Varicam 2700/3700

[Jeff Regan]

Yes, even if not using 4:4:4 output, full raster native 1080 sensors of the 3700 can be advantageous for compositing. There was a show on Fox called Dollhouse, shot first year on 35mm, second year on 3700’s and 2700’s when overcranking. Looked pretty good, even with deep DOF vs. 35mm. I can’t tell the difference on a 100″ 1080P DLP projector/screen between the 2700 and 3700. I went to Varicamp last year and we had a setup with a 2700 and 3700, viewed on a 50″ plasma, 17″ LCD and 24″ color critical CRT. Nobody could tell the difference, except that the 3700 was less light sensitive.

I agree that for DOCs, the 2700 is the right choice. 720/24PN is a great format for DOCs, internet and many network programming. It’s kinder to talent, much more efficient work flow wise.

There’s no reason why your BVW-400A wouldn’t be eligible for trade-in.

Jeff Regan
Shooting Star Video
http://www.ssv.com

[Robin Probyn]

Ok thanks Jeff

Yes dont think it would really pay off to go for the 3700.. how do you handle card downloading if you dont have a wrangler along.. I would think most times I wont.. having to drag laptop and two HDD,s cables etc would be a pain.. my hope is that the downloading will gradually become the directer s /PA,s task at the end of the day.. 🙂

Thanks again for your advise

[Mark Hayes]

I have been thinking about the 3700 (or 2700) also. Would do a trade-in. That being said, I shot a low-budget documentary last month using 2 EX3s (Sony). Looked very VERY good, I have to say, even though it is GOP, has rolling shutter and is not AVC Intra, etc. and does not have the Panasonic “look.” It didn’t look close to the 2700 but it’s an $8,000 camera after all.

Here is my question. Is the Sony EX 350, the 3/4″ Sony camera, something to consider instead of the Panasonic 2700? With the trade-in they are about the same price. I have owned both Panny and Sony over the years. My use would be more documentaries, but i would still like to have that “high budget” look.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Mark Hayes

[Jeff Regan]

I saw the 350 briefly at a trade show. Very good low light, low noise, full raster 1080, low power consumption, price includes low-end lens. However, it is CMOS, limited record capacity compared to 5-card P2 camera, only one HD SDI output(has HDMI though). Main issue for me would be the codec. Not sure if 2/3″ CMOS is worth 2X the cost of an EX3 when the codec remains the same. $18,900 is too much money for an 8-bit, 4:2:0, Long GOP, low bit rate codec, IMO. The 2700 at $19,950 trade-in plus viewfinder is still compelling to me a year after we bought ours.

Jeff Regan
Shooting Star Video
http://www.ssv.com

[Robin Probyn]

Hi Mark

Yes if your making your own films,and they sell or do whatever they are meant to to make yourself a living I would go for the 2700 for sure.. a step up from the Sony you mention for sure.. if the price is the same with trade in..

[Mark Hayes]

Thanks for the comments Jeff and Robin,

Here is a trailer from the project I am working on done on the EX3.

https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/13289143_hZLGz#966041702_izqmu

I saw the 2700 finished product on the new Criterion Edition of Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson’s “Bottle Rocket.” There in an “extra” called the “Making of Bottle Rocket” and Barry Braverman used the 2700. Looked excellent — way better than the EX3 but EX3 is pretty good and easy o travel with etc.

How long before Panasonic changes the 2700, I wonder. Guess I can ask Jan Critt. at DV EXpo next month. She may smack me in the head.

Mark

Mark Hayes