and even with dedicated recorder it is good to have at as a backup.
Plus progressive mode really rocks in sharpness.
Good encoder.
GH1 real resolution in 1080p is much less.
 
Wait - I appreciate the responses, but I don't understand how the TM700 with a smaller overall sensor size could compete. Is it all due to the GH-1 kit lens?

Low light is all relative, I suppose, but this doesn't look too bad to me:
http://vimeo.com/9055923
 
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It can, in some situations.
First, it have sensors targeted at video.
Second, uses much better noise filtering and details preserving encoder.
I suggest you to try TM700 yourself and if it can be used in your situations go with it.
Real GH1 resolution is much worse than TM700.
Go with your SD card and shoot same video on GH1 and TM700.
 
Fitz Townsend said:
Wait - I appreciate the responses, but I don't understand how the TM700 with a smaller overall sensor size could compete. Is it all due to the GH-1 kit lense?

Low light is all relative, I suppose, but this doesn't look too bad to me:
http://vimeo.com/9055923
Click to expand...

Other than waiting for the next big thing...

I'd recommend the GH-1 (or any DLSR solution...) for a documentarian, as one can also use the camera as a still camera when needed. As a still camera the GH-1 appears to be pretty good, light, and has the controls that I would need for covering most of the bases... (on the other hand if you're use to a still camera that can serve as a defensive weapon... perhaps you'd want one of the other DSLRs...)

The one detraction that I've run across, is the autofocus single... in movie mode it is autofocus continuous... so, if one wants autofocus, then one has to either keep the significant element in the focusing area, or switch on the fly to manual focus.
 
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