How automatic is the hvx200?

JonathanNelson

JonathanNelson

Member
I have a hd100 and it just does not work well when it comes to newb operators. To cut down on costs, I always have family members help me with simple projects such as weddings. I mean, they do it for free!

So, I need a camera that performs pretty well in automatic settings for both sd and hd.

Do you think the hvx200 could possibly fit this position?

I also looked that the z1 but I would like to keep everything in progressive. I also do not mind having a firestore hooked up the hvx since it will be used mostly on sticks.
 
Why would dumb down your camera purchase and buy a piece of equipment where you'll have to deal with its technological limitations for the next few years just for the sake of being able to use crappy cameramen? Why not charge more for your events so you can pay decent cameramen?


back to your question though, if newb friendlyness is your priority, then no the HVX200 would be a bad decision--P2 cards are too complex for most users unless you're only shooting on tape, and even then it might be too much to handle.
Go with the Sony consumer HDV cam instead.
 
I couldn't imagine downing thousands of dollars of MY MONEY to buy cameras that I'm not too thrilled about and will eventually loathe as the years go on and camera technology gets better and my cameras become more outdated just so I can let some no-talent use cameras on my projects.
 
FatBird19 said:
I couldn't imagine downing thousands of dollars of MY MONEY to buy cameras that I'm not too thrilled about and will eventually loathe as the years go on and camera technology gets better and my cameras become more outdated just so I can let some no-talent use cameras on my projects.
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I want the hvx200 because it could match my hd100. I need to have two high def cameras and I already have my beloved hd100 so my next buying decision needs to be on par with that. The hvx200 sounded like a great camera to fill in for a hd100 because I could have people lacking focusing skills, use it properly.

That is my thinking, anyway.

I just need an idea on the quality of it's auto features. If its hard to use then I am going to buy another hd100.
 
For HD work I'd rate the HVX as being pretty complicated, factoring all the shuffling and offloading of P2 cards and whatnot. I would be out of my mind having a "newb" offoload my footage and format the card without looking over their shoulder the whole time.
 
JonathanNelson said:
The hvx200 sounded like a great camera to fill in for a hd100
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I would say that the Hd100 is a great B camera for a Hvx200 shoot :)

Also I think thatin Production the P2 is super easy to use. I think that the in the post some people have issues, I have never had any. Give there is a curve, but you are talking about a super camera. This thing is the Swiss Army Knife. I personally think the HVX is WAY better that the hd100, but to each his own, If I were you maybe you should think about selling and getting two HVX's. You'll love them, and with the CinePorter on its way, You'll be able to record for 400 or 800 minutes at one time :)

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SurJones said:
I would say that the Hd100 is a great B camera for a Hvx200 shoot :)

Also I think thatin Production the P2 is super easy to use. I think that the in the post some people have issues, I have never had any. Give there is a curve, but you are talking about a super camera. This thing is the Swiss Army Knife. I personally think the HVX is WAY better that the hd100, but to each his own, If I were you maybe you should think about selling and getting two HVX's. You'll love them, and with the CinePorter on its way, You'll be able to record for 400 or 800 minutes at one time :)

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I am impressed with the hd100 and the hvx200. I have extremely limited xp with the hvx200 but I really love the concept. On top of that, I wouldnt mind having the ability to have variable frame rates.

But my choices for either one of these cameras is not based on the novelty of the technology but it's implications in my video business. After extensive research I have finally concluded that both of the hd100 and hvx200 are great cameras and each has it's own pros/cons.

One of the things the hvx200 has that the hd100 is missing, is the automatic features. If these automatic features work like most handycams then I wouldnt mind having the hvx over a second hd100. I really like the idea of having the extra versatility and being able to hand the camera to focus retarted operaters.


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I think the AUTO features on the HVX allow the user to shoot some great footage. The icing on the cake is being able to adjust most of the settings as you get more familiar with the cam. Dealing with P2 is probably easier than tape (like in final cut pro... IMPORT P2...) The user does not have to set frame rates, size etc... so I think the HVX would probably be easier to use for beginners.

If you are gonna use your family as help, just teach them the basics of camera use, what things like frame rate, arpeture, shutter are... like basic photographic stuff, but don't get too deep... just tell them, OK here is the knob you turn if you think the picture is too dark... Then give them a crash course in basic camera shooting like framing, panning etc... Content and compostion will win over settings, and I think the HVX can take care of the settings, its up to you to teach some camera work to your people, and you'll have a great result. And who knows? some may get interested more and ask, Hey! the scene looks kind of dull, is there a way to adjust ABC...etc...

-pete
 
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