HPX500 vs HVX200 as B cam--got to decide

[falcon418]

We're producing a project destined to be marketed to HD cable channels that require masters at 1080i.

It will consist partially of wide nature shots that will be acquired on a high end camera such as the HPX3000 or possibly even the Red.

Everything else consists of medium and close shots of equipment and people and for that I have to decide on whether or not to stay with the HVX200 and assume that it will probably inter cut with the high end material ok if we're careful.

Or, do we need to spend an additional $15-18k for the 500? I understand that the picture is sharper than the 200. Renting is not an option.

So here's the question...is there anything else that the 500 can give us that we
should be thinking about?

 

[Hunter Hampton]

Nope. Spend an additional 15-18K for a another Red

 

[falcon418]

Nope. Spend an additional 15-18K for a another Red

I am afraid that whole civilizations will come and go while I wait for my Red.

Seriously though, my red number is in the 3900's, so I'm looking at December...maybe.

So, I still need a "B" camera and the question still stands.

 

[Hunter Hampton]

Why not just rent another Red package for the project? There are plenty of owners renting out their packages for great rates. ; )

 

[dolph2000]

today I saw the difference again. A shoot a lot 500 and 200 together because I own them, but the 500 is absolutely more crisp, clearer and sharper, it's serious another camera.

 

[falcon418]

If this was a project with a fixed shooting schedule, then renting makes sense.

However this project is different. Being a construction project of very large size, scheduling is instantly changeable due to adverse weather, material shortages, accidents, ad nauseum.

In addition, it's in the middle of nowhere, so flight costs and living costs are high and you can't afford to send up a shooter and a camera package(s) and have to bring them back. Figure $800-1000 for a camera package plus $800 for a shooter, per day and you can see what your mistakes can cost you.

So...clearly, one must have one's own equipment at hand and ready to go.

So, I still need opinions on whether the HVX is good enough for B camera material.

 

[falcon418]

today I saw the difference again. A shoot a lot 500 and 200 together because I own them, but the 500 is absolutely more crisp, clearer and sharper, it's serious another camera.

Thanks for your opinion. I pretty much have a hunch that we would be better off just getting a 500 and not having to worry about resolution issues.

I guess I was hoping somebody would talk me out of it since we already own an HVX. Oh well.