Why I MIGHT buy an GV Infinity instead of an HVX200

L

Lucerna

Member
I've been following this forum religiously for a while now, but have never contributed until today. I own 2 DVX100a and to be honest I've never been more attached to a piece of technology like I've been with these cameras! They have been truly wonderful and have served me well. I've rented the Z1 and concluded that it is an OK camera, and have gotten good work from it especially when used with a Guerilla35. But now I'm ready for the next wave of cameras. I've been ready to pony up the money for an HVX200 since it was first announced, and have been patiently waiting for its release.....until I started reading about the INFINITY camera from Grass Valley. Now, this camera rocks!.... Imagine a 2/3 CCD coupled with a 720p60 and 1080(50i/60i), shoulder mount, interchangeable lens, Iomega REV/Compact Flash based recording, SDI-HD output and more.... ALL for $20,000 !!! This capabilities were only available in cameras costing 3x more!!
So I said to myself, instead of investing $10,000 on an HVX200 (excellent camera, based on its specs, but 1/3 CCDs) I rather put that money down and borrow the rest and get the INFINITY.
But then again, this is what I think now, I MIGHT change my mind when the HVX200 comes out and perhaps surprise evryone of us, including those who swear by the 2/3" cameras. I think by the beginning of December I'll have my mind made up, since GV will be showing their camera in an upcoming show in Washington.
In the same league there is also the HD-XDCAM by Sony, so there is a lot more to choose from.
Perhaps, the reason I'm writing this is seeking advice as to which camera to buy!!! How wonderful is to have choices!!!
Chao.
 
If you have 20 000 bucks to invest in a camera you have more options. But not al of us have that nice option.

But think that with a 10 000 dollar cam and god lightning equiptment you will bet a 20 000 dollar cam with no lights.
 
FWIW, I wouldn't get overly excited about the Infinity until there are more end-user reports on it.
 
So far they specs show that the GV will not do 24p. That's the deal killer for me. If it did 24p and you could shoot 60p and use it as slow motion, then I would be interested.

Cheers,
Chris
 
harlan said:
It will do 24p, but not until an upgrade comes out for it in late 2006.
Click to expand...

Did GV announce that? If so, that sucks that they have such a basic option pre-planned as an upgrade before the first generation is even released.

Cheers,
Chris
 
Agreed... if i'm dumping 20k on a cam body it'd better give me my 24p silky goodness®
 
Knock Out Films said:
that sucks that they have such a basic option pre-planned as an upgrade before the first generation is even released.
Click to expand...
It's not uncommon. Panasonic made a similiar move with the SPX800. The 24p upgrade wasn't ready for six months or a year after the initial release... Better late than never, I say.
 
Knock Out Films said:
Did GV announce that? If so, that sucks that they have such a basic option pre-planned as an upgrade before the first generation is even released.

Cheers,
Chris
Click to expand...


The sort of announced it. The GVG Infinity project manager discussed in an interview and mentioned a few other formats in addition to 24p which will be added to the Infinity system later in 2006.

While they're not directly advertising the fact (for good reason) if you ask them about it they'll be more than happy to tell you it's 'planned for' and should be released in an upgrade later in 2006.
 
I thought the 24p issue on the 800 was more of a timing issue when 24p was starting to get some steam. I didn't realize it was on purpose. Same as on the XDcam if I recall.

It is better late than never though. Could make a great camera.

Cheers,
Chris
 
The Infinity looks like a total breakthrough -- especially when you compare its $20,000 pricetag against the $32,000 pricetag of an HDX400 or the $50,000 pricetag of the cheapest HDCAM!

But $20,000 doesn't get you very far with an Infinity, as it doesn't have a lens. Count on at least another $12,000 for a bargain-basement HD lens, so at least $32,000 for a minimal configuration...
 
I was emailed by a GV representative and told me that I would be looking at spending $5-6K for an HD lens, so even $25-$30K is not a bad deal for an HD 2/3" camera with multiple codec options and tapeless acquisition forrmat (not to mention the backing of Thomson Grass Valley, a proven leader in this industry).
The only shortcoming (which is not that bad after all) is the omission of 24p mode. My question is now... Will the 24p upgrade be an entirely different camera or a firmware upgrade?

Chao.
 
I know of no 2/3" HD lens for $5-6K. That figure is waaaaaay low. The lenses for my VariCams were all between $28-34K for 2/3" HD Canon & Fujis.

My understanding of the 24p upgrade is that no, it will not be an entirely different camera. I'm not sure if it'll be something as simple as firmware or perhaps a new board/module. Obviously we won't know for sure until GVG decides to come out with some more info.
 
Mmmmmm that's what I thought too, that price for HD lenses is too low, but that's what he quoted me. I guess I got overly excited about the whole thing. Still I'm very excited about this camera and its capabilities. Does anyone know what the lux rating and latitude for the GV-INFINITY are, either published or based on the fact that it is a HD 2/3" CCD block?
 
and by the way this camera records JPEG2000 at 10 bits. If I am not mistaken DVCPRO HD is 8 bits. And that's a major difference! The compressed output from this camera through SDI-HD must be unbelievable!!!
 
The Grassvalley cam is certainly exciting and we will be considering it here but, unlike a lot of other people, the form factor of the HVX is crucial to some of our work so we will be getting the HVX and then will consider the Grassvalley as a primary shooter in the future.

By NAB 2006 we should be seeing some interesting 2/3" HD cams from several manufacturers. It's a good time to be in this field. :grin:

Cheers
 
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