Buying NTSC for UK use

Z

zinger5

Member
Hi all,

We are looking to buy an HVX200 for a drama we are shooting in April 2006. We have a PAL DVX100E which has served us well in the past but we would like to go HD on this shoot. One of the major draws for us with the HVX200 is to be able to under/overcrank our shots, however as the PAL version will only goto 50p (1/2 speed played back), we are seriously considering getting a NTSC camera instead (with it's 60p setting).

I know we will lose some resolution in SD modes but is there any other reason for us not to get NTSC instead of PAL?

Also concerned as to whether we would get a PAL version in time for the shoot!

Cheers,

Joe Murphy
 
It's a bit of a dissappointment that the PAL version isn't going to be able to overcrank to 60fps. That's quite a bit of extra slow...

Using the USA version over here might cause some problems when it comes to monitoring. You'll also have to convert for distribution, of course.

As far as SD resolution is concerned - you'll have to shoot 720p for under/over-cranking, so by the time you've downrezzed to SD it's really not going to be an issue.

I also think the turnaround time for the PAL version may well be tight.
 
Personally I wouoldn't ouch an NTSC version of the camera. If you can, wait. Or rent something for your shoot.

Resell wise your NTSC HVX200 will be a dead duck, and you will loose quite a lot on it.

By the way Optex have recently gone to the wall. They were major renters in the UK, so we might see a load of good, cheap gear coming about in the auction houses soon.
 
Wise words, Steve.

An 60Hz camera in a 50Hz world could quickly become your albatross! Plus no warantee support without shipping back to the US (which would mean customs paperwork and expensive couriers).
 
Yeah I guess it could be problematic - particularly with warranty issues. In terms of monitoring, i didn't realise there would be trouble displaying NTSC (60Hz) 720p as opposed to PAL (50Hz) 720p. I was under the impression they were all the same at HD res' ?

Yeah I heard about Optex the other day. A real shame as they're just down the road from me and we've used them very many times. Where are the ex-rental items sold from a liquidation like this?

Thanks for the comments so far guys. It's a shame our job is fixed date-wise as the UK release date for the HVX200 is getting dangerously close to our shoot dates now and we're still a couple of months off.

Crossed fingers time! (and hunting-around-for-suitable-alternatives-that-don't-cost-the-earth time too!)

Cheers,

Joe Murphy
 
Well here I am with my wishful thinking, wanting the NTSC camera to be a viable solution for me in my Pal country also...

So I will add this: Panny New Zealand said they can get an NTSC version of the camera for me, and they would warranty it locally. If Panny UK can do the same for you, then the warranty issue vanishes.

In terms of monitoring, can anyone chime in with how severe these incompatibilities might be? We are talking direct monitoring during shooting right? So if you work without a monitor, this problem doesn't concern you? Or am I missing something?
If you are using a laptop for monitoring, there is no 50hz/60hz issues either, right? (My Dell can display full rez hd on screen).

In terms of converting, as Alex pointed out:

"As far as SD resolution is concerned - you'll have to shoot 720p for under/over-cranking, so by the time you've downrezzed to SD it's really not going to be an issue."

So isn't that all the bases covered? Am I missing other concerns? Thanks for your expertise guys: this is a major concern of mine, and of Zinger's, I am sure... it is no small decision!!! The extra 10 fps of overcranking are really sexy to me, not to mention the quicker delay in obtaining the camera. But in the end, if it really sounds like a huge hassle beyond what I have listed above, I'll wait for the Pal... please, everyone weigh in with all your knowledge and wisdom!

M.
 
We're going to be monitoring on set with a Sony BVM-D9H5E or BVM-D14H5E.

I've had a look through the product specs for these and they seem to indicate that we'll be able to run a 720/60P signal through them ok. Is there an issue that i'm not aware of if using an NTSC HVX200 with them then?

Cheers,

Joe Murphy
 
zinger5 said:
Yeah I guess it could be problematic - particularly with warranty issues. In terms of monitoring, i didn't realise there would be trouble displaying NTSC (60Hz) 720p as opposed to PAL (50Hz) 720p. I was under the impression they were all the same at HD res' ?
Click to expand...

If you're monitoring HD then 60Hz vs 50Hz should be fine.

The challenges (can) arise if you're monitoring SD or if you're using other kit alongside (VTRs, switchers, TC generators, etc.)

One other thing that comes to mind ('cause Emanuel said "flickering") is the issue of 50Hz lighting. Don't go anywhere near regular fluorescent tubes 'cause it's horrible! ;-)

If you're using proper flicker-free lighting you should be fine, but it does make it harder if you're wanting to use the camera for ENG or corporates where you may be under office lighting. You can use 100th shutter speed, but it starts to eat into the light levels.
 
Alex Leith said:
If you're monitoring HD then 60Hz vs 50Hz should be fine.

The challenges (can) arise if you're monitoring SD or if you're using other kit alongside (VTRs, switchers, TC generators, etc.)

One other thing that comes to mind ('cause Emanuel said "flickering") is the issue of 50Hz lighting. Don't go anywhere near regular fluorescent tubes 'cause it's horrible! ;-)

If you're using proper flicker-free lighting you should be fine, but it does make it harder if you're wanting to use the camera for ENG or corporates where you may be under office lighting. You can use 100th shutter speed, but it starts to eat into the light levels.
Click to expand...

Of course this problem can be solved at 24p and 30p with a slower shutter speed at 48.

I believe the ntsc camera should be no problem, as long as you shoot always HD, may it be 720p or 1080i. Downrezing to Pal 720/576 frame size will not make you loose any resolution.
 
SPZ said:
Of course this problem can be solved at 24p and 30p with a slower shutter speed at 48.
Click to expand...

I shot interviews for an American DVD, under (mostly) office strip lighting, here in the UK using a Sony Z1. The flicker was less noticable at 30p - 1/48th, but there was still some visual disruption. It didn't have 1/50th, but you might be able to synchro-scan at 1/50th with the HVX200. Bit of a pain, though.
 
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