Suggestions For A New Camera Purchase

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darkdriving

New member
Hello fellow film makers, editors, and enthusiasts. I've used this site as a reference for quite some time but have registered only recently to ask and hopefully answer some questions. Here's my situation: I recently saved up quite a bit of cash with the hopes of purchasing a brand new video camera. I've had my eye on the HVX200, but wanted to make sure it's not overkill for my needs. I'll provide a little info and hopefully you guys (and girls, maybe) can point me in the right direction.

I'm moving up from my current Canon GL2, so that's where I'm coming from. I would definitely need another 3 CCD camera, one that's preferrably 16x9 native. I've mused over the benefits of HD, and would like something that at least films in 720p. I would need a camera that performs fairly well in some low-light situations. Variable frame rate sounds fun, maybe something I would like to have a go at. On-board XLR connectors would be grand, but not a dealer-breaker if absent. I also have quite a collection of miniDV tapes and would like to stay on that format to save myself some cash, if possible.

As far as usage goes, I do a little bit of everything. I film weddings, corporate events, and sometimes testimonies for lawyers. Personal projects of mine include filming sketch comedy and music videos, mostly. The GL2 has held up pretty well in some extreme circumstances, and I would definitely need another solid camera that can take a bit of beating and work in some varied temperatures.

That's about it. I open to any and all suggestions. Money is a non-issue, but let's say that the total price of the HXV200 is my ceiling. Thanks in advance.
 
The HVX is an excellent DV camera, but keep in mind you can only record High-Def to P2. So if your entire budget is the cost of the HVX, know that you won't be able to record high-def just yet.

Also, just because you have a large supply of DV tapes doesn't mean you should use them-- at least not for professional projects. DV tapes really shouldn't be re-used over and over -- your likelyhood for dropouts will dramatically increase. Also remember that you shouldn't mix different brands of DV tape in the same unit, due to the lubrication differences...

I suggest that if you need HD now, buy a Sony FX1. It's fairly cheap, and will shoot HDV to existing DV tapes. But if you can wait a bit, the HVX is a much nicer HD camera -- but at an obvious extra cost.
 
Well, I took note of the price of P2 cards and they are absurdly out of reach on my budget. However, I was pondering the purchase of a FireStore device. Can the HVX record high-def to that?
 
From what ive heard about the firestore, it has some issues with recording some formats that the HVX200 can shoot, but I would say P2 is definately the way to go. If you have to, I would wait to get an HVX200 with P2 instead of getting a lower end camera now.
 
The Sony Z1U or FX1 may be better suited for your needs. It's a solid camera. Good in low light. Records 60 minute loads.
 
If you're coming from the GL2, than the new Canon A1 should be a good idea. Basically, its the gl3 HD.

However, I'm a HVX owner, and would be lying if I didn't recommend it over anything else. Its the best camera I've ever owned. It rivals many higher budgeted cameras out there. Be sure to take workflow into consideration before purchasing. The HVX works very well with FCP.
 
Wow, I really appreciate all the great information. I did some research on all of the aforementioned cameras and am still leaning towards the HVX200, which I'd have to buy a Firestore for, apparently. While the Canon offerings look pretty good, I definitely have my eye on the Sony Z1U, which has almost everything I'm aiming for. My setup will be (in just a few days) a new Mac Pro with Final Cut 5.1, so it's reassuring to hear that the HVX plays well with it.

Two more questions: Is there a specific Firestore device that needs to be bought in order for it to work with the HVX, or will any of them suffice? If I were to go the P2 route, how much footage shot in, say 720p, would fit on a 4GB card?

Thanks again for all the great advice.
 
with 60fps 720P you have 1 minute per GB
with 24fps 720P you have 2,5 minute per GB

So filmlook (24fps) gives 10 mintues
and 2 "P2 4gb" gives you 20 minutes (as i guess you already calculated.
 
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