Terry_Lasater
All about the Caption
You may have just triggered a bit of buyer's remorse in me and I don't even have it in my hands yet. :/
New inexpensive Sony, 1920x1080 60p • 24Mbps
- Thread starter billh
- Start date
Here's why I wouldn't worry about that too much Terry. I'm sure that the SD90 is a GREAT camera. Here's some reasons why I don't think you'll have ANY reason to regret your purchase of the HX9.
1. Photo features galore. I bought the HX9 for video. I too favor video. That said, after you shoot with several of the modes with the HX9....you might just consider using it for it's PHOTO features.
The "panorama" mode is CRAZY fun. Every time I'm some where with friends and I pull it out and shoot in that mode people LITERALLY say, "Ooooo. Ahhhh. That must be expensive!" The full resolution 10fps is STUPID FAST. You've got to see it to believe it. I shot my friends golf swings and they were in SHOCK. The way you look at it after you shoot is by "tilting" the screen...way cool! The lowlight "ISO" mode. Again...you have to see it to believe it. When I was in Washington DC recently I was shooting some shots of the Koren War memorial (at night) and people kept on looking at me and asking, "Are you able to get that shot???" "YEPPER!" I'd just grin. There are more, but these are the ones that I'd buy this camera for WITHOUT the wicked breakthrough video.2. Manual video on a small chip isn't the same as manual video on a large chip....just ask the LX5! I own the LX5 which has manual video. I must tell you that I ALWAYS switch to auto mode because the camera can do a better job than I can as getting good exposure. I would NEVER believe that....unless I had tried it myself. We're used to opening up the aperture and making decisions....or raising the ISO to a certain level and going from there. With a small sensor it's almost IMPOSSIBLE to tell the difference no matter what you do! It's kinda like looking at the difference between the GH2 and Hacked GH2. There IS a difference....but you have to BLOW IT UP HUGE to even see it and it has to be in a particular situation to even notice and after messing with it for a while, you'll just forget about it and call it good. I will add ONE CAVEAT HERE: shutter speed for motion is going to have to be accounted for. Some people are messing with ND filters....we'll see about this one later. Anyway....manual video on a small chip camera just don't matter as much. (And if you must have it....get the LX5...or the SD90 for that matter.)
3. Hybrid wonder. Although the HX9 doesn't take pictures that are as good as the S95 or the LX5, they are good enough for many applications. Best of all, with this little guy in your pocket, when it comes out, you're like:
BANG! -10fps-
POW! -1080/60P-
WHOOSH! -Panorama-
KABLAM! -lowlight photos-
PONG! -3D Photo-
WAZOOOIE! -Superzoom squirell shot-
All in your pocket just waiting to get out.
As far as capturing images this thing is a party in your pocket.Now....honestly Terry....please do tell EITHER WAY. If you get this thing and you HATE IT....please share....because my opinion of the HX9 may not be what other users in the forum like. At least one person here on the forum has HATED the HX9 and returned it after one day. So....you never know....maybe you're next? Please do share when you get it though.
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Panasonic SD90 video to compare against HX9 video. I'll have to do some more research....I ~MAY~ even have to buy one to test. But so far, it doesn't seem to have the same "MOJO" as the HX9. What do you all think?
Bigger zoom, no question about that (obviously)...but here's an example of it in action. Again folks, this is the Panasonic SD90. It costs 50 dollars more and it has a bigger zoom and and manual control on the video. It is also "pocketable". Interesting.
Here's some quick info. (Image Stabilization doesn't seem to be as breakthrough either) Also note that the 1080 60P isn't in AVCHD...it's MPEG4. (Not good or bad, just the specs) Also you can see the size of the unit in this video. I still think it's pocketable, but not by much. It seems to be a bit bigger and more awkward to get in the pocket.
I only post it here because it is a fair question/comparison due to the fact that they are within 50 dollars of each other. Very interesting.
Bigger zoom, no question about that (obviously)...but here's an example of it in action. Again folks, this is the Panasonic SD90. It costs 50 dollars more and it has a bigger zoom and and manual control on the video. It is also "pocketable". Interesting.
Here's some quick info. (Image Stabilization doesn't seem to be as breakthrough either) Also note that the 1080 60P isn't in AVCHD...it's MPEG4. (Not good or bad, just the specs) Also you can see the size of the unit in this video. I still think it's pocketable, but not by much. It seems to be a bit bigger and more awkward to get in the pocket.
I only post it here because it is a fair question/comparison due to the fact that they are within 50 dollars of each other. Very interesting.
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Terry_Lasater
All about the Caption
Like many, I do corporate, commercial, and event stuff. I do lots of broadcast sports work with FOX Sports, ESPN, and TNT. I shoot with several types of cameras depending on the work, but I only own a DVX100B, Canon 7D, and a GoPro. I plan to use the HX9V for personal videos and/or as a B-cam on some projects. I'm looking forward to seeing what it has to offer and hope to be pleasantly surprised.
It's going to be interesting to see what you think for sure. The one thing that I would caution (because so far the peeps who have been disappointed have been in this position)....to compare it as a "professional tool" is a setup for disappointment. I'm sure you're smarter than that, but try to 'temper' your expectation. For personal stuff especially when you are on the run....this cam is VERY TOUGH to beat.
As a "B Cam"....boy oh boy do I have a surprise for you! (I'll post it on Sunday) Heh...this has been in the works for a while and it's time to bring this bad boy out. Your "B Cam" situation is the perfect scenario.
I can't wait to share it with you!Moving into camcorders from the Point and Shoot cameras one should also look at the Sony CX160. As to approximate dimensions. SD90 3.1x2.3x4.4, CX160 2.2x2.2x4.8, HX9 1.4x2.4x4.3. So the HX9 has an advantage in the pocket though they are all really small.
Ron Evans
Ron Evans
There are some examples here of the shutter problems. There are some great shots in here too. (There are some bad ones too.) The main thing to notice here is the weird looking motion as the grass moves back and forth. Not good. 
Still a great cam....(especially for a compact), but this is one of it's problems. The way some are trying to fix this is by using a ND filter to try to slow the shutter speed down. Anywho....
Still a great cam....(especially for a compact), but this is one of it's problems. The way some are trying to fix this is by using a ND filter to try to slow the shutter speed down. Anywho....Are you referring to the SD90? (The "Forbidden City" is the SD90) So you have the SD90 Zeke?
Terry_Lasater said:
HHL said:
Hi Terry! As promised...it is Sunday and I'm going to post my little (less than 100 dollar all inclusive...AKA everything except for the camera) DIY "HX9 FAUX PRO" (Maybe I should call it the "PRO FOE"? lol)
Let me tell you what I was thinking. I was going to go and shoot some footy in some more "professional" settings with the HX9. That said, I was thinking how hard it was going to be to explain this little cam and its potential. That's when I thought...."Man...what I need is a REALLY WICKED looking setup that is CHEAP, functional, professional looking, that gets people's mind off how small the cam is and gives me the chance to JUST SHOOT!" The HX9 is NOT PRO....so this would be the "Fake Pro" setup....or FAUX PRO. This is only a BETA version....I still have some stuff to refine, but it's looking pretty wicked so far. It's also VERY functional:
HX9 Rig - FAUX PRO - (or PRO FOE?) lol
1. Top handle: VERY sturdy and useful.
2. Side handles: VERY sturdy and promotes VERY steady shots from waist high to shoulder high.
3. Matte box: Allows FULL lens range!! (From 24mm wide to full telephoto.) COKIN P SERIES mount. Filters slide right in. The gradient filters are of particular interest for promoting more dynamic range. The ND filters are also of interest for slowing shutter speed in direct light to get a more natural look to the motion.
4. Adjustable side handle position: Simple rotation (forward, backward) Handles can also be turned "up side down" if you prefer to have the should mount height more frequently than waist height.
5. Loupe: 3x magnification Full screen viewable. Magnetic/sticky attachment.
6. Steadicam(DIY also) Mountable: I'll get some pics and footy posted on this one later....you'll have to see it to believe it! The image stabilization is so good on the HX9 that coupled with this Steadicam it looks absolutlely RIDICULOUS and very professional too. It also happens to be VERY cheap. Less than 100usd.
7. Crane mountable (DIY also): This one is in progress, so I can't vouch for it's quality yet, but just know that it's design takes crane mounting into account. I'll let you all know when I'm done with this one....might be a while as the other stuff above will take a while to refine and share.
8. Round filter compatible: 72mm round filters can also be used with this unit. So any of the filters you may have acquired for your DSLR will be usable also.
9. Light weight unit: The entire setup is relatively lightweight. So mounting it to a small steadicam is very feasible. (Sorry I don't have a scale to weigh it right now guys...I'll get to that later and I'll update the post). I've already mounted it though....no problem at all.
10. Various mounts for mounting: Need additional lighting? External recording unit? External sound unit? No problem....I've testing LED lighting and the matte box doesn't block the light at all! (I haven't tested sound yet from the mount positions.)
BOTTOM LINE: This unit allows a professional to add another camera to their shoot for DIRT CHEAP, without looking like an idiot. SOME applications that the HX9 provides can give additional flexibility to a film maker. (1080/60P slowmo cam anyone? Auto focus 1080/60P on a Steadicam? Additional 2 cams on a shoot for less than one GH2? Maybe you'd like a wide angle shot that is sharper than a DSLR?) Only time will tell exactly how useful this little cam will be.
Side note: One real significant advantage of the HX9 is the fact that it fits in your pocket. The HX9 Rig "Faux Pro" seems to work against that advantage. Just remember, this is about using the camera with folks who might question you SANITY using a camera THAT SMALL. They still MIGHT...you never know...but I can tell you that where ever I've carried this little guy people have given LOTS of double takes, "Oh...Ah....", and "Hey if you don't mind me asking....what camera is THAT?".........."FAUX PRO" in FULL EFFECT!!!!! Enjoy guys!
HHL said:
As a "B Cam"....boy oh boy do I have a surprise for you! (I'll post it on Sunday) Heh...this has been in the works for a while and it's time to bring this bad boy out. Your "B Cam" situation is the perfect scenario.
Hi Terry! As promised...it is Sunday and I'm going to post my little (less than 100 dollar all inclusive...AKA everything except for the camera) DIY "HX9 FAUX PRO" (Maybe I should call it the "PRO FOE"? lol)
Let me tell you what I was thinking. I was going to go and shoot some footy in some more "professional" settings with the HX9. That said, I was thinking how hard it was going to be to explain this little cam and its potential. That's when I thought...."Man...what I need is a REALLY WICKED looking setup that is CHEAP, functional, professional looking, that gets people's mind off how small the cam is and gives me the chance to JUST SHOOT!" The HX9 is NOT PRO....so this would be the "Fake Pro" setup....or FAUX PRO. This is only a BETA version....I still have some stuff to refine, but it's looking pretty wicked so far. It's also VERY functional:
HX9 Rig - FAUX PRO - (or PRO FOE?) lol
1. Top handle: VERY sturdy and useful.
2. Side handles: VERY sturdy and promotes VERY steady shots from waist high to shoulder high.
3. Matte box: Allows FULL lens range!! (From 24mm wide to full telephoto.) COKIN P SERIES mount. Filters slide right in. The gradient filters are of particular interest for promoting more dynamic range. The ND filters are also of interest for slowing shutter speed in direct light to get a more natural look to the motion.
4. Adjustable side handle position: Simple rotation (forward, backward) Handles can also be turned "up side down" if you prefer to have the should mount height more frequently than waist height.
5. Loupe: 3x magnification Full screen viewable. Magnetic/sticky attachment.
6. Steadicam(DIY also) Mountable: I'll get some pics and footy posted on this one later....you'll have to see it to believe it! The image stabilization is so good on the HX9 that coupled with this Steadicam it looks absolutlely RIDICULOUS and very professional too. It also happens to be VERY cheap. Less than 100usd.
7. Crane mountable (DIY also): This one is in progress, so I can't vouch for it's quality yet, but just know that it's design takes crane mounting into account. I'll let you all know when I'm done with this one....might be a while as the other stuff above will take a while to refine and share.
8. Round filter compatible: 72mm round filters can also be used with this unit. So any of the filters you may have acquired for your DSLR will be usable also.
9. Light weight unit: The entire setup is relatively lightweight. So mounting it to a small steadicam is very feasible. (Sorry I don't have a scale to weigh it right now guys...I'll get to that later and I'll update the post). I've already mounted it though....no problem at all.
10. Various mounts for mounting: Need additional lighting? External recording unit? External sound unit? No problem....I've testing LED lighting and the matte box doesn't block the light at all! (I haven't tested sound yet from the mount positions.)
BOTTOM LINE: This unit allows a professional to add another camera to their shoot for DIRT CHEAP, without looking like an idiot. SOME applications that the HX9 provides can give additional flexibility to a film maker. (1080/60P slowmo cam anyone? Auto focus 1080/60P on a Steadicam? Additional 2 cams on a shoot for less than one GH2? Maybe you'd like a wide angle shot that is sharper than a DSLR?) Only time will tell exactly how useful this little cam will be.
Side note: One real significant advantage of the HX9 is the fact that it fits in your pocket. The HX9 Rig "Faux Pro" seems to work against that advantage. Just remember, this is about using the camera with folks who might question you SANITY using a camera THAT SMALL. They still MIGHT...you never know...but I can tell you that where ever I've carried this little guy people have given LOTS of double takes, "Oh...Ah....", and "Hey if you don't mind me asking....what camera is THAT?".........."FAUX PRO" in FULL EFFECT!!!!! Enjoy guys!
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Terry_Lasater
All about the Caption
Very nice! Cool name too; Faux Pro... fo pros.
Hech hah! So glad you see what'um sayin....
Glad you like it Terry! Good luck with your HX9. Share your thoughts and experiences either way, K? Yes. I certainly will. I must warn you that I'm super busy right now, so it might not be as soon as I'd like. I'll put some stuff together and post it as soon as I can.
So glad you're digging the HX9 Faux Pro (rig).Now that the Panasonic SD90 has been mentioned, I'm in a dilemma because I am tossing up between the SD90 and the HX9V. The 1080/50p video I've seen from the SD90 is clean and impressive for a small, cheap camcorder. It also has a mic jack and you can slot in a high capacity battery for extended shooting. However, the image stabilisation on the HX9 is just amazing. I would be interested to know from any SD90 users how effective the stabilisation is when walking. I am expecting it won't quite match the HX9 in this respect.
I completely agree that many will have to make the consideration between these two cameras. I also agree that the IS looks better on the HX9. I'm sure that the SD90 will win a strong following because of its manual control. I'm glad that GrahamH brought it up because all viable options should be considered. As I mentioned before, I may have to buy a SD90 just to compare them because I'm super curious about their comparative capabilities.
HHL, thanks for your comment about the SD90 v HX9. Please go ahead and buy the SD90! I would be very interested in your thoughts comparing the two. As you mention, apart from the mic jack on the SD90 (for which you can adjust audio levels), the manual controls are a real plus. For example, you can set shutter speed which you can't with the HX9. Also, although the SD90 sensor is smaller, the approx 3mp pixels are less densely packed than the 16mp HX9. This isn't necessarily a massive advantage though as processing on the HX9 is obviously very good. My main concern is 'watchability' for fast run and gun documentary work, and I mean walking and perhaps jogging. If the SD90 IS struggles to manage in those conditions I may have to stick with the HX9 which takes effective stabilisation to new levels. The price difference between the two cameras is not great, so it's a tough one.
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No problem.
I hesitated to post that knowing that people might mistake the two. Then again...it looks like it has given some people something to think about. I will say though....HX9 DOES have moire problems too. Not HORRIBLE...but present for sure.
Terry_Lasater
All about the Caption
Just got the camera and, like many of us, stuck in a card, turned it on, and started shooting a test clip. Well, I did have to set the language, date/time, etc first. Anyhow, I hooked it up to my MacBook Pro and it recognized the camera, but I can't seem to find the clip I recorded; lots of nested folders. I can't seem to find anything about downloading images/videos in the instruction booklet. Much more complicated than my 7D lol.
I can watch the clip on the camera. I stuck the CD in my computer to see if there is software I need but there doesn't appear to be from what I can tell. Is there anyone who identifies with my situation that might be able to steer me in the right direction?
Thanks in advance.
I can watch the clip on the camera. I stuck the CD in my computer to see if there is software I need but there doesn't appear to be from what I can tell. Is there anyone who identifies with my situation that might be able to steer me in the right direction?
Thanks in advance.