Going to Iraq

F

Flank4

Member
Hello all, I just got a call saying I am going back! I am going to shoot a full documentary over there. I was wondering what cam. I should use. I was looking at the DVX or HVX but I dont know how well p2 cars will be over there.
 
Hi Flank4, I would say either camera would serve you well. The DVX is a bit lighter and more compact, and has a lower draw on batteries. But the HVX can shoot HD on the P2 cards, AND tape with 16x9 DV video. I would personally take an HVX so I can have the choice. Probably DV for interviews, and P2 HD for establishing shots and such. A laptop can be used to offload all the HD material.

Just take 4 large batteries so you can get through a lot of filming before you have to charge them. :)

Best of luck to you sir, have a safe trip.
 
Do the p2 cars only shoot max like 30 mins of HD? I would like to be able to just putt a tape in and let it run. I have a job 2 do out there, and this is 2nd to keeping my men safe. I need to be able to shoot video with out having to swap p2s every 20 mins.
 
Well if you're not going till May, maybe the 16Gb cards will be out by then!
More recording time
 
You may want to have a look at James Longley's doc entitled "Iraq in Fragments".
http://www.iraqinfragments.com/

He shot all with DVX, he's come's to the forums now and again, and his movie was nominated for an oscar this year.

Excellent work from Mr. Longley, and the DVX.

-brown
 
The more I look at the specs, I think the DVX might just be the best for me. Its small, I have a G4 laptop with FCP and the works (for DV id have to get new mack book pro", Tape is cheep, Bat power is less then the HVX. But I would love to use 16x9 with out loosing resalition.
 
Flank, I think your thinking of the XH-A1, and yes that shoots HD to standard mini DV tapes, 63min of HD on one tape. Personally I would say the DVX or A1 would serve you well, the HVX might work if you take along alot of P2 cards, but if you are bringing it just to shoot 16:9 SD there are other much more viable options. Good luck.
 
James had a serious problem with dust and the DVX over there. He avoided damage by taping all the openings shut and carefully peeling it off and re-applying new when needed. I think it is amazing that all he had to replace was UV filters. His DVX never broke once. Be careful with the dusty conditions.
 
Flank4 said:
I have a job 2 do out there, and this is 2nd to keeping my men safe.
Click to expand...

Are you gonna have a gun in one hand and a camera in the other? I'm crossing my fingers for a first person shooter doc.

Taping up the camera is crucial. My heads got dirty when I was overseas and I lost 1/4 my footage. So do everything you can to keep it protected from the elements.
 
Hey flank lemme find the article in one of my trade magazines about this. If you pm me an adress I'll mail it to you for free, since you're a serviceman and I think you guys deserve all the respect in the world. The filmmaker goes into great detail what his reasons for chosing the dvx were and talks alot about his filmming experience. Or if you'd like I could scan it and email it to you, for speed reasons. Just let me know.
 
DerrickTempleton said:
Are you gonna have a gun in one hand and a camera in the other? I'm crossing my fingers for a first person shooter doc.

Taping up the camera is crucial. My heads got dirty when I was overseas and I lost 1/4 my footage. So do everything you can to keep it protected from the elements.
Click to expand...

HAHA that would make for a good idea. But I will have a gun and I will be doing the hard day 2 day fight when we have to.
 
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