Varicam vs HVX200

IBEJohnson

IBEJohnson

Well-known member
This may be an idiotic question. I'm fully prepared to hear that. But I would feel more idiotic by not asking it.

If you had the chance to use the original Panasonic Varicam (AJ-HDC27, correct?) or the Panasonic HVX200 for your upcoming feature, free of charge for the camera and ALL accessories, which would it be?

Let me just add this this would be an ultra low budget feature (between $30k - $100k), and it is our desire to obtain the highest possible production value within our budget (I think I just stated the obvious). Also, theatrical distribution is the intended method, but of course, not guaranteed.

I ask only because this is a realistic dilemma that I may soon face.

Thanks in advance!

Eric
 
Hell ya, the Varicam. Don't even think about the hvx if you can use a Varicam.
 
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actually i have the same question...

what if it's HVX+Letus Extreme VS Varicam (with only a fujinon zoom)? to me 35mm adapter footage looks a bit more filmic than the Varicam...
 
We have a Varicam,HPX3000 and hvx200's. When choosing between Varicam and the 200 unless there are an absolute necessity we opt out for the varicam everytime.

PS: We are upgrading to the Varicam P2 which what we love about the HVX200.
 
LuckyStudio 13 said:
This is like asking if given a free car, would you select a Kia or a BMW.
Click to expand...


Wow, that's a tough one. I've seen some nice-looking Kia's. :)

In all seriousness though, I figured that would be the overall response. It's good to get confirmation though.

And ChipG, thanks for the link to the article. Very helpful.

While we're discussing the Varicam. Does anybody have any 'favorite' Varicam movies that they might suggest? I'll check out Fireproof in the theaters, especially to see what a 35mm transfer loks like. But if there are other good representations of the camera's potential, I'd like to know.

Thanks again everyone.

Eric
 
If it was an HVX200(A) + Letus Ultimate + Zeiss glass vs Varicam I wouldn't even bother with the Varicam but then the budgets would probably be the same.

I've mixed this exact same combo with Varicam footage and you'd be hard-pressed to tell them apart at 720p. Then again, Fireproof still looks incredible for a digital image.
 
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Hi Kholi,

I would respectfully disagree with you for opting out for the 200. The varicam will provide you better latitude, less noise, ability to paint in the camera, filmrec and ton of other options the 200 cant.

Wouldnt you agree?

Cheers,
 
what if you were shooting a music video, VARICAM was a cam and HVX was b, VARICAM outfitted with canon cine lenses and HVX with stock lens.

giving the HVX a completely different look, to clearly separate the two cameras, what HVX settings and recording format do you think would be best to TRY and hold up to the VARICAM in terms of sharpness?

thanks.
 
Go with the VariCam everytime. The dynamic range of the image is so much better, plus the resolution gain, plus the image control options. If you still want that 35mm look then there is always a Pro35.. but then again the Pro35 rents for the price of a HVX200. :)

The 2700 is a very sweet camera. It is the best of both worlds - all the image qualities of the Varicam and the power of P2 w/ AVC-Intra.
 
i'm amazed that the technicians couldn't figure out how to ingest P2...

"Once system specs were in place, Kendrick still wondered how stable the capture process would be during filming. But surprisingly, workflow problems arose from another source. They planned on using the Panasonic HVX-200 as a B camera to get shots in situations where the Varicam just wouldn’t work, such as by the fast-moving wheels of a freight train. But the process of importing the P2 footage was not straightforward. “It took us longer to figure out the workflow with the P2 cards than it did with the VariCam and Blackmagic card. On the front side I began to get real scared that we weren’t going to be able to get to the P2 footage because our technicians were having trouble dumping it out,” Kendrick admits. "

its about a million times easier to import a p2 card than it is to set up a blackmagic workstation...
 
varicam is on a while different ballgame compared to the hvx, there is a reason why the varicam costs 45k and hvx 5k, watch "once upon a time in mexico" that was shot on the old varicam
 
aalleexx said:
varicam is on a while different ballgame compared to the hvx, there is a reason why the varicam costs 45k and hvx 5k, watch "once upon a time in mexico" that was shot on the old varicam
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Nope, it was a first generation Sony F900.
 
PLANT EARTH...the BBC show that aired on Discovery. 90% Varicam...the rest 35mm, super16mm and 70mm. But mostly Varicam...and the ORIGINAL one.

I'd opt for the Varicam overy HVX-200 every time. Larger sensors, better glass...better image. MUCH better low light response.

Not even a question...I wouldn't hesitate for a second. Varicam hands down.
 
Planet Earth is a great example of what a varicam can do when tweaked to its limits (the first generation models were used in that). I'm still in awe every time I watch it.
 
I'm human, I could be wrong but if my memory still serves me I remember a lot of talk going around Dimension Film studios about them getting 2 of the first Sony F900's for Rodregez to shoot it on. It is a possiblity they could have changed to the varicam.

Have you found anything on google about it?
 
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