Real world experience with HPX300...need opinions before I buy one.

N

nubins

Member
For the price range and features of the HPX300 I can not find another camera even close. Am I wrong?

I am looking for opinions, good and bad, about working with the HPX300.

1. Is noise still an issue since the firmware update and optimized camera settings?
2. Is low light a really big issue. How low can the camera go comfortably? If light is really low I have a 5D that can be used in this case. Right tool for the right job.
3. Is the rolling shutter ever an issue in your shooting style?
4. What other issues have you encountered?

I will be shooting mostly documentaries but also green screen commercials so I need a versatile camera. I would like to buy the 370 but can not afford the $2500 more at this point and would rather be shooting than wait until I have the extra cash. With the 370 here, would I really be that much better off waiting until I have the extra cash given that most of my work is documentary style which means usually uncontrollable lighting conditions?

I have read quite a few of the posts on the forum and also some of the articles but wanted to have a more recent opinion since most of you have used the camera for at least 6 months by now.

Thanks
 
1. Is noise still an issue since the firmware update and optimized camera settings?
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As with any 1/3" sensor, you need to give it enough photons to rise above the
noise threshold. Give it enough light, and it's OK.
I never use the gain switch. In fact I've followed the BBC settings
of taking the low gain setting to -3db. If you're careful with detail and pedestal
settings, noise is not an issue.

2. Is low light a really big issue. How low can the camera go comfortably?
If light is really low I have a 5D that can be used in this case. Right tool for the right job.
Click to expand...
IMHO, low light is not the 300's strong suit. In general, anytime I can't get
zebras when the shutter is off, then I worry about noise. We also have a 5D
and we use that for either accentuated DOF or low-light situations, so I don't
consider it a severe shortcoming for the 300.

3. Is the rolling shutter ever an issue in your shooting style?
Click to expand...
IMHO, it's a non-issue at 720 .. really only an issue at 1080 and if
you follow the ASC pan degree chart (for film), you'll be fine.
If you're shooting sports or action sequences, then the rastered
acquisition of a CMOS sensor might be an issue for you.

4. What other issues have you encountered?
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The camera has been pretty reliable and we've had few problems with it.
We use the Lectrosonics wireless system, and that works extremely well
with this camera.

I have some nits with this camera:

I find pulling focus on this camera to be difficult with the viewfinder
and the LCD. I've taken to using an external monitor ... the viewfinder
(no matter how you focus it) is too small to see the details of focus.
Since focus assist only works when not shooting (which I have no
idea why that is the case), you'll be hard pressed to pick up the fine
details of focus in some circumstances..

Also, the chroma accuracy of the viewfinder was surprisingly off (as shipped)
and you need to correct it.

I wish the remote control options were more reasonable ...

But other than that, I really like the 300 for it's price-point. There's a lot
of pretty high-end stuff this camera can do. The timecode sync stuff works
well and the AVC Intra 100 codec is great.

Those are my thoughts on the camera ...

jeff
 
Not a lot to add to Jeff's comments as I too follow the BBC settings and have found the two 301's we have superb.

I have shot doco's commercials full broadcast and even a feature film that is being screened at the Odeon Harrogate UK this evening.

The P2 system is superb and the camera is very pro like, I shoot mainly progressive at 1080 25p or 720p and the AVC intra 50 and 100 codecs are very good for post workflows to final cut pro via pro res.

I am tending to shoot more 720p these days as it gives me varicam features and as a lot of my delivery is for DVD or on-line that is the best delivery format anyway.

I only do 1080i 25np for broadcast or features but have also found the ability to do DV or DVCPro a real bonus as most regional broadcasters are still on Dvcam or Digibeta.

As I have the 301 I can also do NTSC but have not had a lot of work in the UK but it is good to know that it is there if needed.

I am hanging fire on the 371 as I want to see how the 301 compares side by side as I have not found noise to be a huge problem as I always shoot in good light and don't do wedding video's in the dark!

I have also used the 301's as B-camera's to a 2700 or 3700 and have yet to have an editor query which camera is which so they can match very well for most doco, drama or interview set-ups.

I love my 301's and always enjoy shooting with them as the perform superbly, I have yet to encounter any problems with workflow to post and delivery.
 
nubins said:
For the price range and features of the HPX300 I can not find another camera even close. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Well, there's the HPX370, of course. The 300 has been replaced by the 370. It improves on many of the issues you've asked about -- noise is substantially lower, low light performance is significantly improved, and rolling shutter performance in 1080p has been greatly improved.

The 370 costs about $1000 more than the 300 did. If you're buying used, you might get a great deal on a 300, but if you're buying new it'll probaby be hard to find a new HPX300, since they've been discontinued for a few months.
 
The 300 is one of the best tools I have purchased in a long time. It is a wonderful tool.
1. I have had very little issue with noise in all my shoots either indoors or outdoors.
2. I do the same with a 5D as a backup...again it has been a non-issue.
3. Doing commercials, shooting outdoor nature and action, concerts it has been an issue 1 time and I was the only one that noticed it. Shoot right, and it does not hamper the footage.
4. Other issues, honestly it is a little uncomfortable for me to shoot shoulder mounted for long periods of time. But I am a bigger framed guy, maybe someone smaller would not have an issue. Plus my noggin is large so I do suffer from a little neck pain. It's not a big deal, I get used to it but I can feel it. If I shot more shoulder mount style perhaps my body would adjust? I do workout everyday so being in shape does not help. ;-)

My $.02
 
I love my 300 but have a couple of European (PAL) clients so must sell mine and get a 370. I sent you a private message.
 
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