SD foolish for Web only content?

P

P.E. Kelley

New member
Hello all,

I am new to this forum and I hope you can help me to make a more informed decision.

I am currently engaged as a freelance writer/ photographer in the firearms field.

As many have learned the through experience buying good quality gear can make the creative process easier.

My question is how much quality to I need?

As the web and electronic media become greater in presence so shrinks print medium, to that I am considering moving my work onto the web as video. (Tutorials, demos and Ezine articles)

I know the rage is HD but my research tells me (much like high res digital photography) it is all about how the end user “sees” your product.

For still work I use Canon’s 1DMK2n and 1DsMk2 with a bag ‘o kit. While this has kept me in good stead with print editors it is unnecessary for all but the most sophisticated web user’s monitor.

Ok, enough background.

With the availability of quality “pre-owned” MiniDV SD cameras out there would I be foolish to produce the work mentioned in SD?

The follow-up; if SD is suitable, what camera? The DVX 100 series really draws me as do the Canon XL’s

Thank you for your time

Patrick
 
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You have my vote for the DVX100B over the XL2 if you are not planning on going HD for your web work. HD will of course be crisper looking, but I still like the look of all the DVX footage I see online. If you compress it properly, it can look really, really nice.
 
Thank you Mr. Bogda,

Gentleman,

I am in need of additional info on the suitability of SD/HD video equipment for web video.

I am trying to make an informed decision and have been scouring the internet with a critical focus on this professional web forum.

I have made good use of older well cared for still photographic equipment by applying skill and effort to create a marketable product.

My hope is to apply that same logic to "moving pictures".

I am not working to create "indie" films. I am being tasked (editors are asking) with creating web based tutorials and ezine spots.

My brain is hurting will all the choices.

I can afford ONE HMC150 and peripheries.
Maybe two HMC 40's with same.

My brain tells me I may be just as well served with used slightly outdated gear from the big three.

I would like a pair of the same cameras. At that budget would I be better served with Canon XH ?? or Sony FX ?? Or Panasonic ??

Or older still? SD? DVX XL or?

Shine some light for me if you would please.

Thank you for taking the time.

Patrick
 
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hmm..well the dvx is certainly fine for web only as long as u can encode properly. I'm no encoding wiz by any means but here is some of my dvx stuff.

http://vimeo.com/3570589

http://vimeo.com/5705781

and i have seen better. like my boy Will's work http://vimeo.com/6604004

but if u do have the option to do HD...why not? the hmc150 is pretty sweet and the hmc40 is good in well as long as the scene is well lit.

However if u get those u will have to evaluate if ur pc can handle AVCHD footage...but u can always transcode also.

If u are looking for a pair though i'd say 2 hmc40, or 2 used dvx's. (how much are the canon's ? )

ive seen beautiful stuff shot on the canon xha1. i'm not a fan of sony cams so ...:) .I guess its really up to you to know if u need HD or not...but if u can afford to...i say go for it. if not then the dvx is still a good choice.
 
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I would say go for the DVX. The XL2 is horrible in low light, and the viewfinder really is the dumbest thing I have ever seen. You can't even judge your focus with it! Plus the form factor of the XL2 is like the EX3, it is trying to be a shoulder mounted cam, but its just too front heavy. It really doesn't even sit on your shoulder, you have to hold it against your sholder and support it with your arm.

The DVX is less expensive, offers more image control, better low light resolution, and records to the same inexpensive MiniDV tapes.
 
jambredz said:
and i have seen better. like my boy Will's work http://vimeo.com/6604004
Click to expand...

This was shot on the DVX? If so, it's the best I've ever seen. No reason to ever shoot HD. I'll have to inquire from him directly.

But back to the original question - I too would recommend the DVX for web based video work. I've been using it for years with no complaints. You can check out some of mine here http://vimeo.com/user1056020 nothing compared to Will's.

Peter

P.S. I think I'll search out some Vimeo settings for DV footage and start
another thread. I'd really like it if we could test and post different
combinations to get the best results.
 
Me Myself & I said:
This was shot on the DVX? If so, it's the best I've ever seen. No reason to ever shoot HD. I'll have to inquire from him directly.

But back to the original question - I too would recommend the DVX for web based video work. I've been using it for years with no complaints. You can check out some of mine here http://vimeo.com/user1056020 nothing compared to Will's.

Peter

P.S. I think I'll search out some Vimeo settings for DV footage and start
another thread. I'd really like it if we could test and post different
combinations to get the best results.
Click to expand...

Thank you! That should be a well read thread.

Patrick
 
yeh thats all dvx...and that was captured in camera...not post grading. The other vids also are dvx. He's pretty open to help out as he has helped me tonnes in the past. Havent seen him around much lately though. this is also shot on the dvx from him
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdqb5LkgDXg&feature=channel

from 4.26 onwards looks even better.

this was shot with a very low master ped ...high shutter and tonnes of light. those lens flares are real also...man some pretty flares those are. but the export settings are just amazing to get that quality.

Me Myself & I said:
This was shot on the DVX? If so, it's the best I've ever seen. No reason to ever shoot HD. I'll have to inquire from him directly.
Click to expand...
 
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