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HVX Alternatives
Hi,
We’re looking to get a few cameras and are having a bit of a hard time deciding on a model. I really like the HVX, particularly that I can record to solid-state or MiniDV. Ideally however, I’d like a camera with HD-SDI out, T/C in, and Gen-Lock. What sort of suggestions do you guys have?/What other features should I be looking for? -
6 Replies
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I’m not sure of the ‘exacts’ on the new Red series, Scarlet, but I’m definitely jumping ship when they come out in the Spring (allegedly). They’re 3K cameras starting around $3K… it’s just putting together your exact rig that might run you some extra money… but for the price of an HVX, roughly $6K for a legit one, you can get a TON of camera with the Scarlet:
https://www.red.com/epic_scarlet/
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[Jon Shelson] “/What other features should I be looking for?
“What are your needs? Why Genlock? Why TC in? Please tell us what you’d like to accomplish and maybe we can help narrow it down. A price range would be cool too.
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The two main things that we do are sort of at opposite ends of the spectrum. We do a lot of documentary style, promotional and yearbook videos, primarily for summer camps, with a few hundred hours of footage at the end of the summer. This is primarily SD still, and is why I feel that for the next year or two the mini DV capabilities are important. We also only usually capture the best footage which is why I’m hesitant to do solid state only. We also do live shoots of concerts and switch live, as well as record in HD. T/C makes editing and syncing to our recorded multitrack audio much easier since we usually run a T/C sync. The HVX is the ideal price but I’m open to options and have some flexibility.
I am able to survive without the T/C although would prefer it since it saves lots of time in post.
Thanks again,
Jon -
The HPX170 does not have genlock but it does embed TC in the SDI out and the SDI is SD or HD switchable. Most smaller modern switchers no longer require genlock for multiple sources anyway but I guess if you have to use an older or higher end switcher than does, you might need genlock.
Also, many people are not aware that the HPX170 does shoot DV, it just shoots it to P2 rather than tape. I did a job last week that the client requested I shoot DV so I did with the 170. I just laid off the DV to my DSR-45 via Firewire, worked like a charm. Not as convenient as tape deck on the HVX200A but the 200A doesn’t have TC or SD output.
Dan
Providing value added material to all of your favorite DVDs
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So since this camera can embed TC in the SDI, if I was switching live with a switcher such as the HS400A, I’d be able to push TC to all of my cameras?
Thanks again.
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Not knowing much about your switcher, I would think that would be a question for the switcher manufacturer.
I looked around though and cannot locate a box that breaks out TC from an HD SDI signal as separate analog connections, which would be what you would need if you were trying to integrate the 170 in with other cameras that have TC inputs.
Will rolling shutter artifacts be a factor in your shoots? (flashes, flashing lights, rapidly rotating objects, etc.) If not, sounds like the Sony EX3 would be right up your alley, although considerably more than the EX1 or 170.
As much as I hate JVC, you might also look at their cameras, I don’t know much about them but I think that they do have some models in this range that have TC I/O but do not have a convenient non-tape workflow although I think that they are coming out with some kind of digital recording setup but it’s still HDV codec (yuck). And there are always the outboard disc recorders. But again (yuck).
Dan
Providing value added material to all of your favorite DVDs
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