Finally! Getting the HPX370

F

Flintstone

Well-known member
I got approved today for a loan to purchase my new camera. I'm very excited. Quote requests were sent this after-noon. Here's what I should be of getting:

- HPX370 with two 64GB cards and a Fujinon Th13x3.5BRM wide lens
- Two EW100 ENG G3 kits with two countryman B6 lavs, a Sennheiser MD 46 interview mic, and a Rode NTG1 ambiance camera mic
- Two 190Wh Swit batteries with charger, and a Frezzi Mini-Sun Gun.
- A monopod and a large backpack style camera bag

All that's missing is a nice set of sticks... but I have no idea what to get. I have an old and defective Bogen 503 head... ouch... that won't do.. even if I have it repaired. Any suggestions on a make and model?

I was also contemplating on getting a Lectrosonics wireless kit: Dual receiver, plug-on, and belt-pack... but it's really starting to adds up, and I was wondering if the G3 kits are "good enough", or the difference really shows through. Any thoughts?
 
Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! Very nice setup. And BTW, I just placed my order for the HPX370 today!

As for a tripod and head, given your choice of a backpack (and the monopod), are you looking for something you can use as least partially for hiking?

If that's the case (and even if it isn't because I think this setup rocks), then take a look at this setup. It's about as light as you can get and still provide rock solid support for all of your gear. The last thing you want to do is put a new camera on legs that can't handle it. (I've used Gitzo sticks for years and in my opinion you just can't get any better.)


The total packing size with the head on is 27.6 inches, and gives you a reach of 63.4 inches. It all comes in at about $2800 - a lot of money but it'll easily support all of your gear and last you 20+ years.

By the way, here's a review of the head by Philip Bloom: http://philipbloom.net/2009/06/12/video-review-of-new-vinten-vision-as-line-of-tripod-heads/

What kind of backpack are you getting? I was discussing this in a thread a couple days ago... http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=212979

A couple of other things.... I went with the AB Tandem 70 with Diconic 90 batteries.... I really like the fact that it charges and provides access to AC power without the need for a separate power supply.

Finally, (a lot of people will call me crazy) I'm going with just 1 64GB P2 card for the time being. I decided to do this after seeing how easy it is to offload media to USB Hard Disks or USB memory sticks. I can quickly make multiple copies of the same footage on very low cost sticks and free up the card. And since 720pN is what I'll be shooting most of the time, I should be able to get 160 minutes at AVC-100. And frankly, saving $900 on a second card helped me to spend the extra on the tripod and head. When I have a need to buy more, I will. Hopefully the price will have come down a bit more by then.

Anyway, everyone's equipment needs are different! Happy shooting, and let me know about that backpack....

Cheers,
Robert

Flintstone said:
I got approved today for a loan to purchase my new camera. I'm very excited. Quote requests were sent this after-noon. Here's what I should be of getting:

- HPX370 with two 64GB cards and a Fujinon Th13x3.5BRM wide lens
- Two EW100 ENG G3 kits with two countryman B6 lavs, a Sennheiser MD 46 interview mic, and a Rode NTG1 ambiance camera mic
- Two 190Wh Swit batteries with charger, and a Frezzi Mini-Sun Gun.
- A monopod and a large backpack style camera bag

All that's missing is a nice set of sticks... but I have no idea what to get. I have an old and defective Bogen 503 head... ouch... that won't do.. even if I have it repaired. Any suggestions on a make and model?

I was also contemplating on getting a Lectrosonics wireless kit: Dual receiver, plug-on, and belt-pack... but it's really starting to adds up, and I was wondering if the G3 kits are "good enough", or the difference really shows through. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
 
I'd look at secondhand tripods personally. Something like a Sachtler Video 18 (the older models were beter than the newer Sachtlers I reckon. Can be picked up very cheap if you're lucky and leagues ahead of all the low cost Manfrotto and Vinten stuff.
Steve
 
Yeah, that's a really good head. If you're going to use the head with various setups, and don't mind changing out springs, then that might work for you. It's quite a bit larger and a little bit heavier, so if size and weight are a factor keep that in mind. You're right about the Manfrotto stuff - stay away from it unless you've got light equipment and are just starting out.

The Vinten AS heads are not exactly low cost, with the 10AS going for nearly $4000. And they are the polar opposite of low quality....

But do look at used as a good alternative. I did, although I still ended up going the 5AS route because, as I've said, I'm going to be packing it in on long hikes.

steve phillipps said:
I'd look at secondhand tripods personally. Something like a Sachtler Video 18 (the older models were beter than the newer Sachtlers I reckon. Can be picked up very cheap if you're lucky and leagues ahead of all the low cost Manfrotto and Vinten stuff.
Steve
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keylight said:
The Vinten AS heads are not exactly low cost, with the 10AS going for nearly $4000. And they are the polar opposite of low quality....
Click to expand...

Fair point, not a cheap, low quality head, though that's still half the price of the comparable O'Connor 1030 (in the UK it's £20000 for the Vinten and £4000 for the O'Connor).
Steve
 
As for a tripod and head, given your choice of a backpack (and the monopod), are you looking for something you can use as least partially for hiking?

What kind of backpack are you getting? I was discussing this in a thread a couple days ago... http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=212979
Click to expand...

I'm getting the camRade TM720 TravelMate. Large, and capable of storing all my accessories in one container. I don't do hicking much, but I prefer lugging around my cam, well balanced on my back using both shoulders. I do hate carrying around large a large bag at my side, hitting people, walls and door jams. Just a question of practicality.

Tripod:
I don't mind spending a bit more on a descent tripod/head. It will, afterall, last longer the the cam itself. So I'm considering many alternatives. I have to consider the weight of the occasional LCD prompter that will be sitting on the head also. Other then Vinten, any other suggestions? What about a Gitzo head? Libec? Sachtler? Miller? Etc. I've long researched the camera and accessories, but not so much the tripod, so I don't quite know what my options are.
 
Depends on how much you have to spend and how much you want to carry.
Top of the pile would be O'Connor 1030HD (or 2060HD if you want to carry a 9kg head around and use long lenses a lot). Below that I'd go Sachtler Video 18 or 20 (the older models can be had second hand quite cheap and are much better than the current one IMO). The afforementioned Vinten Vision 100 was also quite nice when I played with one.
Ronford Baker 2003 is also a terrific head.
Most of these are between £3000 - £5000 though, so it depends on your budget.
Any specific questions please ask as I've owned, wait for it: Sachtler Video 18mkii, Video 20mkii, Video 25mkii, Video 25 Plus, Horizon II, Video 30mk11, Ronford Baker 2003 and 2004, Ronford Baker Atlas 30, O'Connor 1030B and 2060HD! And I'm still not 100% happy!
Steve
 
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Flintstone said:
What about a Gitzo head?
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No, not a Gitzo head. I don't even know if they even make a fluid head for video. Legs are fantastic though.

There are two camps on legs, those who like/demand spreaders, and those who don't. I'm definitely in the don't like/want spreaders. Hard to get close to the ground, and no real benefit frankly (although again, those who want them would disagree)....
 
keylight said:
I'm definitely in the don't like/want spreaders. Hard to get close to the ground, and no real benefit frankly (although again, those who want them would disagree)....
Click to expand...

Me too.

Gitzo does make a "fluid" head. I get the feeling ti's just above the level of the Manfrottos. Again, it depends on your budget really.
Steve
 
I have found the Libec tripods and heads to be a good budget options above manfrotto, I have two H50 heads for use with my 301's and they are OK.

Would prefer a 100mm bowl but they do the job just fine.
 
I need a half price alternative to Sachtler and Vinten. Anyone have any experience or comments about the Libec LS-70?
 
I use the Libec RS-450M with my 300. One problem I've had is there is a bit of play if the camera hasn't been balanced perfectly when you release the pan/tilt locks. I really notice this when rolling and on full telephoto. Only other thing is the bottom stage of legs flex a little too much for my liking. This could be caused by the internal spreader - a floor spreader might reduce the issue. I wish it had more than three steps of tension, but they may be coming out with a newer model that has like five I think. Overall though - for the price - I really like it.

David
 
Finally said:
I'm very close to a purchase of a 370, but wasn't aware of this function, which sounds very useful. Can you share a bit more about how it works to offload data from the card to a usb drive via the camera?
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