Got a chance to put EX1 up against HVX

Mark Smith said:
I had my hands on an EX yesterday for a while and got acquainted.


There is something funny going on with the image when there is movement combined with lots of detail: the camera can't quite hold the detail and the movement , so it throws away the detail till things settle down a bit.
Click to expand...

A few people have said this but I just haven't seen it at all. Ever. I have my EX1 plugged into my 50 inch Pioneer plasma, and the image is stunning. Really. NO drop off of image quality when I pan around. Full stop.

Gues I am lucky in that my camera doesn't seem to exhibit this issue that others seem to see clearly.
 
It seems like this should be easy enough to clear up.
A few frame grabs alone would do it - full res - showing a static shot, a few grabs during a pan, as well as a static stop.

If someone out there with the HVX and the EX1 could do some side by side panning we could see if this loss of detail claim has any merit.

Any takers?
 
Barry,
I too have been looking at this camera and have been pretty excited about some of it's features. I really appreciate you pointing out some of it's less than admirable qualities. Your review has given me pause for consideration as to whether this is my next camera.
I had an HVX200 for 3 months and, personally, didn't like it. I still love my DVX100 though.
I have a Canon A1 and, while I like using it, it too has it's drawbacks.

I shoot a lot of meeting and seminar documentation and most times, I am not allowed to set additional lighting. The DVX 100 has done well in that situation.
When I wanted to go to higher resolution (HD or HDV), I tried the HVX and the A1. Neither of those cameras can match the DVX for low light. The HVX is better than the A1 but at my last big, 3 camera shoot in Las Vegas, the lighting was so bad, the DVX would not even give me a shot without +6db video gain. I had to rent a Sony VX2000 just to get the job done. I was hoping the EX1 would be at least as good as the VX2000 in low light. You say it is only 1/2 stop better than the HVX. That won't be enough. Oh well.
I'm still looking for my next camera.

As much as I liked your review, I did want to make one comment on your quote:

Barry_Green said:
The defendant would already be in the cop car and driven away in 12 seconds! How are people supposed to use this for ENG? You're setting yourself up to get screwed.
Click to expand...

While I realize you were just making a point (a valid one about the access delay),
any video professional that would be showing their buddy a previously shot clip while waiting to shoot a defendant coming out the door needs to have their head examined. It is probably residing in an unfortunate anatomical location.
 
Randolph said:
While I realize you were just making a point (a valid one about the access delay),
any video professional that would be showing their buddy a previously shot clip while waiting to shoot a defendant coming out the door needs to have their head examined. It is probably residing in an unfortunate anatomical location.
Click to expand...

i think it has been mentioned elsewhere but you just press rec review, like any eng cam and it plays last clip, if that defendant walks out you can press record at any point and it starts recording
 
It's exactly one half stop faster in 1080p mode. It all depends also on what gamma you're using, etc. I compared STD3 to HD NORM as they rendered gamma and color exactly the same, and the difference was precisely 1/2 stop.
 
Jan_Crittenden said:
Well if I were a bride, and I guess I have been there, I would be upset with this:

http://homepage.mac.com/epiphany2002/25.mov

About 2 seconds into the clip there is a flash that virtually divides the happy couple in half, horizontally.
Jan
Click to expand...

Jan, I think you are brilliant and you helped me to get a new HVX when mine had an initial failure.
However, after watching this footage, I think people are overstating the potential client dissatisfaction in the EX1 footage.
I am a professional and I watched the footage 4 times and didn't see what you were complaining about. I then reviewed it frame by frame and I said, "Oh! That's what all of the fuss is about." Yes, it is a flaw, and now I can see it real time because I know what I am looking for. I wish it wasn't there, but I had to really look to notice it in the flow of the video.
I would be more upset about the silly pink light, but I guess that was the desired effect.

Thanks again for your insightful posts.
 
Oh I don't know. Haven't you guys ever seen the Omen films? this flash freeze frame slicing the couple in half...damn that is scary.
 
philip bloom said:
Oh I don't know. Haven't you guys ever seen the Omen films? this flash freeze frame slicing the couple in half...damn that is scary.
Click to expand...

Phillip,
Thanks for your sense of humor and for having your inspiring footage on your web site.
Most of my income is from event recording where I need low light capability and I don't do weddings any more (I hate to shoot weddings!), so flashing is not a problem.
I also am in pre-production for a documentary where I would like b-roll beauty shots to cover most of the talking heads. You have demonstrated that the EX1 could be an excellent choice for this project.
 
What I really want to see is how Panasonic responds at NAB this year.

And on a completely different subject, I'd just like to commend Barry for what he does for the forums. I've lurked for a while and only now started posting, but I've read (and benefited from) many of his reviews/shootouts in the past.

Again, HUZZAH to you, sir.



*end corny spiel*
 
I concur, that actually goes for all the dvxuser staff... I've been blown away with how much time and professionalism they put into their posts. Even with the most redundant questions they are still extremely helpful. I think it sets the tone for why this place is such a success. It's definitely inspiring and I've been trying to do the same with my forums as well.
 
philip bloom said:
just half a stop? it seems way brighter (in 1080p which is what i shoot all the time ) than my hvx ever was
Click to expand...

I think possibly it seems brighter because it also records a cleaner image. The HVX image is buzzing with noise under available light.

As for the rolling shutter and it's problems with flashes. That's easily fixed in post compared to noise removal. And I'm a HVX user and owner before anyone thinks I'm an EX1 fanboy!
 
Last edited:
Kenn Christenson said:
Kind of doubt it - 1/3" CCDs - probably pixel shifted (not that there's anything wrong with that :grin:) and basically the same shooting specs as the HVX - just different encoding.

Where's the under/overcrank 1080P (yeah, I know the EX1 can only do undercrank) - the full raster sensors - a manual lens?
Click to expand...

Why would anyone consider that camera for $6,000.00 when they could get an HVX for less?

AVCHD is a nightmare anyway, tried dealing with for some footage a friend shot in China. PITA!

Dan
 
puredrifting said:
Why would anyone consider that camera for $6,000.00 when they could get an HVX for less?

AVCHD is a nightmare anyway, tried dealing with for some footage a friend shot in China. PITA!

Dan
Click to expand...


To be honest that writers estimate at $6,000 was poor at best.... My guess is low to mid 3's.
 
Do all of these problems exist to this full extent still? Just wondering if the newer models off the production lines and / or a firmware update have improved anything.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top