Varicam question

[Ray Palmer]

We have two HDX900s and one Varicam and I can tell you that the HDX900s are the preferred camera by my shooters.

The HDX900 has the Firewire, HDSDI, SDSDI, Composite outputs where the Varicam is only HDSDI.

The HDX900 can record both 1080i and 720p where the Varicam is only 720p.
A drop-in wireless microphone receiver has a home on the HDX900 but not on the Varicam.

Truely a more flexible camera than the Varicam.
I can expand more on this but only if you want me to.
Ray

[Nino Giannotti]

Thanks for the prompt reply Ray. Trust me, this issue has been discussed extensively with this client. This BTW is a big client. I wish I could purchase the 900 but if I did I would still have to rent the Varicam for this specific series of shows. We described in details all the 900 pluses to the client but they never needed any of those features and most likely will not need any of those in the foreseeable future. The client itself has invested in four Varicams and their concern, among others is full compatibility.

My question above was personal. In addition to serve the client would I be able to capture footage on FCP by using the camera HD SDI out to playback instead of renting or buying a deck? This would make me feel a little better in making the Varicam investment.

[John Sharaf]

Nino,

You can capture from the camera through the HD-SDI output by using a capture card in your NLE. I’d recommend the AJA Kona cards and Final Cut Pro (FCP). AJA also makes a stand alone box, known as the HD iO which you can use with a laptop in the field.

Now, as regards the drawbacks of doing so, you really do put unnecessary wear and tear on your camera by the additional use and shuttling of tapes. A deck like the 1200A or 1400 is a valuable addition to any DVCPRO100 tape-based kit and I’ve found that they are quickly amortized by rentals. Remember that almost every client who uses your Varicam will need to digitize into their NLE and they’ll rent the deck from you, especially if you offer them a favorable price. In some markets these decks are still hard to come by in the rental community.

In the HDX900 vs. Varicam discussion, remember that a used Varicam now costs about the same as a new HDX900 and that despite Ray’s endorsement, the Varicam does still offer several advantages; of course the ability to be a variable frame camera. I use the slomo and undercrank all the time. In addition the Varicam’s Dynamic Range Control of 200-500% is a very powerful and predictable tool for highlight control and the Cine-Like looks on the X900 are not really the same.

The client is quite right in specifying the camera to match their fleet and believe me, you will not be disappointed with the pictures or the profit you’ll see from buying this camera. If you are buying used, still try to get the latest model “H” version, as it has many updated features and is slightly quieter than the more common “F” model.

JS

[Matt Larson]

With the IoHD and a MacBook Pro (with external drive) it is possible to take the HD-SDI out of the camera and digitize in ProRes direct to disk ,on the fly, in the field.

If you capture with AJA’s VTRXchange App you will be able to get HD video, audio and timecode all from the same cable.

[Andrew J. cifelli]

Nino,

I’m considering making the swith to the HDX 900.