HVX lens is not long enough...what camera should I use?

R

redman

Active member
I'm shooting a Christmas choir show next month and need to figure out what cameras to use to be able to get in a lot closer than the HVX is capable of. The camera positions are set so there's no way I can physically get the cameras closer to the stage. I've shot at this location with the HVX in the past and was able to get about a 4 shot and need to be able to get a single person close up.
What camera, similiarly priced to the HVX200 would get the job done?
 
Although not a serious option, the Canon XH-A1s 20X lens is the longest you will find in HD.

If you shoot in 60i or 720P60 the HMC-150 2X digital zoom is another non-option.

Go for the tele adapter. There have been a few used ones for sale on the boards.
 
jeff9329 said:
Although not a serious option, the Canon XH-A1s 20X lens is the longest you will find in HD.
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How is the Canon XH-A1s not a serious option??? Its 20x lens vs the HVX's 13x would definitely get the telephoto distance that you need, and the price is less than a new HVX200.

I'd take a close look at the A1 or A1s if I were you. It's really a great little camera.
 
cowpunk52 said:
How is the Canon XH-A1s not a serious option??? Its 20x lens vs the HVX's 13x would definitely get the telephoto distance that you need, and the price is less than a new HVX200.

I'd take a close look at the A1 or A1s if I were you. It's really a great little camera.
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Not serious in that it is a tape based HDV camera to mix in with a P2 based production with Panasonics. Lots of issues with color matching and low light noise from the A1 vs Panasonic.

However, when you are talking about the long end of the 20X lens, there just is nothing from Sony, JVC or Panasonic that can touch it. I used to shoot with XH-A1s and miss the telephoto, although I seldom used it. It just really has some reach with good resolution.

I currently shoot with Panasonic HMC-150s.
 
The 1.6x teleconverter for the HVX/HPX170 would give you the equivalent telephoto reach of a 20x lens. Is that a practical option for this shoot?
 
i have the 1.6 for the hpx170 and it works great . back when i had the hvx200 i had the 2x and it was great . now i shoot with the 5dm2 and would use my 300 2.8 with a 2x doubler, because this looks like it would way better in lower light. I am selling my 1.6 for the hpx170 in the market place .
 
Barry_Green said:
The 1.6x teleconverter for the HVX/HPX170 would give you the equivalent telephoto reach of a 20x lens. Is that a practical option for this shoot?
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Yah I'm leaning towards that. Probably will rent 2 of them, unless I decide to buy. I see the Century Optics one's on B&H for around $1,000 but on Amazon there's a bunch for anywhere from $50 to $300. I always go the upper middle range when it comes to my Nikon lenses but what about these teleconverters?
 
The Century 2x for HVX200 was one of the best things we did here.

Be warned its not a full zoom through so your kinda stuck at full telephoto. But, there's virtually zero light penalty and you get the shot. On the 200 you get something like 850mm of reach! On the 200a a little less.

It was hard to stomach when we laid the cash down, but for tracking moving targets without skew and in low light this lens and our 200a will be a keeper for quite a while.

century_2x_bear.jpg
 
mikkowilson said:
The kind you really don't want to play fetch with...


- Mikko
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Hehehehe, yep you discover very fast just how far down the food chain you really are.

This old boy was feeding on the Two Yurt river in Kamchatka. To give an idea of his size he's eating a monster salmon as if it were a chicken nugget!

If I went missing all that would be left is a pile of digested berries pits and snickers wrappers if you know what I mean.... :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
We have to chase them out of our garbage here all the time.

My wife had to shoo one out of the kitchen a few months ago (was only a young one, but still..).

---

Nice avatar Travis. Love the PortaBrace vest. :D

- Mikko
 
Damn! In the kitchen??? OMG you're in Juneau. That explains everything. I was there in '07 on my way to Elfin Cove for a week. Halibut tastes awesome with a crapload of Kraft Italian dressing and sweet onions and a dash of sour cream to take the edge off!

mikkowilson said:
Nice avatar Travis. Love the PortaBrace vest. :D

- Mikko
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Hehehe Thank you! 1000-denier Cordura: Accept NO subsitute! ;-)
 
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