Fisher price toy!

[Steve Connor]

I agree it’s not exactly the best looking camera, but most will argue it’s the pictures that count and from the footage that is now starting to appear they seem to be very good.

Steve Connor
Cardinal HD

Please fill in your profile – it helps US to help YOU!

[David Battistella]

I thnk that the HVX is the most functional of the camera’s just because of things like the fact that they have placed everything in the right place for functionality. It is really easy to use. THat is the fisher price part I like.

Yes they could use the Apple product design team for the next release for sure

[Belltvguy]

I started with a B&H DR70 many, many moons ago. Turret lens, no through the lens viewing, wind and shoot. 15 – 20 seconds a scene. Someone once said it was used as a hammer too. It was an ugly camera, but we produced some great movies with that camera. I sure felt a lot cooler once I started using the ARRIs, but its a tool! The DR70 would do 90% of what the ARRI would do. When your show is finished and the audience is filing out, you don’t want them asking, “What camera did you use to lens that incredible video?” You want them to tell you how great your message was communicated. How interested they now are in your subject and what effect the viewing had on them. Let your son use the HVX and let’s see what he can do with it.

Michael Neal
BHTV
Creativity Unleashed

[Dennis Lisonbee]

If credibility with clients is dependent on the size and shape of our gun, then buying an Ikegami HL79/Betacam combo on EBAY would make perfect sense.

[Ed Dooley]

I did a shoot back in May with a DVX100, the first small camera shoot I’ve done. For a couple of days I had big camera envy, all the
other crews at this event (the Beach Soccer World Cup) had big rigs. But after a couple of days I noticed that the other crews in the
hotel bar in the evening were drinking as much for the pain relief as for the pleasure. My crew on the other hand, were feeling fine.

Having said that, I have to say, that although it’s true that getting the story told is the important thing, regardless of equipment,
some of my clients are very impressed when we show up with the big cameras, and have never said anything about cameras when
they see a little one. When we’re doing a corporate video, and the client is impressed by our big iron, then that translates into more
projects (assuming the final product is good). I travel a lot, and the best thing that the HVX will do for me (other than its price) is
give me a good image without a broken back. I just returned from a 2 week trip with a whole lot of flying, and we paid $200 for
excess baggage on one leg of a flight! Shannon, Ireland to Glasgow Scotland, $200. That added up to over $1,000 for the whole trip.
A lighter tripod, a lighter camera, a new small LCD monitor, all reduce the strain quite a bit. So, we’re not getting rid of our big
cameras anytime soon. If a client is impressed by them, it’s more dollars in my pocket. We had a little joke project here, thinking
of a way to make a big fake camera shell that any little camera could snap into. 🙂
Anyone remember the guy who built a camera out of wood, and put a tin can on the front for a lens, and hand wrote PRESS on index
cards that they hung around their necks? They got through all kinds of airport security.
Ed

[Ron Lindeboom]

I would have to agree with you, Dennis. After all, one of the most successful cameras in recent history was the Canon XL-1 and let’s be kind and say that it was easily one of the ugliest cameras ever made. I remember when I first got mine and people would ask what it was, there was always a hint of doubt in their voice — it was never a strong complimentary tone but rather a doubtful inquisitive tone.

But it made many people I know, a lot of cash. A lot.

Even with that funny twisted angle thingie it had going on…

;o)

Ron Lindeboom

[Daniel Weber]

Ed,

Great point about travel!!! I used to travel with a Sony DSR-570 and a Sachtler tripod all around the world. I paid a lot of money in extra baggage charges.

Now I travel with a Sony Z1 (yes I know what forum this is, I am talking about size) as a carry on with my laptop bag. I then use an REI hard bottom duffle bag with wheels as my only check in. I can fit the Miller Solo DV tripod in there as well as enough clothes and extras for 2 weeks of travel.

I still get great images from the field and my back is thankful and my wallet is heavier from not having to pay extra baggage charges.

Every time I go some place new, who ever is picking me up at the airport keeps looking around for the rest of my gear. I have to keep telling them that I travel light.

I usually work a 16 hour day and I can still raise my arms above my head at the end of the day.

Don’t even get me started on getting through customs with a small camera compared to the big ones. After 9/11 things changed for those of us who travel for work. The new generation of small cameras makes the work more fun and enjoyable. Even if the cameras could look a little better, though nothing was ever more ugly than the JVC 300 mini dv camera that came out a few years ago. The HVX 200 doesn’t have anything over on it when it comes to looks!!!

[Ed Dooley]

A guy in town is a shooter for 60 minutes. He gets called to all over the country with little notice, and travels
with 21 pieces of luggage *every* trip. Ouch! I’m not sure, but I’m guessing my Miller System 30 sticks alone weigh
as much as a HVX200 *and* sticks.
Ed

[Accountclosedduetopolicyviolations]

[Ron Lindeboom] “After all, one of the most successful cameras in recent history was the Canon XL-1 and let’s be kind and say that it was easily one of the ugliest cameras ever made”

I find Xl-1 to be “good looking”.
It reminds me of 16mm AATON film cameras.
Anyway,I just bought Sony FX-1 for additional shots,this might please some HDV members…could not wait anymore.
regards-jiri vrozina

[Accountclosedduetopolicyviolations]

You are right about weight,but at the end of the day it is worth it.
Shots look so much better from 2/3′ gear and You can do so much more when shooting with bigger gear….but I will agree with You about weight.
We are using small camera for extra shots.
jiri