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HDX900 pleasure……………
I must say that I’m very pleased with the camera. The value vs. cost is better than any camera we have ever purchased. We added the Canon HJ-11 4.7 wide angle lens to the package and it seems to be the perfect combination for what we do. We were very pleased to see the “standard def video out selection” considering that it allows us to still use a wireless video transmitter for producers, as well as our current SD field monitors when running the crane. We are currently running the panasonic 17″ HD field monitor but it’s nice to have several monitors on a set. We have manually added several setups using some SDX900 Gamma settings as well as Varicam settings as a starting basis. We have a full card of HDX900 settings at this point.
It seems to me that the only difference our clients will see between the Varicam and the HDX900 is the capability to over and undercrank the camera which is the main advantage the Varicam has over the HDX900. I think that you will see the HDX900 the camera of choice with most networks shooting HD for field crews mainly because they will be shooting on the HDX900 as well. I know that Scrips/HGTV and ESPN are embracing the HDX900 because of it’s price point, and why wouldn’t they? It’s the perfect reason to jump knee deep into HD and a reason they were waiting on. The need for under-over-cranking doesn’t exist in many of those networks. The funny thing is that many of them don’t even want 24P. We just used the HDX900 on a recent shoot for the History channel and the same setup was requested. 720p 30 frames.
Our rate for a 2 person crew on the HDX900 is set at $2250 a day. I think it’s interesting to see people panic about what the rate will be….should be…may be…rather than set more of a standard rate and stay there. Sell yourself on your talent and experience rather than rate. We regularly watch crews in New York and Califonia slash their own prices to compete with the guy down the street at rates that we would never consider. We’re not out to just pay the power bill.
In any event, we couldn’t be more pleased to have the HDX900 onboard. The capability to shoot 1080i is also a plus. I’m sure we have much to learn about the camera considering we have only had it for about a week and look forward to people shaing their experiences with the camera.
DP/CamMate Crane owner/Operator
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4 Replies
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I agree with everthing you have said here…with the exception that in fact the HDX can overcrank at 60p (and 50p) and with the FRC in Final Cut, I have some great slomo shots. Also one could say that the digital gain function acts every bit like the uncercrank of the varicam albeit not as many frame rate choices as the varicam… How often do you need to shoot at 17fps or 55fps for that matter? I am sure that there are times for specific off speed frame rates and that why I am glad the Varicam is there.
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I know what you are saying…. I just meant that the Varicam will allow you to shoot in many varibable frame rates and the HDX900 doesn’t have that capability.
Lee Dashiell
http://www.varicamcrew.com
South Carolina HDX900 Varicam Crew
DP/CamMate Crane Owner/Operator -
Variable speed is just one of the features the varicam has over the HDX-900 you left out film rec which for those seeking additional exposure latitude is a major plus.
The HDX-900 is clearly intended for the same market the SDX-900 has gathered a stronghold in except now these clients can benefit from 720 and 1080.
Tony Salgado
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Where can we see HDX-900 footage ?
thanks
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