New Event Camera

T

TheFarmer

Member
Hello, This is my first time posting, so I hope I know how to do this.

As of now I have one camera, a T2i (as well as a bunch of accessories like a shoulder rig, follow focus ect.) I have started to get jobs, and the HDSLR isn't cutting it. I am mainly getting hired for events. The T2i I don't like because I have been going from inside to outside and I have to change the exposure, the ISO, I have to do event interviews and dual system sound is a huge hassle and the most important the focus, by the time I set all of that up I have missed the action. I was looking at a camera that has all of the manual controls when I need them, but auto when I need that too, also I need built in audio. Like I said I am mainly using this camera for events, and some YouTube skit videos that I will cut with my T2i. I don't want to sell my T2i because I also do short films, and that is the reason I got it. I was looking at hhe HVX200(a) because it seems to have to cheapest used prices. What do you think? Is that a good camera for what I am doing? Or am I just using my T2i wrong? Thanks for the help.
 
Welcome!

No, you're using the t2i right (probably). It's not really an event camera. With 12 minute record limits, lack of zooming while recording (I mean, you CAN, but it looks awful), and AGC it's more of a short / feature type of camera where you control the lighting, the talent, etc.

I've used the HVX, the EX1, and the EX3 (along with some JVC's) for events, and I gotta say I really like the EX1 or 3. But for a cheaper price, go for the 1. I know a lot of people here will vouch for the hvx (we ARE on DVXUser, and the DVX was the older gen version if you will), but after using both, I really like the Sony's. AND this was after saying, "There's no way the EX1 will compare to the HVX."

Now don't hear what I'm not saying. The HVX is GREAT, but if you have the choice, check out the EX1. If you know anyone with either, see if you can use it for a quick shoot one day.
 
Wow, that was quick.

I have been looking at both of the cameras. I have been liking the HVX more because the prices used are very cheep (which is good). What do you like about the Ex1 that the HVX doesn't have, and maybe vise versa. Thanks!
 
I like the light sensitivity on the Ex1 (vs the HVX ... neither compare to the T2i without gaining it up), the fact that their SxS cards can be rigged from SD cards (where-in the Hvx has no alternative, and P2 gets pricey), the simplicity of the manual settings, the comfort of the handheld (it can release and pivot for different angles), the lcd display looks much better (I swear, it's almost like Panasonic didn't upgrade the DVX lcd display and added it to the HVX), the picture looks clearer to me, and I BELIEVE it has 10bit HD-SDI out (I think that was one of the selling points for us when we got it, though we never used it ... much like buying the EX3 for interchangeable lenses and then never changing the lens).

BUT the EX1 is CMOS, so it'll have some rolling shutter (like the t2i). It also takes forever switching from camera mode to playback (and booting for that matter) which is minimal, but frustrating. I also don't like the menu system of the EX1 compared to the HVX, but I came from a DVX100 so I was more accustomed to that style.

BUT that's just me. Someone should be by along soon to tell you about the benefits of the HVX over the EX1.
 
I love my HPX170! Fairly cheap and great quality footage! Never used the EX1/R/3, but I know the DVCPRO HD from the Panny line is higher in bitrate than XDCAM EX (35Mb/s?)
 
The HPX170 is an improved version of the HVX200 and has the same imager as the HVX200a. The HPX has many improvements over both HVX models, and unless you really need the SD tape feature of the HVX, should be your choice if you go Panasonic. Though the HPX including a couple of 32gig P2 cards is about $800 more that a HMC150 with similar memory, the P2 workflow is a confidence aquisition media and has a better codec and has some other improvements also. I can't speak for the Sony EX-1, but it is nearly $3000 more expensive than the HPX with similar costs for premium memory, so it is in a different price point.

Grant
 
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