Buying Tripod (and parts) for the AG-HVX200

N

NewUserHVX200

Member
Hi guys,
I recently bought a second-hand HVX200 and need some replacement parts for it. I am hoping some of you might know of some online stores where I can buy cheap (but decent) parts and accessories. Second-hand parts are also acceptable.
What I need in order of importance are :
FireStore (100GB, 120GB or 160GB) or P2 cards
Firewire
AC power supply cord/DC cord
eye cup
remote control
shoulder belt
tripod
HDMI cable

With the tripod I found this one on eBay and wondered if anyone can give me any feedback on it or ideas toward whether it looks good or not so good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/77-Pro-Heavy-Du...ps=63&clkid=1431090908740056762#ht_4226wt_948

Thanks in advance, everyone.

Wade
 
Because the HVX is a little on the heavy side it's always a safer bet to go for a tripod that is built to take heavier cameras. I use a Manfrotto 501 HDV with 525 legs. It works really well and goes really well with the weight of the HVX. Also, when it comes to tripods, treat it as an investment. A lot of people buy a really good quality one and never have to buy one ever again.
 
With the tripod I found this one on eBay and wondered if anyone can give me any feedback on it or ideas toward whether it looks good or not so good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/77-Pro-Heavy-Dut...#ht_4226wt_948
Click to expand...


regardless of how its advertised, thats a tripod for a still camera. it'll PROBABLY HOLD an hvx but you wont get good moves from it. like stephen says, the manfrotto 501 is about the cheapest acceptable head youre going to find. i hear libec makes some decent stuff as well, but ive only used them once or twice and wasnt that impressed.

spec com will have all your replacement factory bits:
http://www.spec-comm.com/store/

and what do you need an hdmi cable for? the hvx200 doesnt have hdmi ports
 
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More questions reagarding buying (and using) parts/accessories for HVX200

More questions reagarding buying (and using) parts/accessories for HVX200

Hi again guys,
Your advice and links were of tremendous help and saved me a lot of searching and head scratching:thumbsup:
To answer the question about HDMI cables, someone told me I needed that to play from the camera to a TV. Is it called something else to do this?
I have several questions about Firestore and any similar devices, and a few other random questions I just can't figure out alone.

1) I want to just to have 2 or so high data storage capacity units like the Firestore 160GB (max?) to record directly to via a FireWire. Can the HVX200 record directly to a Firestore without any P2 cards in the camera?
2) Can a Firestore (or other similar device) be simultaneously connected to the camera and a PC or Mac?
3) At present (as I worry a lot of the information I find on the net is dated), what are my choices to transfer Firestore data and P2 card data to a PC desktop or Mac Pro desktop? Which is fastest?
4) And regarding firewires, if I want to transfer data from a Firestore (or other similar drive) to a PC or Mac, what kind of FireWire do I need? 4 pin at both ends, 4 and 6 pin, or 4 pins with a USB tip? (I really haven't been able to understand these points from the manual and online searches)
5) For batteries, what brands/suppliers do you recommend? On eBay I have seen prices from as low as $12, but B&H sell them for $159, so I can only assume their is some kind of significant quality difference.
6) I live in Tokyo and bought my HVX second-hand here, and am wondering is there any differences between my unit and ones sold outside Japan that I need to be wary of when buying things for this unit?-

Finally, if you could provide any links for sites similar to this one, as well as other online shops in addition to what you already provided for cheap (with reasonable quality) and/or second-hand parts and accessories to use with the HVX200.


Thanks in advance for your help with all these points:)
Cheers,
Wade
 
Stay away from Firestores. As stated they have issues. You can pick up used P2 cards and you will be happier. Try Ebay. I may even have some. I will check.
 
P2 is superior to any kind of Firewire streaming in pretty much every possible way. True, you'll have to offload if you're shooting many hours, but it's well worth it.
 
i dont think you guys are really accurately addressing his questions.

1. firestores are arguably prone to several issues that P2 cards are not. but there are several people here (myself included) whove never had a problem with any firestore. ive owned two and used about five different ones and never had a problem...
the key problem with firestores is twofold. ONE: they use an internal hard drive which is prone to issues with vibration, heat and other usual drive failure issues. TWO: the 4pin FW connector on the hvx200 is VERY easy to accidentally unplug from the camera (id consider that more a problem with the camera than the firestore. but dont lets quibble over semantics)

the bottom line is you will hear a number of people whove had one issue or another with a firestore crapping out on them. and youd have to look really hard to find a single story of a P2 card actually "failing"

there is technically no difference in image quality from an hvx200 whether you use a firestore, P2 cards or capturing straight to your computer.
and on that subject. if you are shooting more or less locked down or in a studio situation (or if you have a nimble buddy and a long firewire cable) you can shoot straight to a computer (laptop being simplest for obvious reasons)
using software like adobe on location or a couple of other similar applications.

now. to answer your other questions:
as far as the hdmi cable goes. NO. the hvx200 does NOT have an hdmi out. it has a proprietary component cable that you can connect to a field monitor. you can get that cable from spec-comm or about any authorized dealer.

1) I want to just to have 2 or so high data storage capacity units like the Firestore 160GB (max?) to record directly to via a FireWire. Can the HVX200 record directly to a Firestore without any P2 cards in the camera?
YES. but see above comments about firestore reliability. and to my knowledge you cannot connect two firestores. but you can get larger hard drives for them

2) Can a Firestore (or other similar device) be simultaneously connected to the camera and a PC or Mac?
NO. not that im aware of. as that would be largely redundant

3) At present (as I worry a lot of the information I find on the net is dated), what are my choices to transfer Firestore data and P2 card data to a PC desktop or Mac Pro desktop? Which is fastest?
with a firestore you switch it to computer mode and use it like and other FW400 hard drive. to transfer P2 cards you need either a laptop (or desktop) with a pcmcia slot or any of the three or four different reader options from panasonic. about the cheapest and most reliable is the AJ-PCD2 for about $350.

i generally transfer a full 16 gig card in about 11 minutes

4) And regarding firewires, if I want to transfer data from a Firestore (or other similar drive) to a PC or Mac, what kind of FireWire do I need? 4 pin at both ends, 4 and 6 pin, or 4 pins with a USB tip? (I really haven't been able to understand these points from the manual and online searches)
the hvx200 has a 4pin fw port. macs all have 6pin for fw400 and 9pin for fw800. ive seen a variety of options on a windows box.
the simple answer is get a cable with 4pin on one end and whatever your comuter has on the other.

5) For batteries, what brands/suppliers do you recommend? On eBay I have seen prices from as low as $12, but B&H sell them for $159, so I can only assume their is some kind of significant quality difference.
i dont suggest dicking around with ebay batteries. any money you save will eventually bite you in the ass with your batteries being dead on set.
buy once. buy well. i exclusively use the SCPAN-6000 Battery* from spec comm. they're $99. they generally hold 3-4 hours for at least a couple years. right now spec comm is doing a BOGO deal. so at $50 each its a STEAL

6) I live in Tokyo and bought my HVX second-hand here, and am wondering is there any differences between my unit and ones sold outside Japan that I need to be wary of when buying things for this unit?-
as far as fit and performance goes. i wouldnt think so. but power wise - that may be a different story. im admittedly not familiar with that. just tell your dealer what model you have and they can tell you what you need...
 
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Much thanks for your answers everyone

Much thanks for your answers everyone

Thank you all for your guidance. A big thanks especially to WGZN for this last solo of awesome answers. The weight of confusion is lifting. And the battery deal is a huge help, too. This stuff is all so rough on the wallet.
And Phugsontx.....if you could post your details about the P2 cards that would be great.
While I have your ears, could I ask a few more things....

1) My HVX has no eye cup and I have a choice between this standard one at spec-comm
http://www.spec-comm.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2692

Or this padded one at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=RAICUFFDV&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Does anyone have any comments either way? The reviews would lead me to believe the standard eye cup can rub on your eye, but I won't be shooting more than a few hours once or twice a week I guess. It this fluffy one warranted?

2) What is this tripod frame? http://www.spec-comm.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2349
Do I need one of these or is this the silver rectangle (3cm high x 2cm wide) I can see that is already fixed flush on the bottom of my HVX? It has 2 holes, one with a thread and one without.

3) I'm ready to pull the trigger on a Monfrotto 501 tripod, as suggested, am have two options : One with 755XB tripod or 755CX3 tripod
http://www.manfrotto.us/product/0/501HDV%2C755XBK/_/501HDV_Pro_Video_Head_+_755XB_Tripod_+_MBAG80P

http://www.manfrotto.us/product/0/501HDV%2C755CX3K/_/501HDV_Pro_Video_Head_and_755CX3_MDEVE_Tripod

There is a price difference and I'd prefer the lower priced item, but is there any reason I'd go for the higher priced one other than the height differences and slight weight differences? And can you generally trust second-hand (eBay) tripods or is it not worth the risk?
4) I'm looking for any training manuals and DVDs for the HVX200 but I see HVX Bootcamp and a few other books and DVDs are unavailable on Amazon and/or expensive when they are, and not discounted on eBay etc. Is there any source of cheaper or second-hand copies of these?

I hope you can get me on the right path with these queries, guys. Thanks heaps for all the help so far. You're saving me oodles of time and money with your support here.

Wade
 
i removed my eyecup a year or so ago. i forget why. but i havent used it since then and havent really missed it. id get the original rubber one. im not even sure that padding thing would fit. the circumference of the hvx200 viewfinder seems bigger than 5.5in... i could be wrong.

you dont need the tripod frame. it sounds like yours is in place.

i wouldnt get either of those sticks. both will be hard to level accurately. you can get a used, older vinten or manfrotto higher end rig that will serve you way better than an entry level new one.
i got both a manfrotto 510 head on 3193 sticks and a vinten vision11 rig each fr about $800 used on this and another forum. both are FAR better than the 501+755 combo

i have bought used gear both on ebay and on this and similar forums. even craigslist. ebay and craigslist can be kind of dicey ESPECIALLY if you dont know all the right questions to ask. or are the kind of guy too easily fooled by "too good to be true" deals. BUT ive never had any issues there personally.

i really enjoy buying and selling here on this forum as it kind of helps build a sense of community. one thing to be wary of is new users who have less than say 20 posts and all of the posts are in the marketplace section. not a rule just a possible red flag. i look for users who have significant numbers of posts AND have a history of sales here.
 
I have the libec ls38 tripod with mid level spreader and I LOVE it. Very very solid and great smooth movements. Kind of on the heavy side though
 
I don't like using firestores. P2 cards are they way to go. HVX does not have an HDMI output either. You'd want to get a HVX200 component cable. I would recommend ebay for the bigger stuff. For the stock parts, visit partstore.com
 
Could anyone advise me on the value of this 510 head?
http://cgi.ebay.com/MANFROTTO-510-PR...#ht_2291wt_948
Is it worth the price it is being sold at (assuming it is in reasonable condition)?
I would have to pay $229 for shipping to Japan apparently, as well.
Click to expand...
thats the head i use. and thats a great price. but you will have to buy a replacement handle.
but $229 shipping?!?!??! are you serious? that changes the metrics a bit. if its in PERFECT working order, thats still not a crazy price. but considering youre also going to have to find sticks (with the 100mm bowl) which will probably cost you another $200 hit for shipping, id probably say no.
 
I found this Libec for $575 :http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...tialSearch=yes
The price is acceptable, but can I get a few more voices on it's suitability for the HVX200 please.
Thanks:beer:
Click to expand...
physically that looks a lot like my manfroto 510+3193 rig. but i have to say this:
no offense intended to mb72378, but everyone ive known PERSONALLY whos used and liked libec stuff have been either young / inexperienced or hobbyist, hacky, bad wedding-shooter types. that in no way means that they dont work well. thats just been my experience. ive only put my hands on one a couple of times but they did seem perfectly able to carry the camera. however, i admittedly didnt try any complex moves with them.

i have read some professional reviews of their newer stuff and as i recall, the reviewer was surprised to say that he quite liked how it performed.
id suggest a bit more research here as well...
 
I'd better take this opportunity to say that I am basically an inexperienced hobbyist and don't use this HVX200 for work but plan to use it to shoot a very short action film (which will have effects added in After Effects), promotional videos for models, DJs and singers, and *ahem* maybe some.....weddings. And this camera is my first real camera, the first being a little Sanyo Xacti. I don't really know what I'm doing aside from these projects mentioned above. Does this change any of the advice? (Which I'm super grateful for by the way)
As I am an amateur, I am wondering if I should go for a http://www.libec-global.com/products/dv/th-650dv.html and make due with it until I know my head from my a$$ and then I can invest in something I know I want. Comments?:huh:
 
the libec ls38 is a great tripod for the price, better than the manfrotto 503 in same price range - I've now moved up to Vinten vision blue, perfect balance & absolutely no spring back
 
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