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Activity Forums Panasonic Cameras Upgraded to HPX370…Now What?

  • Upgraded to HPX370…Now What?

    Posted by Terry Leahy on November 2, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    Hello Cow Community. Recently I took advantage of the $2000 rebate on the HPX370. The camera has a list of roughly 11200, but B and H sells it for 9200 and with the discount it’s only 7200. I sold my Hpx170 for 2000, bringing my cost down to 5200 and worked out a deal with my production company that I would front the money if they paid a $200 dollar monthly rental fee to me for it. So I kinda had to take advantage of that. Not only that, but it’s nice to be the guy in town that has more than a handheld/dslr camera, regardless of image quality my clients just think a bigger camera is cooler. Also, I’m just not a fan of DSLR, but please don’t let this be a post about that.

    Really what I’m wondering is ok, I have the bigger better camera…so now what? How can I maximize my purchase? Much to my surprise there was not a Barry Green Getting to know the HPX370 book in there (doesn’t exist) so I have to look elsewhere to push my knowledge and abilities. A few things have been bugging me.

    1. People keep knocking the lens. Okay, I saw some lenses for 1/3″ camera one for 6 grand and another for 13 grand (both Fujinon). But what exactl should I be looking for? Also I saw that it works with 2/3″ lenses as well. Does that require an adapter and is the image quality at a higher level with 1/3 lens or 2/3 lens + Adaptor.

    2. Can somebody explain the back focus vs front focus and Macro and perhaps how/when to use them. I understand setting back focus and front focus when the camera will be stationary but what about while shoulder mounted?

    3. Carrying cases/Portabrace what should I be looking for

    4. How/Where can I increase shooting skills

    5. What are fun/interesting things about this camera that I’ve never heard of before?

    Any help that anybody has would be greatly appreciated, I just want to make sure I can get the most out of my investment regarding accessories, skill, image quality and protection.

    Steve Eisen replied 14 years, 6 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • Steve Eisen

    November 2, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Welcome to the world of shoulder mount cameras.

    [Terry Leahy] “Really what I’m wondering is ok, I have the bigger better camera…so now what? How can I maximize my purchase? “
    The same you would as your 170. There are no secrets. Bigger is not always better. There are some advantages and some disadvantages.

    [Terry Leahy] “Does that require an adapter and is the image quality at a higher level with 1/3 lens or 2/3 lens + Adaptor.”
    Yes it requires an adapter. Just like all photography, the lens makes a huge difference.

    [Terry Leahy] “Carrying cases/Portabrace what should I be looking for”
    Kata or Petrol

    [Terry Leahy] “4. How/Where can I increase shooting skills”
    Practice, practice, practice.

    Steve Eisen
    Eisen Video Productions
    Vice President
    Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

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