Run 'N Gun HVX

Take_1

Take_1

Well-known member
Well, I finally got the opportunity to really put the HVX through its paces during a 3 day live indoor rock concert event. I was elected to be the run 'n gun shooter getting all the beauty, marquise and artsy shots for footage that would support next years promos.

I was the only Panasonic camera in this 10 camera shoot as all the others were using Sony's XDCam HD cameras.

All footage for all cameras was shot in 720/30p.

The HVX camera performed generally as I expected producing some fantastic looking images.

:)

Where this review goes south though is also where most here on this board with some experience with this camera would expect. THE CRAPPY, (I am using restraint here) CRAPPY, CRAPPY LCD and viewfinder. In run and gun shooting these are both highly inadequate for quick action acquisition.

:furious3:
:angry:

If I hadn't had my Marshall and Noga arm I would have been screwed for this shoot. As it was you can imagine how unbalanced the camera was with the heavy Marshall acting as a wing/weight on the left side of the camera with my shoulder mount.


I would HAPPILY PAY PANASONIC to upgrade these two parts of the camera so that this would no longer be an issue.

I was also shooting with Sony's XDCam HD's for a little while as one of the shooters missed his call time. Both Sony's LCD and especially the viewfinder were bang on rock solid for snagging imagery in this very challenging environment.

PANASONIC...

PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!

Offer some way to fix this issue. I love my HVX. Its a great camera in a controlled environment where you have time to carefully set up shots. But as it
stands in its current configuration this camera cannot be used effectively for anything that needs quick reaction and focusing.

Has anyone looked into the possibility of retrofitting the HVX with a high end viewfinder or LCD? I'd LOVE to have this issue put to sleep.
 
I agree on the LCD.

We loved Sony's LCD on the Z1U

Fix that and replace the 4-pin FW port with a locking 6-pin for starters.
 
im with you on all of that. what killed me moving to the HVX from an XL2 was the obvious "handycam" feel and weight of the hvx. the HVX (IMO) is totally useless for shoulder work. too small, too light. i tend to carry mine in the crook of my elbow like a football, which is very discrete, but kinda sucks for eye level angles...

im just resorting to a zacuto rails and grips situation, remote focus-zoom controllers and a zamerican mount for my ikan 8000hd and ill be set. but that adds another nearly $5k to the cost of the camera... oh well!
 
kamikaze1213 said:
I use the CB-105. For only $84 you can't beat it. The guy that makes them sells them off ebay and has video footage shot with them on the auction link. Perfect fot getting the HVX on your shoulder. Heres the link - http://cgi.ebay.com/Shoulder-support-for-Steadicam-Steadycam-operators_W0QQitemZ220116518343QQihZ012QQcategoryZ23780QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Dude! For the price that looks GREAT! I love how you can add the extra weight in the back for cameras that have rails, 35mm adpaters, matteboxes, etc! I think I just might have to order one very soon. :)
 
Yeah it rocks and the shots look amazing! There was a waiting list when I ordered mine but he has more now. For the price it just can't be beat, and it will get the HVX right onto your shoulder with hardly any effort.
 
AbstracTheory said:
Just ordered one.. I'll let y'all know how it is..
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Thanks, please do! I will do the same should I test one and/or buy one.
 
DC said:
This works well for me:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=56095&page=3
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I may have to give that a try DC, its still not a perfect solution to the problem. However, its likely a little more stable than the way I have it set up right now mounted off to the left.

I just can't believe that Panasonic would wimp out in an area as crucial as this. As stated earlier in my first post, I WOULD PAY HAPPILY to have the camera upgraded in this area, its that important.
 
Take_1 said:
I may have to give that a try DC, its still not a perfect solution to the problem. However, its likely a little more stable than the way I have it set up right now mounted off to the left.

I just can't believe that Panasonic would wimp out in an area as crucial as this. As stated earlier in my first post, I WOULD PAY HAPPILY to have the camera upgraded in this area, its that important.
Click to expand...

I hear what you're saying but the HVX200's LCD is what it is for whatever reason. We all just need to deal with it as I highly doubt Panasonic will ever offer retrofitted LCD upgrades. My solution has been to use the LCD for menu funtionality and some quick framing - the Marshall is really my main monitor.
 
The Sony Z1´s monitor seems to be better (based on reviews, havn´t used it...), so I really have to wonder why a more expensive camera doesn´t offer a decent flipout monitor...
But i had this problem with the XL2 before and with the HVX´s focus assist i got away in most situtions so far - but run´n gun in HD remains a thin line to walk on...
 
Spartacus said:
The Sony Z1´s monitor seems to be better (based on reviews, havn´t used it...), so I really have to wonder why a more expensive camera doesn´t offer a decent flipout monitor...
But i had this problem with the XL2 before and with the HVX´s focus assist i got away in most situtions so far - but run´n gun in HD remains a thin line to walk on...
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The focus assist is useful in a controlled environment (drama, interviews etc.). Its COMPLETELY useless for run 'n gun as there is zero time to use it before the shot is gone.
 
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Have any of you found a quick way to remove the CB105 to mount to a tripod? The weights on the CB105 makes it impossible to use on a tripod - unless you want to shoot the sky all day :-)

I have a Vinton Vision6 head and Vinton's quick release is about $520 each and I would need two as I figure... one for the tripod and one for the CB105 and have one boot attached to the HVX200.

Any suggestions appreciated.
 
i just got my cb-105 in the mail a few moments ago. with a stock hvx its WAY too front heavy to balance as shown in his website. i HIGHLY suggest ordering the additional optional weight. OR just gaffertape something heavy to the back weight.

a little dissapointed in that, but its easilly remedied and again, for the price this puppy is awesome!
 
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