Shooting reality?

M

mikemiho

Member
Hey all,
We shoot reality webisodes frequently enough that buying a camera to last us for a couple years is in our best interest now. With so many choices out there, I'm asking you HMC'ers if this is a camera worth considering.

Our stuff mainly lives on the web, but every so often we need broadcast quality footage. We like shooting the HVX, but P2 workflow is too slow and expensive when I need to roll 5 hours of footage per day.

We're also considering the z7u as a possible option. Any of you guys/girls have any input or have used something that I should 100% be looking at.

Thanks in advance.

Mike
 
I had to check the date of your post -- making sure this wasn't from two years ago.

The tape based workflow of the Z7U was obsolete a year ago -- and is ancient history today. As long as your computer doesn't suck and you've got a modern NLE like Premiere Pro CS5 -- the HMC150 workflow is the dream of yester-year. Relative to record times -- the AVCCAM thing is a dream. Relative to archive space -- the AVCCAM thing is a dream. Relative to "broadcast quality" the AVCCAM thing is fine, and getting better as NLE offerings improve. For example, Premiere Pro CS5 made the HCM150 a new camera.

The main thing going for the HMC150 is the 3 CCD sensors -- and that is exactly what make it potentially ideal for "reality webisodes." You can run around, handheld, whip pan till you get whiplash, run around on a stabilizer -- move around while recording till you can move no more -- and absolutely no jello vision. 60p is also ideal for all that running around.

"5 hours per day" of ProRes, AVC-INTRA, Cineform, or DVCPROHD and you'd take down my eight terabyte server relatively quickly.
 
DVCPro-HD from an HVX or HPX is the perfect workflow as long as you pony up for enough P2. Native high quality editing, what's not to like other than the one time investment. You might also consider a Nexto or something like that for your long shoots.

Grant
 
I did miss the 5hrs every day statement, but no one, at least no one I know, is going to capture and edit 5 hours of content per day. Pluck what you need and get on with it.

Grant
 
I should say that we typically run 2 cameras, which is why we'll shoot 5 hours a day. It is not uncommon for a single 45 minute take of a doctor office visit. We shoot z7u for the ease and comfort of tapes. We all come from a DVX familiarity and z7 was a nice graduation. We'll capture 10:1 in Avid and online.

Last month, we went off on location and shot 30 hours of footage for 3 webisodes. Tapes were an easy and cheap workflow for us.

I would like to make note of the 2-4 year comments. I'd like to buy cameras that will last me at least that long for upcoming medium format projects.

I do appreciate the thoughts though guys. I don't keep up with every bit of camera technology news as my focus is more on producing the projects I work on. Thanks for helping me fill in the gaps. So, it sounds like you guys think the HMC is the camera for me to buy? Is there anything else I should consider?
 
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If you like the HVX and the HVX workflow but your concern is with the cost and size of P2 cards then the HMC150 is probably the camera you will be able to shift to the most seamlessly, that's for certain. From an ergonomics and features standpoint, it won't feel all that different than shooting with an HVX.

From a workflow standpoint - that will all depend on your editing setup.
I'm coming from FCP, so I can't really speak to the Avid workflow - but I can't imagine it would be difficult to shift gears from shooting DVCProHD to AVCCam.

In regards to production - most of your accessories should still port over without a problem.
The only thing I would make note of is that your batteries won't - but that would be the case if you went with an entirely different camera anyhow, so probably not a big deal.


EDITED TO ADD:
As far as other cameras you might want to look at, you might want to take a look at the Canon XF100.
I have no experience with it - but looking at the price/specs it might be of interest to you seeing as it shoots in MXF format and offers 4:2:2.
And the price is roughly in the same ballpark as the HMC150. But like I said, I've never used it - so I have no idea whether or not it would work for you.
 
Thanks. I think the HMC sounds like the solid option. I'll probably rent it for the next gig and see what I think, and buy from there.

fyi, we cut Avid and FCP, it all depends on clients. Obviously, don't want to pigeon hole ourselves into anything.
 
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