D90 Vs Canon HV20

[skital]

I just bought a Canon HV20 w/wide angle lens for $414 total. I've been playing around with it the last couple of days. I shoot in Cinemode with 24p only. I am wanting to make a film in the future, so I was planning on a 35mm Adapter for shallow focus.

I'm interested in the D90. How does it compare for shooting video? What are its limitations compared the HV20?

1: How does the sharpness compare?
2: How does the latitude compare to the HV20 at -1 Contrast and in Cinemode?
3: How does the low light capability compare to the HV20 in 24p Cinemode?
5: How does the manual controls compare?
4: Should I upgrade to the D90 for a filmmaking project or not?

If anyone has anything more to add please let me know. Thanks!

 

[mattsand]

1: How does the sharpness compare?

the hv20 is way sharper. with an adapter less so but still.

2: How does the latitude compare to the HV20 at -1 Contrast and in Cinemode?

similar when it comes to range, but the d90 holds the colors better both in highlights and shadows, and blows out smoother.

3: How does the low light capability compare to the HV20 in 24p Cinemode?

the d90 wins easily, with an adapter the hv20 can't really shoot without artificial light at all. you need to be at full gain which adds a lot of noise and desaturates the image to almost monochrome.

5: How does the manual controls compare?

the hv20 is much better. it's not fully manual but it lets you know what your settings are with the still button trick and once you're used to that it works like a full manual mode camera. the d90 isn't manual at all, you can lock exposure that's it. it does have aperture priority but frankly that's not the way around you need for video.

4: Should I upgrade to the D90 for a filmmaking project or not?

i did, but my project was special in that i needed to shoot without lights and permits. i still have my hv20 though.

/matt

 

[hepabst]

I have two HV20's, a HV40, the Letus Mini and a D90. The biggest difference is the D90 is so much better in low light than the HV's or HV's with the Letus(which needs a lot). But the D90 image is softer plus it is hard to consistently control the ISO and shutter and easier on the HV's.

When it comes to making a film, I believe any camera is OK if the story is strong enough to make me stop looking at what the camera is doing.

 

[skital]

I have two HV20's, a HV40, the Letus Mini and a D90. The biggest difference is the D90 is so much better in low light than the HV's or HV's with the Letus(which needs a lot). But the D90 image is softer plus it is hard to consistently control the ISO and shutter and easier on the HV's.

When it comes to making a film, I believe any camera is OK if the story is strong enough to make me stop looking at what the camera is doing.

How does the D90 compare to the HV20 in low light without a 35mm adapter? What kind of work arounds should I expect to make good use of a D90 for filmmaking?

 

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I shot this with the HV20, no adapters. There is a scene in the middle with a flashlight, fairly low light. The adapters always require more light.
There's also a rack focus during the first phone call inside.

Calls From The Führerbunker

It will give you an idea as to what the camera can do, bare bones.
There are also those out there who are much better with it than I.


BTW, I agree with the any camera comment. A great filmmaker can make a great film with any camera.

MAH

 

[mattsand]

How does the D90 compare to the HV20 in low light without a 35mm adapter?

it's still not as sensitive, you can get an image but it's more desaturated the darker it is, which is exactly what the d90 avoids even as it bumps the iso all the way into grain fest. the hv is still ok unless there's absolutely no light, in which conditions you won't be shooting anyway if you're making a "film".

/matt

 

[Zim]

That was still one of the best films from that fest

I shot this with the HV20, no adapters. There is a scene in the middle with a flashlight, fairly low light. The adapters always require more light.
There's also a rack focus during the first phone call inside.

Calls From The Führerbunker

It will give you an idea as to what the camera can do, bare bones.
There are also those out there who are much better with it than I.


BTW, I agree with the any camera comment. A great filmmaker can make a great film with any camera.

MAH

 

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

That was still one of the best films from that fest

Thanks.