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New Sony Camera
This is not so much a Vegas query as a hardware query, though I do need my version of Vegas 8 Movie Studio Platinum to be compatible.
I shoot weddings and use a Sony FX7. I am going to add another camera and will certainly be getting another Sony BUT will ensure that it has XLR inputs for the audio as this was a massive regret with the FX7.
What is the recommendation in terms of camera model. Do I go with AVCHD or stick with the HDMiniDVs.
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4 Replies
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What is the recommendation in terms of camera model. Do I go with AVCHD or stick with the HDMiniDVs.
I feel that it’s a matter of personal preference of workflow so this post is entirely based on my personal opinion.
I own a Sony HVR-Z1U and HVR-A1U (both HDV) and would only buy another HDV camera if I got a third one. In fact, I had my eye on the FX7. HDV edits easily, even from multiple cameras, and I have a Hard Disc Recording Unit so I don’t have to bother with tapes. My AVCHD camera (little consumer Sony CX-12) is just for vacations and after handling AVCHD I would never use it for professional work. OK it’s bad to say “never” but it’s a bear to work with, doesn’t play back smoothly, and is just not worth the trouble. Maybe when I have a 12 core computer. lol
If I were you, I would buy another FX7 and two Beachtek DXA-2S adapters. They mount under the camera and give you 2 XLR inputs. They even have a model that has phantom power. No need to regret buying FX7, just fix the problem with a Beachtek. I have one for an older DV camera that I have and it works great. This is what I would use if I got an FX7.
If you do get an AVCHD camera, you WILL NOT be able to do multi-camera editing unless you convert the AVCHD to another format. Preferably Cineform. There isn’t a computer powerful enough to edit multiple AVCHD streams. (at least not with a non-GPU accelerated application like Vegas) So be prepared to transcode all of your captures if you go with AVCHD. I would download some AVCHD footage from the internet and play with it on your computer and see how it edits before you make a decision.
As you can tell, I dislike AVCHD which is why I say this post is just my personal opinion based on my first-hand experiences. Other people love it. Your mileage may vary, void where prohibited by law, don’t try this at home, batteries not included! 😉
~jr
http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com -
John, thanks for the feedback. Before I jump in a buy the DXA-2S (or 2T) I want to clarify that I will get significant benefits. At present I use the Azden 320UPR receiver with 2 x Azden 30BT transmitters with laval/shotgun mics. The DXA-2S will allow me to place the audio on separate track in Vegas which is reason enough to get this device. What I want to know is, will I get better quality sound?
I will essentially be running the receiver to the DXA-2S via 3.5mm jack (receiver) with dual XLR inputs into the DXA-2S. I will then have to run 3.5mm jack from the DXA-2S to the camera input.
Finally, if I also have my second Rode Video Mic plugged into the auxiliary input on the DXA-2S, can I record all three sources? That is, for example, have one lavel on the groom, a shotgun up the front and then a shotgun mounted on the shoe of the camera to get some clapping/ambiance.
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If you are using wireless mics with a receiver that has a 3.5mm jack why did you even need XLR at the camera?
What the Beachtek gives you are “balanced” XLR inputs with an optional 40 dB pad for Line/Mic. You could run a 100 foot mic cable from your camera via XLR and have no noise. This is the advantage of balanced inputs. You also have a nice large gain knob to control volume. Yes, each XLR input will be on a separate channel in Vegas. If you use the aux mini-jack input it will be on the right channel so you should avoid using the right XLR. You could try and blend the two but you can easily overload the input and cause distortion so I would advise against this.
~jr
http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com -
If you are using wireless mics with a receiver that has a 3.5mm jack why did you even need XLR at the camera?
I want to replace the 3.5mm male-male jack with the 3.5mm male-2xXLR input as at present both channels are on one track in Vegas. I want to be able to isolate the two mics so that I can remove unwanted audio. Sure I can turn one channel off at the receiver but it is a lot of stuffing around.
Non-related, I am getting some random drop out via the wireless mics. They work the majority of the time. Last week for example, I had a laval mic on the groom and the other laval mic on the lectern. The priest was ‘supposed’ to be at the lectern or with the couple. He decided to stand in the middle for a minute for two and was probably 12 feet from both sources and slightly in front with his back to them. Sure enough…I noticed a couple of times where the sound just dropped out. And I mean totally. It is a silent section in Vegas for like a half second and I can only put it down to the fact that he was ‘out of range’. This should not cause a total cut out though? The batteries in the receiver/transmitters are new for each job as I can not risk dead batteries. Any ideas what might cause these silent sections? The unit is an AZDEN 320
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