minimum set of accessories for HPX-171/170 ?

M

matt9b

Well-known member
So, I'm in the market for an HPX 171. I'm looking at what I need and here is the list I came up with:

HPX 171 (obviously): £3,961.75
2 x 16GB P2 cards: £539.99 x 2 = £1080
Steadicam Merlin: £575.00
Adapter (already on order)
Tripod (already have one)
lighting: (still deciding)

So far, that would make the cost approx. £5616 ($8,216)

What is confusing me is that the prices I can find for the HPX are more than Panasonic's RRP. I realise that the pound £GBP is doing pretty badly at the moment - but didn't realise it was quite this bad.

Does the above look right?

I'm open to your advice , thanks :)
 
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You do not need a steadicam. The camera comes with one 16gb p2 card so I would recomend buying a 32gb. Next you need a tripod. If you are trying to stay cheap I have been using the Manfrotto 503 for 5 years and anyone who tells you it wont work is wrong... I would then look into audio and lighting. Those are things that you build up from job to job.
 
depends on what kind of work you do. i have owned a merlin and a magiqcam for over 2 years and have only used them once or twice each. i have had a 35mm adapter setup for about the same amount of time and used it maybe 6 times.

but a good tripod (i wont get into another manfrotto conversation here - you can search the forum for that) and a handful of good mics will get used on a daily basis.
 
and LIGHTS - thats a whole other discussion. again, it depends on what kind of work you do. but the trend is now toward flourescent and LED lighting and that stuff isnt cheap. a good all around basic light kit can quickly reach $5,000 - $8,000 or more. so i just rent what i need on an as-needed basis.
 
their is a lot of talk about having problems if you span two different sized cards.

unless you shoot longform (like live events, music etc) i say stick with two 16s OR pony up the bucks for two 32s - then youre pretty much covered for anything...
 
You must have a decent tripod.

You're forgetting a monitor. The LCD on the HPX170 is crap.

You're forgetting basic audio, perhaps a shotgun mic? The mic on the HPX170 isn't suitable for filming.

One of the most popular optional items among people on the forum are depth of field adapters.

I've never looked into steadicams before but I have to admit that Merlin looks cool!
 
shoook said:
You must have a decent tripod.
Click to expand...

I already have one, sorry I'l update the list

shoook said:
You're forgetting a monitor. The LCD on the HPX170 is crap.
Click to expand...

This is true - recommend any at a good price?

shoook said:
You're forgetting basic audio, perhaps a shotgun mic? The mic on the HPX170 isn't suitable for filming.
Click to expand...

I'm not forgetting this - it will be used for music video production, so no audio is needed.

shoook said:
One of the most popular optional items among people on the forum are depth of field adapters.
Click to expand...

I already have one on order :) Will update the list

shoook said:
I've never looked into steadicams before but I have to admit that Merlin looks cool!
Click to expand...

A steadicam will be necessary probably for some of my music vid work..
 
you could achieve most of that with an arri 1k. 2 650s (all with dimmers and chimeras) a source4 and maybe a gelled LED litepanel.
 
Are you transporting your new camera in a styrofoam container, coffee sack, or flour tin?

:)

Look for a hard case from Pelican or Hardigg.

Best,
Andrew
 
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