Shooting a documentary with AJ-SDX900

[John Sharaf]

Mike,

If your specifications are professional quality 16×9 format and 24p frame rate, then you are limited to full sized cameras like the SDX900, XDCAM, IMX, new Digibeta or even a Varicam or Cine Alta (and use downconverted master). Unless you are familiar with using these sized cameras you will be handicaped by the presures involved in the run and gun situations you describe. If you were familiar with this type of camera you’d know that it is designed for just this type of work! It would be worth considering some practice with the camera before the actual production begins.

JS

[Noah Kadner]

Yup- I think the SDX900 rocks bigtime but it like most pro broadcast cams is not exactly lightweight. Worth a practice run to make sure it’s working for you personally as opposed to the Prosumer 24p cams like the DVX100.

Noah

[Providmike]

We havent used a large units since betacams and shot using the dvx100 for the past four years on our last project. Beyond just size do you guys feel the SDX is flexible enough to shoot on the go? ( once we are used to shooting with the SDX ) Does it handle low light etc? We will not be lighting anything and what will be captured is what is unfolding in life. Basically we are wondering if this camera is forgiving like the Dvx100 which we used for the past four years on our past project.

Thanks.

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Phantazma Pictures
phantazmapictures.com
sweetdreamsmovie.com
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[Tony]

The SDX is more forgiving than the dvx-100 but the operations and feel are quite different from an operator’s perspective.

Unless you need to fit the camera on the front dashboard of a car the size of the SDX is not an issue especially for handheld ENG work.

Handheld operation is easier in my opinion on a professional camera with a real viewfinder than using the dvx.

FYI the SDX like any other 2/3″ professional camcorder are used daily on shows ranging from documentaries to crash and burn reality tv.

Your requirements listed are nothing special that the SDX in the hands of a qualified experienced crew could not handle blindfolded. Just keep in mind it is not a toy so treat it with respect.

Tony Salgado

[Providmike]

We haven

[Providmike]

The one other thing I wanted to ask if anyone knows of any word to replace or upgrade the AJ-SDX900? Or should we expect it to stay the same for the next few years?

—
Phantazma Pictures
phantazmapictures.com
sweetdreamsmovie.com
—

[John Sharaf]

Mike,

Sounds like youur interested in buying one! I wouldn’t worry about it becoming obscelete, as far as SD goes. Perhaps Panasonic will choose to create a lead free model for European sales (if they feel there’s a significant market for it there), but the real question is how long will standard def remain with us (you). It’s undeniable that HD is on the way, there’s no turning back, and any documentary producer must think seriously of protecting their investment in current productions by shooting HD.

The Varicam is the ideal camera and the DVPRO100 format very condusive to low cost native HD editing and storage. In the mean time, the footage is easily downconverted for SD use while protecting the future sales and use (and even cinema release) with high resolution, wide screen and 24p film look.

I know it’s probably a matter of money (it usually is!) but one must seriously weigh the expense of purchasing an SDX900, glass and edit deck vs. a Varicam, lens and 1200A deck; it’s probably more than double, but I’d suggest the useful life is also more than double!

JS

[Will Griffith]

Check out “Laguna Beach” on MTV.
They use mostly available light with
the 900 and I think it looks great.
I believe they stick in some DVX footage
here and there as well.

-will

[Providmike]

Thanks for the good information guys.

—
Phantazma Pictures
phantazmapictures.com
sweetdreamsmovie.com
—

[Providmike]

One last question. From what I read this unit has two lense options. Which one of the two did you guys find to look the best and give the best film look.

—
Phantazma Pictures
phantazmapictures.com
sweetdreamsmovie.com
—