Newbie question: Do I need extra lenses for an HVX200?

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dalethompson

Well-known member
I'm in the process of getting my first camera (Panasonic HVX200) and will be shooting my first project in early November. I'm trying to learn all I can even before I get this camera and, of course, after I get it I will be shooting things everyday for practice and to get familiar with it too.

My documentary is basic in terms of set-up and narrative storytelling. No fancy scenes, no dramatic effects, no special or tricky lighting involved either.

Do I need extra lenses then for the HVX200? I know people talk about 35mm adapters and wide-angle lenses but I'm not sure what direction I should take with this. I've budgeted for this camera, some accessories like a sturdy tripod and extra p2 card and anything left over will go towards an imac or powermac with a 24" screen (for editing).

I guess my question is: Can I shoot something effectively with the HVX200 using just the standard lens or should I invest in other lenses?

TIA,
Dale
 
If your needs are as basic as you say they are, you probably don't need an extra lens. A wide angle adapter can be nice sometimes, but I find it unnecessary for most of my stuff. The 35mm adapters are for shallow depth of field, cinematic-type look, which isn't what you're after. You're all set with the stock camera and an extra P2 card, plus of course good sticks.
 
Mister Big:

Thanks for the input... I was hoping for a reply like that lol.
As much as I'd love to get different lenses for a film look, at this point, I better concentrate on knowing the HVX200 inside and out before getting too artsy with it. Maybe in the future I'll not only be able to afford different lenses (and maybe another camera too) but I'll also be in a position to use them and understand more about when to use different accessories too.

-Dale
 
There's plenty of learning to do with just the stock HVX. Believe me, I'm still learning. Sometimes I go months without using it and I have to remember what I thought I knew before. Thank heaven for muscle memory and the fact I also used a DVX before the HVX so the controls are all in the same place. Again, buy yourself some good sticks and mics. Others have better advice than I do on these subjects.
 
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