Help & Advice on SPECIFICS (ordering equipment tomorrow)

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filmguy123

Veteran
Hey guys,

Alright I am ordering through B&H Photo tomorrow. I am using the "Bill Me Now" plan, and will pay off what I owe in full before the 6 months is up and insane interest kicks in. As such, unless there is a superior company that offers a similar delayed billing plan + better price or something, I am planning to order from B&H - any reservations about this or B&H??

** I am not shooting HD yet, and I am not getting a HDD yet. I know some of you will want to try and convince me to. I am going to later this year, but not right now **

----- TRIPIOD, SOUND, LIGHTING -> I am getting all that seperate ------

============================================

If you would be so kind to give this buyer piece before a huge purchase. Will you please double check my specific brand & model purchases? I want to make sure I order the the right thing... I'd hate to find out later that everyone recommend a different brand, or a different UV filter, a different MiniDV tape (yes read above, I am using miniDV for the coming months until this fall), or a different cleaning kit or camera bag.

Please critique, suggest, etc. Any changes? Different brands, models, etc.? Glaring omissions? etc.

Thanks so much... I am planning on ordering tomorrow!

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3-4x DVX User Batteries from this site... ($330)
Here at DVX user, jarred land's batteries...

NEW Panasonic HVX200
(** As a Panny Authorized Dealer, I will also get my free 8gb P2 card + HVX book with my order through B&H, correct? How long should it take for this to arrive? **)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=381410&is=REG


Panasonic 63min PQ miniDV tapes (AYDVM63PQ) - 50 in bulk @ $3.49/ea = $174.50
(*** Will these be good tapes, or is it worth it to upgrade to the "Master Quality" or "Advanced Master Quality" for nearly twice the price per tape? **)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=240021&is=REG


Gaffer Tape ~ $20
what should I get for this? There is SO much to choose from. I am considering a roll of Delta brand and a roll of Permacel brand - any difference? I am getting one roll that is 2" x 10 yards & the other 1" x 30 yards... I think. Any advice?


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=271584&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=353361&is=REG



MACK 4-year extended warranty ($299.95)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=390528&is=REG


Lastolite EZYBalance Collapsible 18% Grey/White Balance Card - 30" ($76.50)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=375212&is=REG


Impact DV Cassete Rewinder ($34.95)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=457096&is=REG


Lumicon Advanced Lens Cleaning Kit ($39.95)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=458539&is=REG


Porta Brace RB-3 Kodiak Heated Run Bag ($224.95)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=390297&is=REG


B+W 82mm UV Haze 010 MRC Multi-Resistant Coating Glass Filter ($104.95)
( ** Ok I was confused here. There are a bunch of variations on this, including a "slim" version and an "extra wide" version that are both 82mm threaded... I am guessing this is the one that I want?? Is that correct, or should I be getting a different UV filter for the camera as my "protective filter" - is this what I should get??? ** )

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=11995&is=REG


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Thanks a bunch!!!
 
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Just my 2 cents, but I can't stand B&H. I 've never had any luck with those guys. They're just don't give a %$^& about the customer. The salesmen are cocky and you can find better service and cheaper prices at other places anyway. Just my thoughts.
Good luck with your purchases.
 
The camera price is not bad, however, some offer it for a bit less such as Studio Exchange in CA, at least when I bought mine, for $4995. The lens cleaning kit is very overpriced to me. Most everything else looks OK. Extended warranty not a bad idea considering all that can go wrong, however, some EX warr companies , like insurance companies, will take your money a lot faster than they will shell it out for a claim.
See who the company is and Google it.

B&H has treated me well in the past, but I usually buy online and don't deal with the salesmen. They can be cocky and pushy as the other poster said. Some other companies are a lot better at customer service. I have never bought from them, but since many DVX users swear by Spec Comm, you might want to see if they can match or top the deal you are getting. I'll bet they can with that much merchandise. Generally they have been throwing in two batteries for the same camera price as B&H.
 
One of the main things I have to consider is that I *NEED* to use the "Bill Me Later" option as I do not have the money right now and will not until May-ish (I will have the money for sure, so I am not worried about the high interest that incurs upon late payback). I also *NEED* the camera by March 9th.

So... in that sense I may be stuck with going through B&H.

* Also, one of my main questions was about the proper UV Filter as there are so many variations (slim, extra wide, etc.) - this is just the normal one. Is this ok? What are all the others for?
 
There are plenty of threads here about B&H. I think the vast majority of us have had many great experiences with B&H, and a few people have not. I'm pretty sure any problems people have had have been resolved, and there's even a B&H representative who drops in on DVXUser once in a while. I personally have worked with them for well over 100 orders, as well as in the store, and love 'em. But I'm a New Yorker, and used to New York ways of interacting. Don't expect big smiles, but you will get good service.



As for the gaffer tape - I go through at least 2 rolls a month. Parmacel is certainly better than many of the brands out there... but this is not a critical decision. It's an expendable; you can try different brands.
 
avsupply.com for the HVX

they'll sell you one for hundreds less and they are listed in the Panasonic website...
 
I'm sorry to pour cold water on this, but I really don't see the point of getting yourself into debt if you're not intending to use P2 until the autumn.

What camera do you have now - presumably a reasonable MiniDV?
Why not start saving for a new camera later in the year - the chances are, something newer will come along, and if it doesn't, you'll have a nice sum to put down as a deposit.

The main advantages of the HVX (for me) are Slow Motion (not achievable on tape) and speed of capture from P2.

If it's the film look . . . have you even tried to get that using good NLE software?

Andy
 
Hey a couple things to clarify:

1.) I'm ordering from B&H... so this is focused more on the specific models & brands of stuff that I am looking for feedback on.

2.) andynick. It's complicated. I've considered everything. Trust my judgement, I'm getting the camera now.

3.) Again, just wondering about the brands/models of stuff... suggestions/critiques, etc. Don't want to order stuff and find out I would have been better off ordering a different UV filter, camera bag, miniDV rewinder, gray/white card, etc....

Thanks for all the help so far!
 
I think you've already made up your mind, these are all "essentials" but for what it's worth, I've been a professional photographer for years . . . here's my opinion of your choices.
filmguy123 said:
Panasonic 63min PQ miniDV tapes (AYDVM63PQ) - 50 in bulk @ $3.49/ea = $174.50
(*** Will these be good tapes, or is it worth it to upgrade to the "Master Quality" or "Advanced Master Quality" for nearly twice the price per tape? **)
Click to expand...
Save your money - I've used Maxell DV tapes (at approx half the price) for years - never had a dropout - but P2's FAR better.

MACK 4-year extended warranty ($299.95)
Click to expand...
Save your money - Panasonic give you a free two year warranty - upgrade the camera before the warranty runs out.

Lastolite EZYBalance Collapsible 18% Grey/White Balance Card - 30" ($76.50)
Click to expand...
Save your money - If I want to White Balance (and many people don't) I use some paper taped to a thin card backing.

Impact DV Cassete Rewinder ($34.95)
Click to expand...
Save your money - I never heard of a rewinder until I read your post!

Lumicon Advanced Lens Cleaning Kit ($39.95)
Click to expand...
Save your money - I ALWAYS protect the lens with a UV filter, and I use a very clean handkerchief to clean it. Approximately every six months, I fit a new filter.

Porta Brace RB-3 Kodiak Heated Run Bag ($224.95)
Click to expand...
Save your money - Now you really are looking for things to spend your money on! As soon as the heat packs run out and you open your bag, you'll get condensation - is that what you want?

B+W 82mm UV Haze 010 MRC Multi-Resistant Coating Glass Filter ($104.95)
Click to expand...
Now you're talking - this is the best investment you've mentioned - but get the best brand you can - over here in the UK it's something like B+W.


P2's Better.

Andy

LATER EDIT:
No offence is meant by these comments but you've said openly that you can't afford to pay for the equipment at the moment, so I'm simply pointing out what I'd do rather than get into debt.
 
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I agree with andy 99%...

I would get a lens cleaning kit to make yout B+W last longer with the microfibre cloths... then again you can get a few from Filmtools.com for about $3 a piece, get three so you allways have a back up, and wash them every once in a blue moon with your clothes, also get a tiny bottle of lens cleaning solution for when you use them... but make sure you get a nice big (whadoyacallit?) ari pumping thingys you know the black plastic ball looking thing with a nossle to blow all of the dust particles and whatnot off before you clean it and even when you don't have to wipe it to keep dust off your lens

I don't know about the tapes but is sounds like he speaks from experience and I've heard many guys say the same... go for it if it saves you close to $50


also (don't get pissed I just feel I have to lay it out)

$5300 B&H
$5000 avsupply.com
---------
$300.- that can get any one of these:

_2 c-stands
_an incredible Oktava mic + pro monitoring headphones
_a Rode NTG-1 is with shock mount and 1.5ft. XLR
_almost a Viled on camera LED light
_Raylight (and $100 to spare)
_an extra pro light (several dozen to choose from)
_a Fig Rig
anyone...?


so if you can...now think aobut it... is there is any way you can go elsewear?
but if you can't, then consider for a little while picking up one of the used HVX's from them
and if you don't want to do that either... have at it

either way: CONGRATULATIONS! :)
 
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I bought from avsupply.com two weeks ago from Julian.

$4,775 + $30 s&h = $4,805...I called five other favorites and saw nothing else less than I think $5,100.

I also highly recommend Barry's DVD & the other training DVD (Inside the Panasonic AG-HVX-200 - A closer look)....I bought the 2nd vid from someone on ebay...$50 vs. $70...still in wrapping.

BTW...the sooner we all start paying less for the cam, the sooner other vendors will start dropping the price as well. I'm sure some people hope that no one else can beat the deal they got, but if someone after me eventually get's it for, say, $4500 or even less from a Panasonic dealer, then that is great!

That would be great if the prices go so low that everybody and their grandmother bought them....that just means that they would soon find out that it isn't the camera, it's the shooter...then they would dump the cams for even less and any pro who really needs one can put the savings elsewhere.
 
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spikeman256 said:
That would be great if the prices go so low that everybody and their grandmother bought them....that just means that they would soon find out that it isn't the camera, it's the shooter...then they would dump the cams for even less and any pro who really needs one can put the savings elsewhere.
Click to expand...
What ARE you talking about?
Wouldn't it be better if Manufacturers and Dealers made a fair profit and were able to stay in business?

Andy
 
I didn't say that they shouldn't be profitable...however, "fair profit" varies quite a bit.

According to this concept, a vendor selling the cam for $5,800 would be able to stay in business longer than others who sells it for $4,800? Not necessarily. A vendor who sells it for $5800 would like you to think they are making only $100/cam. Maybe avsupply sells in such volume, that they get better pricing...who knows other than them?

I don't expect price drops to happen over night; but it's a good thing when they do happen.

I would gladly purchase items from any of the active vendors on this forum even if I didn't buy my camera from them...including Spec-Comm, EVS, Abel, etc. I love that some of these guys are active on the forums.
 
Boy that blue is tough to read.

B&H has been good to me.

Although I just bought a Sachtler 6 and CF Speedlock sticks for $300.00 less elsewhere.
 
Hey thanks for the great info.

Andy - no offense taken. As clarification: I can fully afford the camera. I have a sportbike worth $6k+ but those don't sell too well here in rainy February in Oregon, so I won't get the cash until this spring. However, I need the camera now (both for work + the P2 promotion) and I can make a few thousand extra by getting the camera now. My camera died late last year (I'd been using it since 2000 so it was time to upgrade anyway) and so I've been borrowing cameras for the last few months. As such, the "bill me later" program will work well and I will pay it off in full in a couple months.

Also, I will be using P2. I just won't be shooting in HD. In SD, I can shoot 40 min to a P2 card. The miniDV tapes will be my primary source as many shoots will take much more footage and I won't have a comp to dump too. However I definetly will be taking advantage of the slow-motion 60p shooting, which I will use the P2 card for that comes with the current promotion if I purchase by march 31st.

As for avssupply, I did contact them. However I was told their $5000 price was for locals in San Diego only. I have a friend there that could purchase it for me, however then I have to pay sales tax and it comes out to more anyway (no sales tax here in Oregon).

Like David said, only a 1-year warranty here in USA.


Thanks again for all the great feedback so far. Anyone else, or any other thoughts?
 
Any other opinions on the Kodiak Portabrace bag? Do you guys agree with Andy, or is it wise to have a bag like this in the event that I will be shooting up in the mountains, etc.?

Also, Anday - I have heard many people say NOT to rewind in-camera as the heads are meant to go forward, and that I should get a miniDV cassette rewinder... any other thoughts on this?

Do people agree that the $75 dollar grey/white balancer is a waste of money?
 
Kinda of what you want.
How can it hurt to have a rewinder
If it's important to you and runs $75.00, it's your call.
 
David S. said:
Kinda of what you want.
How can it hurt to have a rewinder
If it's important to you and runs $75.00, it's your call.
Click to expand...

I hear ya. However I'm inexperienced with all 3 of these items, so I'm not sure if it is what I want or if it is (or should be) important to me... trying to figure that out from hearing everyone's thoughts/opinions/feedback on it. Just want to make the best decision before putting in the order tonight.
 
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