longest life hd camera

M

mikezip007

Active member
What camera do you guy think has the longest life / future in the world of prosumer video?

The hvx200 seems like a good contender, having both p2 and tape, 720/60 and everyone seems to know this camera.

The sony ex1 is great with the solid state media, excellent lcd screen, great lens controls. It seems to improve on all of the hvx200's flaws (in my opinion)

The z1u does well but only has tape and can't do 60 frames or 1080

What are your opinions?
 
Every single camera on the market today will be out of date within six months. You can't win when you buy cameras expecting to always own the best and the latest.
 
I agree with Huy, though I will say that, if you have to invest in current technology, you might look at something like the Convergent Design Nano Flash. It records high bit-rate, high quality files, using either HD-SDI or HDMI connections. Right now, I use one with the EX1, and the images are stunning. I can swap the unit between just about any camera that has either connection, making me less camera-dependent in the long run. It also means I could, conceivably, rent a camera if I needed to.

And, when the DSLR finally arrives that passes the full image through HDMI, I could use the Nano for that, hopefully.

There is no such thing as "future-proof." But there are options.
 
As said earlier the market is moving very fast, you need to get what you need for now. We decided to invest in the Panasonic line, we have 200, 2700 and 3000 in house. It works for our market and clienteles needs.


 
There will always be something newer and better, but there are certain features that define current level of technology. 10 years ago it was interlaced 4:3 standard definition, currently it is interlaced/progressive HD. We've achieved a new plato and will stay here for quite a while. FX1? Still relevant if you don't need progressive. XH-A1? Still relevant. DVX? A dying breed. Codecs, bitrates and even resolution are minute details. As long as the cam is HD-capable, it is future-proof, for the near future.

Just make sure you hang onto a future-proof media. MiniDV cassettes seem like relatively future-proof for at least 5 years more. SDHC cards? Hope so. Just don't bet on something like SmartMedia ;-)
 
I wasn't thinking future proof, just what would be a better investment and be able to handle different types of jobs. It seems like solid state is a worthy investment but having a tape drive as well, like in the HVX, could be beneficial at times for a few more years.
 
I think it largely depends on what you shoot and what your clients want.

In the two years I had my HVX200, I never even loaded a tape in the drive. I've delivered quite a bit of final product in SD, but have always shot HD and down-converted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top