Wildlife Video?

[peter.ahrens]

I have been photographing wildlife, landscapes and nature in general for quite some time but want to expand into video.
So many people are using the Canon XL series of camera for wildlife shooting but I am not a particular fan of this camera.
My main question is regarding the suitability of the Sony HDR-FX1 or Panasonic HDX200 for this style of video? The clear disadvantage which I can see is the level of zoom these cameras offer but I presume they are probably built better and more robust than the Canon.
Although I am not sure how much zoom I really need you never seem to be able to get enough for some small birds.
I am open to any suggestions which people may have.
Thank you.

 

[Barry_Green]

The Canon zoom capability is unparalleled. The XLH1 goes to 110mm on its stock lens, which is twice as much zoom as the Sony or Panasonic offer. Even if you use the Century 1.6 tele-extender, you'll still only have 88mm, the Canon is still longer.

Combine that with the ability for the Canon to use still-camera lenses for 135 or 150 or 200 or 300 or 500mm, and you'll see that the Canon is completely unparalleled for telephoto reach.

But: aside from telephoto, the other cameras would do very well. Let me point out my favorite nature-footage clip once again; this is what an HVX can do:
http://10framehandles.com/movies/wolvesHD_720_Hi001.mov

I believe myfriendimage or someone on this board has been shooting nature stock footage on an FX1/Z1, hopefully they will write in and provide some Sony examples too.

 

[myfriendimage]

This is true barry.

Im running a stock company out of the northwest, and when it came time to decide what cameras me and my partner share the sony was a clear choice. Nothing was more aesthetic in our opinion than 1080i. We looked around at what camera was the best choice, the canon H1 was just starting to make it's apearance at this point although it crossed our minds the work I have done invovling the gl1, gl2, xl1, xl1-s. xl2 the image is yes nice and Canon really knows what they are doing lense wise but when it comes to imaging I always though that when you went for the crisp image you ended up getting a grainy oversharp image, instead of a crisp detailed image.

We also looked at the possibility of the HVX but P2 didnt seem like the most practical choice seeing as how we didnt want to haul a powerbook around to dump the P2 Cards every 20 minutes after shooting 1080p, when you goto Washington's rainforests you can be teathered to a dump, it made sense to stick with HDV.

We finally settled on the Sony because we loved the crisp yes smooth image it produced. We could easily switch tapes, and using the sony DV63M Tapes for HDV recording havent experience one drop out yet. The image comparisons showed the canon clocking higher resolution but zooming in on the same image shot with both cameras showed hot spots scattered throughout the image even though both were properly exposed. By this time the Sony was an obvious choice, we could shoot in HD getting 1080 lines of resolution, matched with sony's amazing image and color (in our opinion) and have the freedom todo pretty much whatever we wanted.

Here are some stills we got this winter to show you what the sony can do. Granted they arent our best work, saving that for when we go public, but it can show you crispness, color. basically a range in things.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Or want some more stills.

 

[peter.ahrens]

The wolf shot is quite impressive it seems so close, certainly shows off what the HVX is capable of. As much as I like the P2 format your point is a very good one myfriendimage, it may be and excellent format in the studio but perhaps not as easily adapted when taken abroad.
My only real concern has been the level of telephoto reach from the cameras which doesnt seem to be as bigger problem anymore.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to me, I have been over whelmed by the quick and friendly responses I have received. Thankyou.