DVX100a Basic questions- reply needed fast

L

LUCAS_HITCHBERG

Active member
Hi X-ers,

Apologies for these simple, basic questions, but I need to get them straight quickly to prepare for a last minute project.

I haven't used my DVX much and need a few basic questions answered before an 'industrial type' shoot. By the sound if it, the shooting will start 2 days from today. Any help is appreciated.

1) The standard battery indicates 80 minutes of run
time with the LCD on. What is the real world run
time? I'll need up to an hour each day.

2) What shutter speed should be used under sodium
lights to prevent flicker? 60 hertz means 1/60? Or?

3) I'd like to use both the on camera mic and an
external, wired, shotgun mic. Which channel do I
connect the external mic to in order to get separated
audio sorces? Any settings to do as well?

Our local small town newspaper is finishing setting up a new press machine in a new building. As a means of a training reference, the company will have the tech
guys explain the ins and outs of operating this big thing and I've been hired to record the 'orientation' video.

These are admittedly very basic questions, but if I can get them settled, I can go on to the more nerve wracking stuff. (Should've played with the DVX more, I know.) Thanks in advance.

I also would like to know if I can get 1 or 2 of the extended batteries really soon but without opting for an expensive 'rush' order. That is, are there any in stock or are they on back order status. Sorry for being such a stranger lately -- it's a long ongoing story.


Best,

LHB
 
1) My standard battery that came with mine will get about 55 mins with the LCD on, although it has about a year worth of use on it.
2) --someone else--I usually just shoot 1/100 inside
3) You can use 1 or 2, doesnt matter...I usually use one, just b/c. Youll have to select 1 or 2, whatever you end up choosing to use.

As for the battery...check video or A/V shops. I know here in NYC I can get one from b&h who is right down the road for me. In Iowa...I have no idea whats there.... I assume if you have a pro video shop they will have one in stock..
 
One nice trick with two mics like you're using is to set one mic level several dB lower than the other, especially if you're dealing with large, loud machines like you'll be covering. This way, if there is a loud noise and one mic peaks, the second mic acts as a backup.

I do the same as s4manturbo when only using one extra mic; feed the external into channel 1. Make sure you have your levels correct, depending on the mic (0, -6, -12 dB). I prefer to use a AA battery in my shotgun mic instead of using phantom power. Normally, though, I've got a wireless lapel going into ch. 1 and the shotgun into ch. 2 (Stupid pneumonic: Left = Lapel, Right = Room, even though it's all mono CH1 and CH2 in FCP it helps as I shoot to just think that left is their lapel).

Also, make sure to monitor the sound with headphones as well as the levels on the LCD.

Other than that, good luck and have a great shoot!

Warm regards,
Scott
 
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Hi s4manturbo,

Some lights produce flicker at some shuuter speeds, but I can't remember if sodiums are problematic this way. I should have some time to set up so I can check it then, I guess.

I wrote a little to quickly regarding the battery question. Maybe the standard battery will last long enough, but it'll be close. The power cells I am talking about ordering are the 5600mAh ones offered here. Looks like it's time to order a DVXUser monster cell. Thanks for the input.


LHB
 
Hi Scott,

Thanks for your instructions and suggestions. They sound very good. I'll be doing some tests tonight to make sure this rig still works and I'll be sure to use my ear covering headphones. Also, I agree that using an AA battery is best with my little Azden. I'd prefer a lav for this but don't have the right kit to go with it. Wireless would be nice, the unit I have is an older model and doesn't seem reliable.

I'm also seriously looking at an Edirol r-09 SD recorder for external audio. It's not syncable and adds an extra layer of effort in post, but it's rated pretty well.

Since the installation of the presses is not completed, it may be that it won't be a powered instructional project. Sounds like mostly where the components are, how to fill/emptywhatever "this thingy right here" kind of stuff. But, if I'm wrong there's always the VO in Post!



Cheers,

LHB
 
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