Sony vs. Panasonic

aspiring director

aspiring director

Active member
Ok, so I am looking into getting a camcorder so I can shoot some indie shorts and later on some features. My question is should I get the HVX200 or the Sony Z1?

Which one shoots better 24p? Cuz I want my films to be shot in 24 frames (like film) but which one is easier in post? I know that Sony has that Cineframe 24, but how does that look and compare to the usual 24p? I read you have to convert the cineframe 24 and stuff after shooting but I don't want to have to do that. I wanna just feed it into my laptop and not have to convert and do all this and that. Thanks!
 
The HVX200 uses actual progressive-scan 24p. The Sony Z1 doesn't, it shoots interlaced 60i and then tries to do a conversion to simulate 24p. And it doesn't work well at all, it results in an odd stop/go motion pattern. Look at Adam Wilt's site (adamwilt.com) for a thorough deconstruction of what CF24 does, or just search around for opinions on CF24.
 
if you are just starting out doing shorts, forget the cameras you mentioned. get a canon hv20 for $1,000. spend the rest of your cash on quality equipment. once you have experience and are ready for the features, sell the hv20 and upgrade to the canon hx-a1 or the panasonic hvx200.

the key is to start out small and build up. don't blow all your cash on the camera and have to settle for crappy gear to go with it.
 
ugafan said:
if you are just starting out doing shorts, forget the cameras you mentioned. get a canon hv20 for $1,000. spend the rest of your cash on quality equipment. once you have experience and are ready for the features, sell the hv20 and upgrade to the canon hx-a1 or the panasonic hvx200.

the key is to start out small and build up. don't blow all your cash on the camera and have to settle for crappy gear to go with it.
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That's a good suggestion. :thumbsup:
 
aspiring director said:
ok well i am looking to make indie films but there are soo many camcorders out there. I guess I just need a little help looking.
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Why are you buying a new camera? when youre ready to shoot, hire a experienced DP with a camera liek an HVX200, who already knows it inside and out, and this way you will probably save money hiring him for the duration of the shoot, and you will get the results your looking for as opposed to trying to learn cinematography on the go with a brand new camera that youre not 100% on. delegate responsibility. thats the number one thing Aspiring directors need to learn. you CANNOT do it all by yourself.
 
Or just rent a camera..most shorts take 2-3 days to shoot, should cost between $150-200 depending on where you live.
 
ok so I am thinking should I get a DVX100A or B or should I get something that would be more long-run, the HVX200? I know I'm gonna eventually go HD but I don't know if I should do it now or wait. I don't want to buy the DVX100 and then in a few years, it's all HD and I have to now buy a new one. I figure since I am spending so much, I should just get HD and not have to worry about upgrading later. I can just go with my one camcorder, which I can use for a LONG time.
 
if you must buy one, get the HVX. Yoiu wont hear many complaints about it from anyone here.
 
aspiring director said:
ok so I am thinking should I get a DVX100A or B or should I get something that would be more long-run, the HVX200? I know I'm gonna eventually go HD but I don't know if I should do it now or wait. I don't want to buy the DVX100 and then in a few years, it's all HD and I have to now buy a new one. I figure since I am spending so much, I should just get HD and not have to worry about upgrading later. I can just go with my one camcorder, which I can use for a LONG time.
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the hvx is a great camera, but it's going to cost some money. $5,200 to start out. a 16gb p2 card is $900. want an extra battery? a case? you'll need a tripod. do you already have audio equipment?

editing hd footage requires a powerful computer. will you need to upgrade? do you already have editing software?

as you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider. i'm not trying to discourage you, just trying to point out that becoming a self sufficient filmmaker requires a lot more than just a camcorder.
 
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