Time to change my HVX200 for a dSLR?

A

APMgZ

New member
Hi,

I need a hand sorting out my gear since I do freelance filming on the side proffesionaly but I'm more into sound and post production video editing than hanging arround with a camera so I was thinking in swap my HVX200E for a 5D or 7D.
Basically I have been filming music videos, promos for events in clubs, behind the scenes and intreviewing people for a while with my HVX200.
The problem is that is quite heavy and bulky compared with a dSLR as well as not able to get some kind of awsome shots whout an expensive lens adapter kit, in the other hand is quite handy with audio but no always essential.
I have to mention that the P2 cards are amazing, even a guy from Panasonic at te BVE expo told me to stick with them, but I don't know since they are quite expensive and I have to copy everything to my laptop every now and then.
As you may know the P2 bandwidth is very high compared to a dSLR...

My idea is to get a Canon 5D/7D, Red Rock Micro rig and a XLR adapter for the audio, and I'll be fine to keep working the way I'm doing it right now.

What do you think?
 
The best thing you could do is actually keep the HVX200 and buy a 600D or 60D. The reason for this is simple, and I'm saying this from experience: with DSLR's, specially if you film events that are long, uninterrupted, the DSLR's have flaws, like overheating, 9 minutes clip limitation, and, of course, too much shallow DOF, which means constant search for focus. Its true you will get good with the focus with practice, but depending on the type of shoot you're doing, if its an event that you are ENG'ing and have absolutely no margin for error, the HVX200 will always be your friend. The difference in picture from the 60D, 600D and 7D is non existent. The only plus the 7D has is in the stills department, in video its actually inferior, with the 600D offering you a digital crop function that effectively turns your lenses into zoom or telephoto lenses without any loss of quality whatsoever.

Buy 3 Zoom lenses: the 11-16 Tokina, the 24-105 IS L Canon and if you want telephoto, the 70-200L IS 2.8 (the 2.8 is really expensive but its the best Canon zoom lens in the market in my opinion. You could get the 4.0 IS which is also good). Also buy a couple of prime lenses, the 50 1.4 is a must. I would also get a 24 1.4L. This one is also very expensive but its a fantastic lens, probably the one I use the most. This set will have you ready for everything. Later on, look into buying the lens that make your video look "expensive"- the 8-15 fisheye, the 80 1.2 (amazing bokeh), the 50 1.2 and the 135 2.0L, my favourite Prime.
 
i dunno. i know i sound like a broken record but i am overwhelmingly disinterested in DSLRs. yeah, they do have their good points. but for me, the bad FAR outweighs the good.

a few major turnoffs:
1. rolling shutter. you will (especially with music video) occasionally need to do quick camera moves. EVERY DSLR suffers from rolling shutter "jello"
2. rolling shutter camera flash. ever watch some beautiful 5D wedding footage, then see the half-screen white block camera flash?
3. nearly all DSLRs suffer from either clip length limit or possible overheating.
4. moire. sorry, you WILL eventually have to shoot a guy in a herringbone suit or a scene with a shingled roof
5. LASERS. ive heard / seen several issues of a DSLR sensor get fried by an effect laser at a live music shoot.

dont get me wrong, in the right hands, in the right scenario, and with the right glass and support gear, DSLRs can produce some very pretty stuff.
my problem is that of unless you shoot features or budgeted and planned music video, that equation is very rarely the reality
 
Its a big transition in workflow and usability from a real video camera to a DSLR. I opted for the GH1 and I have more or less loved that light form factor with great images. Sound is another issue however...for real production quality sound you will need external sound recorders. Eventually, low and behold, your small form factor isnt small anymore! Gh1 is the most "videolike" DSLR and the images couple nicely with my HVX. If you really use your HVX in a true cinema style setting the transition to DSLR wont be too rocky. I wouldnt sell the HVX if you dont have to. Keep it around for a while until you are sold (or not) on DSLR's.
 
Perhaps try a GH2 for a while without selling off the HVX.

Some reasons:
1. can be set to match very well with its Panasibling, making two-camera shoots possible and simple when you want
2. relatively inexpensive - can be had with a few good fast lenses for relatively cheap (or great lenses for significantly more, if that's your bent) - can use just about any camera lens out there... Leica, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, M42's, M39's, C-mounts, etc.; it could actually turn out cheaper for you to have these two cameras (HVX and GH2) than to sell the HVX and buy and outfit one 5D
3. avoids at least two of the turnoffs mentioned by wgzn (no overheating - ever, no clip limits, moire is extremely rare)
4. DOF is at the "manageable" level - not ridiculously shallow even with a fast lens, but easy to get shallow when you want it
5. has actual useable in-camera audio with manual levels... still not great, but useable. For a quick runabout rig, something like a Videomic Pro is all you need.
6. functioning on-camera EVF, or flip-out LCD to actually see what you're shooting when the camera's at a high or low angle
7. small, light, easy to bring with you most anywhere, minimally intrusive. Try tossing any lensed Canon DSLR in your pocket... not going to work very well. GH2 + a pancake lens? Works great.

For the uses you mention, its flexibility may be just the ticket.
 
I decided to get either a Canon 60D or the Panasonic GH2
Regarding the HVX200 I think I will sell it and get the new AG-HPX250 or the AG-AC160
 
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