Help me decide

B

barel33

Member
Can't decide what camera to buy.
I need a camera for ENG and cant decide between hpx500 and EX3.
I don't do extensive post. I need fast turnaround and easy operation.
I travel a lot so weight and size is a factor. If I decide to go with EX3 I will
by a shoulder mount for it. Most of my work right now is in SD, but eventualy
everybody will go HD. I really like the viewfinder and histogram option in EX3,
and maybe the resolution in SD will be better. This is not a question of budget.
I read an article by BBC saying that HPX has low resolution for PAL in dvcpro modes.
So please help, cause I need to invest in a system very soon.
:dankk2:
 
I know you mentioned the EX3, and that's a fine camera, but I'd also suggest looking at the EX1. I went into my last purchase thinking the EX3 was what I wanted, but then I realized that as much as I'd like to think I'd change out lenses, I really wasn't going to. And in that instance, I think the EX1 makes a lot of sense. The built in lens on the EX1 is reportedly the same optics on the EX3 lens, only not removable, obviously.

You say you travel alot…even more reason to look at the EX1 over either the EX3 or HPX500.

In fact, I'd say for the money, the combination of the EX1 with the Convergent Design Nano Flash would give you the codec performance of a $50,000 Sony XDCAM in the portable form factor of the EX1. Now, you certainly give up the interchangeability of 2/3" lenses, and if that's a key point for you, then the HPX500 is a fine camera.

But in my experience, traveling with gear extensively, I don't think the combination of the EX1 (or EX3, for that matter) with the Nano Flash can be beat right now for price/performance/portability.

As for the viewfinder on the EX3, as nice as it is, it's basically the EX1 LCD screen fitted with a hood. It's not removable, which makes the EX3 a bit more "fragile" for travel purposes. When I used the EX3, it just seemed like a piece that was going to get damaged at some point.

I can't speak for the SD option, as I always shoot HD. Perhaps someone else can chime in on that.
 
I also wanted to buy an EX3. I already have a Z7 which I bought with the argument to have the possibility to interchange lenses, but I have always used the standard lens. As I travel a lot I found the EX3 too bulky this is why I have decided for the EX1. Maybe it is easier to shoot handheld with the ex3 due to the shoulder pad. Maybe someone having experience with both ones can comment on this.
 
Handheld EX3? No, you still need a rig. Will you switch out the lens? Doubtful. A better lens than what comes free would cost more than the cam.
 
Robert Ruffo said:
Handheld EX3? No, you still need a rig. Will you switch out the lens? Doubtful. A better lens than what comes free would cost more than the cam.
Click to expand...

I don't mind, if it will make my life easier. What I do mind is quality, ease of use
and simple workflow. I was thinking to go wit dm-accesories shoulder plate and nexto for footage download.

The only question is which camera is easier to work with as a complete system.
Shoot - Edit - Transcode - Deliver
 
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