Sony EX1 or AX2000: I make shots in the rainforest

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FoxAdriano

Well-known member
Hi, I often make documentaries in the rainforest. In your opinion what is better camera between Sony EX1 or AX2000? I will use it in rainforest only (ethnic groups) and I will need a strong but above all handy camera. I like to get some suggestions. Thanks
 
The EX1R is the better camera, hands down, and it should be as it costs twice as much (unless you're buying a used EX1).

If it were me, I'd take the EX1R.
 
Image-wise I love the EX1 but I think if there was a chance of me damaging the camera in that type of environment, I might go with a cheaper camera ONLY if my finale output did not call for higher quality images like the web or standard definition DVD.


The EX1 is kinda heavy too IMO and without a tripod it can be harder to use hand-held.


My two cents.
 
Hidef1080 said:
Image-wise I love the EX1 but I think if there was a chance of me damaging the camera in that type of environment, I might go with a cheaper camera ONLY if my finale output did not call for higher quality images like the web or standard definition DVD.
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Hi, thanks for your reply. I will use that camera without tripod, can you tell me if is easy to use it without tripod or is it hard?
thanks
 
FoxAdriano said:
Hi, thanks for your reply. I will use that camera without tripod, can you tell me if is easy to use it without tripod or is it hard?
thanks
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A tripod is not necessary. But some means of stabilizing the camera WILL be. The EX1 is quite heavy. And both of these cameras deserve to be supported. Whether that is on a steadicam, or a shoulder mount, or something. But for simply being held in the hands directly, I don't suggest that for ANY HD camera. It just makes a mess.
 
FoxAdriano said:
Hi, thanks for your reply. I will use that camera without tripod, can you tell me if is easy to use it without tripod or is it hard?
thanks
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I think it's hard.

I'm not a small guy but the weight and the ergonomics of the EX1 R makes it hard to hold it steady.
I'm not a fan of the “shaky cam” style so a tripod or mono-pod is a must for me.
As Mr. Ford said you don't need one but outside of shaky cam images I think arm fatigue is a real issue.

In the end you have to do what's right for you and shoot how you think it needs to be shot.
 
My 2cents I have worked with the EX1 a lot and you do not want to be holding this thing in your hand. A steadicam would work but if you want to move a little more quickly I would invest in a shouldermount.
 
Dafilman21 said:
My 2cents I have worked with the EX1 a lot and you do not want to be holding this thing in your hand. A steadicam would work but if you want to move a little more quickly I would invest in a shouldermount.
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... but I'd like to know how much I can shot fine in wide angle without tripod.
thanks again


_________________________________
My etnhic documentaries: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alvmos/
 
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Use a proffesional tripod anywhere you can.
I have shot a lot of hours/days in the Rain forest this year .Mostly with the hmc 150 and a few days with a EX1( orginal version) and EX3 .
The HMC 150 is light and work very well hand held. But I'd try to shoot as much as possible on my tripod.
I dont know what style you prefer but a tripod should be the next thing you purchase. Im not really a fan of shoulder mounts.
It's harder the work in the jungle then in the city because locations are often further then they seem to be :)
So lug that tripod anywhere you can.
If it's a one man job I'd get a cheaper tripod and just lock the tripod head.
An EX1 works very well in the rainforest just bring lots of batteries .
You might want to find out if they have electricity or a powergenerator to charge your batteries then again you may already know this.

BTW it has been my experience that HD cameras love etnic groups .
Goodluck !
 
Hi, thanks a lot for your suggestion. Do you live in Suriname? It is a wonderful country.
Unfortunately Ex1 lacking in wide angle, can you tell me if you use an additional optic to get more wide angle?
How many batteries (approximately) have I to bring with me for 10 dyas in the jungle?
Thanks
 
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Thanks to you for your exhaustive replies.
A last question please:
if I will shot at a remote area where there isn't electricity and I will have to make backups every time of flash memory to an external portable hard drive, will it be possible to do it with both EX1 and NX5?
thanks
 
FoxAdriano said:
Hi, thanks a lot for your suggestion. Do you live in Suriname? It is a wonderful country.
Unfortunately Ex1 lacking in wide angle, can you tell me if you use an additional optic to get more wide angle?
How many batteries (approximately) have I to bring with me for 10 dyas in the jungle?
Thanks
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Yes I'm from Suriname it gettting hotter every year !
I'd get at least 3 batteries and maybe you can look into external powersource like these .Tekkeon
Another option is to get a new carbattery and a device that will convert its power to charge the batteries or the external powersource. I forgot the name of this device :( Inverter not sure now.
Or a Solar charger , I have never worked with this though.

I didn't use a wide angle adapter with the ex1 ...I just moved back if I wanted get more coverage. Ofcourse this depends on the terrain .When your on a river this could be a problem.
We had access to a expensive wideangle HD lens for the ex3 we rented but didnt use it.

One question why call your films etnic documentaries and not something like the indegenous people of the Amazon docs ...just out of curiosisty .
The word ethnic has a bit of a negavitve tone to it in my honest opion ofcourse that's for another thread :).
 
Everts said:
One question why call your films etnic documentaries and not something like the indegenous people of the Amazon docs ...just out of curiosisty .
The word ethnic has a bit of a negavitve tone to it in my honest opion ofcourse that's for another thread :).
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May be you are right. I travel around the world only to visit ethnic group towards extinction. My starting point is this one. In my country ethnic don't have any negative tone, on the contrary it carries away a note of warm humanity. But I also like indegenous people and could be I will chance something on my web home page and I will put in "Indigenous people". ;) Thanks for your suggestions.
 
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