I decided on the HVX - what now?

[berlinfool]

After hours and hours of research I decided on buying the HVX.
I'm planning on using it on creative short projects and also more commercial work.
The varialble frame rate finally convinced me.
I know what kind of lighting stuff I'm going to get, but there are a lot of other equipment related questions:
What kind of tripod? - I want to buy one that I could also use with a 35mm adapter.
What kind of storage: P2 or Firestore? (How do I transfer the Files to my Mac?)
What kind of rig: Fig Rig, Glidecam 2000 PRO or other...

My budget is limited, but I don't want to be sorry later.

 

[nsoltz]

I'll start from the bottom up:

Best rig for handheld, IMHO, is DV MultiRig. Personally, I could never use those stabilizers like Glidecams, etc. Handheld is too much fatigue on wrist and the cheap vests are cheesy. Seriously, DVMultiRig Pro is the best way to go on this.

Storage-- I am a Firestore user, fan, advocate, etc. I would still have a couple of P2 cards. The Firestore mounts so nicely to the DVMultiRig. Add the Geardear Firestore cage for $75 and a Tekkeon MP3450 battery.

Tripod-- Don't skimp on the sticks and head! Personally, I would spring for the Sachtler FSB-6 head + the Carbon Fiber legs. A less expensive tripod might be fine if you are just doing a locked down shot. If you have any movement at all, you want something where you can achieve good balance (particularly if you are using a 35mm adapter) and the smoothest possible movement.

Lighting-- A good Arri lighting kit is optimal. I would strongly consider the Vidled for on-camera and possibly even a few other Vidled's for off-camera set ups. To light massive areas, you might consider a full lighting kit. Or, better yet, hire somebody with a light kit and factor that into your pricing.

In all due respect, I think many folks buy the camera but don't realize that is only one part of the investment. Buy a good camera-- you then need the proper accessories to allow you to get the most out of it.

You are forgetting the most critical part-- audio. People forgive a less than optimal picture much more than they forgive bad sound.

I personally have a couple of Sennheiser ME66's, some handheld, a couple of lavs and a Sennheiser wireless. And a good boom pole. And phones to monitor your audio.

As I said, I fear that far too many folks don't budget realistically.

It is expensive.

But remember that you don't have to own everything. It is always best to bring in the expert who knows his/her craft. I admit to not being the most creative lighting person. But there are tons of folks who are and who would be glad for the gig.

Just my .02

Ned Soltz

 

[someday]

Now, spend another bunch of hours of research. There are so many options, so many tastes, so many experiences that it's really difficult to suggest the perfect package.
What i can do is suggesting you what makes more sense to me. I too made a lot of research before choosing every single piece of gear i have.
Here my list with the reason for the choice:

HVX200
Variable frame recording, True progressive footage, P2, colors, brand.

Letus35FE
The sharper on the market under 10k$, (despite the issue that you have to keep it internally clean), flip, HD ready, GG creates a filmic latitude.
Some Footage clip1 (the bottles take was not lighted, only light from a window, they look very bad) clip2 clip3 clip4

16GB P2
less can be painly. Next year, for the same price we could find 256GB cards!

Diffuse lights
Commercials and feature films use 95% diffuse light. It's more natural, it's sexier.
The most cost effective diffuse light are Umbrellas. You find them on eBay for few $.
For less you can make Lite panels scrims eBay item

Slider, dolly, skater
Moving cameras do sexy footage. Look for a Dolly, and if you work with few time and crew, go for a Slider, the dolly that fixes over the tripod, for small movements IndiSLIDER, or go for the DIY Skater dolly, here some gorgeous 35mm footage.

MacBookPro
Connecting a laptop to your HVX200 while shooting is the best value for monitoring and recording. this software allows live monitoring with zoom, vectroscopes and more goodies, you can even record directly HD footage.

2 Hard Disks
If you can't afford a MacBookPro (i didn't) you can always buy 1 or 2 hard disk and copy your P2 footage directly into the hard disks. If you do that to 2 hard disks, you won't risk to lose data. It's almost impossible to crash or damage 2 HD at a time.

Final Cut Pro
If you are serious about business and commercials/films, i recommend you to have a FCP. Nothing compares to it under 100.000$. You can use Premiere, Vegas, or other software, but FCP is the standard today and has more flexibility.

.

 

[hotchkiss]

After hours and hours of research I decided on buying the HVX.
I'm planning on using it on creative short projects and also more commercial work.
The varialble frame rate finally convinced me.
I know what kind of lighting stuff I'm going to get, but there are a lot of other equipment related questions:
What kind of tripod? - I want to buy one that I could also use with a 35mm adapter.

I agree with nsoltz about Sachtler heads, they absolutely rock. However, I'm not a fan of floor or mid spreader designs such as Sachtlers, they are just too limiting. Gitzo or Miller sticks allow much greater flexibility in terms of terrain and the minimum heighth allowed. Sachtlers get flexy after awhile as well. I'd also budget for a zoom controller- essential with these cameras.

What kind of storage: P2 or Firestore? (How do I transfer the Files to my Mac?)[/QUOTE]

That depends on the workflow that you feel most comfortable with. This one is worth thinking about and getting dialed in. Do some research and ask around. I'm a P2 card guy myself. I dump to a Macbook Pro via a Duel card reader. Card sizes are only getting larger and cheaper. I prefer the flexibility of cards. Your mileage may vary.

What kind of rig: Fig Rig, Glidecam 2000 PRO or other...

Do you really need to buy one of these, at this time ? Or would you be better served to rent as needed? How often are you going to use it? Is it cost justified ? Especially in light of your budget concerns below? Personally, and without knowing your budget, I'd wait and rent for now.

My budget is limited, but I don't want to be sorry later.

As nsoltz mentioned, audio is the uber important. Short of hiring a soundman when appropriate , I'd spend some $$ on a basic sound package. I have a Senheiser ME66 also, but I much prefer my Audio Technica 5073A over the Senheiser for just a bit more money. Throw in a Senheiser evolution wireless set, a couple of Countryman EMW hardwire lavs , a couple of 25 foot XLR's , a boom pole such as an aluminum Ktek ($180.00 -ish) , a good pair of headphones, a a sound blanket, and you've got a set up that will get you through many situations.

How about budgeting for a wide angle adapter as well ? Field monitor ?

Enjoy the cam, it's a gem.