Sell my HVX200 to buy a 7D? Would it suit my needs?

KennonF said:
Jello-vision is something I would expect from shooting a photo on my cell phone while moving fast in a car, not from something like a DSLR that costs $1,699; however I hear it has pretty bad jello-vision, artifacts and also aliasing on small lines much like when you play a video game and see jaggy lines out in the distance.
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The one thing that I can say with confidence is that "jello" is probably less of an issue on the 7D that it is on your cell phone. At the very least, I know that it's way less bad than on my iPhone.

How "bad" the artifacts are I think is subjective. So you shouldn't base your decision on what you hear other people saying about it. The best thing that you can do is try the camera for yourself. You could borrow or rent one for a little while and see how well it works for you. Only then will you be absolutely sure about whether or not it meets your needs. If I tell you that the artifacts aren't that bad, it doesn't mean very much because it's just my opinion. Your own opinion might be very different from what you've heard anyone say so far.
 
ydgmdlu said:
The one thing that I can say with confidence is that "jello" is probably less of an issue on the 7D that it is on your cell phone. At the very least, I know that it's way less bad than on my iPhone.

How "bad" the artifacts are I think is subjective. So you shouldn't base your decision on what you hear other people saying about it. The best thing that you can do is try the camera for yourself. You could borrow or rent one for a little while and see how well it works for you. Only then will you be absolutely sure about whether or not it meets your needs. If I tell you that the artifacts aren't that bad, it doesn't mean very much because it's just my opinion. Your own opinion might be very different from what you've heard anyone say so far.
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Good point! Thank you again
 
I've scene footage on Vimeo... a motocross race where the movement is extremely fast and there is no rolling shutter issue. It depends on settings. Adjusting the shutter speed and you can get tonnes of movement with little/no blur/jello.
here is the link... http://vimeo.com/6860546
 
hammondcheezefilms said:
I've scene footage on Vimeo... a motocross race where the movement is extremely fast and there is no rolling shutter issue. It depends on settings. Adjusting the shutter speed and you can get tonnes of movement with little/no blur/jello.
here is the link... http://vimeo.com/6860546
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I'm sorry, but shutter speed has nothing to do with jello. The reason why there is almost no rolling shutter issue in that footage is because it was shot at 720p60. In that mode, the sensor is being scanned at a faster rate, which decreases the jello effects. Sensor scan rate is the only factor in jello, aside from how you move the camera or how fast your subject is moving.
 
Personally I think you'd be better off with both. The 7D out of the box with some fast lenses can definitely get shots that the HVX200 could never achieve without an expensive and bulky 35mm lens adapter and lenses. However to get there you are giving up a better codec and far more motion picture friendly user operation.

If it were me, I'd keep the HVX200 and use that for the day to day workhorse shooting, where you want every second in focus and perfectly operated/exposed/etc. Then switch to the 7D for the magical b-roll shallow DOF look where you can afford to be more loose with your shots. I love what the 7D can achieve photographically but in terms of its usability and control, not to mention the rough looking (at times) codec makes me feel this is one massive step in the right direction but we're not there yet.

If Panasonic could basically take an HVX200 with its controls, upgrade the codec to AVC-Intra, use CF instead of P2 cards, replace the sensor with Canon's 5D Mark II sensor and add a Canon or Nikon 35mm lens mount- that camera would be a game changer.

-Noah
 
I am facing basically the same situation. I own an HVX/Letus/Nikon set up, and have been using it for a while. Since people/clients/directors only care about resolution now days, I've considered buying a 7D. Not because I'm crazy over the clean image, but because I could be getting more work by owning one.

The more research I do on the 7D, the more I don't want to get it. It has so many issues, and the only thing it offers over the HVX/adapter set up is a cleaner image (which is not always a good thing). I shot a music video last week for a pop singer on my HVX/Letus at 720p. The images are beautiful, it's HD, lots of detail/quality, but it doesn't look TOO clean. If we had shot on the 7D, we'd be seeing into her pores, and any girl would hate that. Sure we could diffuse the 7D lens, but then we'd just be softening an image back to what HVX footage.

The low light is great, but let's be real. Real productions shoot 35mm, and there is no such thing as a 6400 ASA film stock. Shooting so much on my HVX/Letus set up has got me used to lighting for 100-160 ASA. When I shoot film, I have no problem lighting for slower stocks, because that's what I'm used to lighting for.

The HVX offers a unique look. It reminds me a little of 16mm. It's sharp, but not too sharp. It handles highlights like a video camera, but it almost has a grain to it that adds to natural look of it. My friend shot an amazing film on the 5D, the lighting was amazing, but it was a dark, gritty story, and it looked too clean. The 7D/5D doesn't look like film, it looks like super clean digital.

The 7D might be a good 2nd cam to own for the occasional product shot based commercials, maybe slow paced R&B videos with little/no movement, but you definitely shouldn't get rid of your HVX for the 7D. The 7D isn't built to work in every situation.
 
I absoulutly hated my XHA1S with the 35mm adapter get the 7d and use lenses with IS you won't even notice the jello and I have parkinsons hands seriously I shake and all I shoot is hand held you wouldn't even see it plus with the dog adapter you are going to need a shoulder rig that thing is gonna weigh 30 pounds... So just get a shoulder rig and weight it right for the 7D coupled with IS lensea and no one will ever know it was a dslr
 
mrbrycel said:
I've considered buying a 7D. Not because I'm crazy over the clean image, but because I could be getting more work by owning one.
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But that right there is probably the most compelling reason FOR getting a 7D...

If you're in the business of providing camera services, and the client is asking for a specific model, then the only real question you should probably be asking is: will the additional business be more than the camera costs to purchase?

If we had shot on the 7D, we'd be seeing into her pores, and any girl would hate that. Sure we could diffuse the 7D lens, but then we'd just be softening an image back to what HVX footage.
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Yes and no. Yes, you could diffuse the lens and yes it'd be back to what HVX footage is, but no, the 7D isn't actually sharper than the HVX. Well, it is a little bit, maybe 10% or so, but not substantially. So what you're seeing is the aliasing/false detail, and yes it exaggerates the presence of things like skin pores etc.

The 7D might be a good 2nd cam to own for the occasional product shot based commercials, maybe slow paced R&B videos with little/no movement, but you definitely shouldn't get rid of your HVX for the 7D. The 7D isn't built to work in every situation.
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The 7D definitely has its place, certainly. Although with the introduction of the t2i/550D, it will be interesting to see if the 7D stays popular. If the t2i does everything people need, at a thousand dollars less... I think everyone should have one of these things in their arsenal, if they can justify the expense. I wouldn't replace a conventional video camera with one, but if you can afford it at all, you should have it in your toolkit because when they shine, they shine very brightly.
 
I have been a great fan of CCD based cameras and non GOP codecs. I'd also experienced some difficulties with jello effect during handheld movements with early CMOS chip video cameras. Added to the lack of basic video features, the introduction of HDSLRs made me cautious.
Then, I started to see some impressive and diverse work from HDSLR and I thought: if others are dealing with it, I can do the same.
HDSRLs are today far from prefect video cameras, but in general they rule!
Smaller chip cameras will, for the next few years, fulfill a very target market. For prosumer and indie work they are history.
My advice is to jump in that wagon asap and start to learn the idiosyncrasies of shallow DOF, exchangeable lenses, full manual operation, audio workarounds... And enjoy the benefits of much smaller/lighter gear, brilliant low light performance, cinematic look, etc...
 
if your making the switch for personal use, I would say by all means.

if you use your HVX for work, I would keep it...and then buy a 7D (or T2i if money is an issue).

I shoot with my 7D non-stop, but I still get alot of paid work shooting with the HVX!
 
Nickxtoday said:
I plan on selling my HVX 200 with 16gb P2 Card. I first want to see how much I can get for it? What do you think?
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I just sold my HVX200 with 319 hours and (1) 8gb and (1) 16gb p2 cards for $2300. It also included a Pelican case and all the manuals, Barry's book, and all the accessories that came with the camera.

I sold it locally on craigslist and it's slightly more than what i've been seeing it go for on eBay. Also sold my Letus Elite cine bundle for $1000.

Just purchased a t2i with a set of canon lenses (24mm f2.8, 35mm f2, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.8) and the latest final cut studio. Pretty excited about my purchase :) Should be here later today.
 
I would not sell the 200. The 7D is nice for the shallow depth of field but has many problems, like the rolling shutter - no way you can shoot handheld at all without a rig. And the aliasing is terrible on small detailed objects and straight lines. I own a 7D and a HPX-300 and shoot on a friends 200 a lot also.
I love the 7D but would not make it my only camera if I already had a 200.
Especially for Shakey music video stuff.

Keep the 200 and if $ are a problem get a T2i and one good lens like the Tamron 17 - 50.
good luck!
 
I dumped the HVX when the t2i came out.

The t2i satisfied most of my needs. It is light, fast to handle (with some training) and the picture quality is lovely. The memory cards are el cheapo. Even the unrated speed cards work without dropouts (to my eye). And the lenses... take your pick.

Rolling shutter and moires haven't bothered me so far, as I like to shoot people.

The HVX is a heavy beast. After one gig that gave me a back ache, I dreaded the next assignment. The 4 gig card I used is limiting (couldn't afford any bigger cards) for event work. I'm not crazy about the resolution at 720p.

I've sold the Hvx at half what I paid and have no regrets.

I shot a wedding last week and my little Canon t2i performed like a champ.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=219347
 
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