Varicam2700 vs H

[Robin Probyn]

Thanks Jeff.

What sort of download times are you getting..any particular reason for going for the MSU 10 instead of latest nexto with the P2 slot..?

Thanks

[Jeff Regan]

Robin,

I got 5x transfer speed with data verification off on a 16 minute test. Please see the NexTo thread above. Obviously, the NexTo has more media flexibility than a P2 only solution, but the MSU10 is more of a rental customer friendly device, I think.

I like being able to slide the HDD tray out of the unit and connect it directly to a computer via dual USB or eSata. Of course, one could have multiple trays with HDD’s or SSD’s to work with on long form projects.

One issue that I have run into, besides not being able to playback clips, is when connecting to an external HDD, my Mac OS formatted drive was not recognized by the MSU10, so it looks like PC formatted drives are necessary, unless using a laptop in between MSU10 and external HDD’s. More testing is needed.

Again, what I would buy for myself is often different than what is best for rental clientele. If there is a problem with data transfer, at least I was using a Panasonic solution, much like always using Sony tape with Sony camcorders–a way to cover oneself.

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

[Jeff Regan]

Chris, I have two Letus Ultimate 35mm adapters and a Letus B4 Pro 2/3″ relay lens. I don’t think they’re better than the Pro35, but quite similar and much less money when new.

The whole “Full HD” or “Full Raster” thing is just marketing, 720P using AVC-Intra 100 IS full raster. In the days of DVCPRO HD, 720P was limited to 960 horizontal. Now it’s 1280 horizontal, so one could argue that if 720P was considered good in the tape Varicam days, it’s now really good, especially when combined with 10-bit color depth and the efficiency of MPEG4.

As far as spanned clips, I can’t remember if that can be defeated. I have never had an issue with spanned clips in post, at least none that a client has called me about.

The 2700 has more latitude, true Native frame rate recording, a much more sophisticated studio quality codec, Film Rec 600%, more variable frame rates, 32 bit DSP, additional gammas, chroma control, hi-color(not to be used with Film-Rec), color correction in addition to matrix controls, five P2 cards are like carrying a case of tape in the camera, no more cueing of takes, much faster data transfer, meta data, proxy option, CAC–really a big, big step over a legacy tape Varicam.

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

[Jeff Regan]

2700 has a gamma correction setting for Film-Rec for the viewfinder and three HD-SDI outputs, if wanted, similar to the Varicam gamma in a Panasonic 1700 monitor.

Most DP’s that I know(including myself) use Film-Rec in WYSIWYG mode, unless the director isn’t used to looking at flat film gammas of any kind.

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

[Chris Magid]

Well. Shot a few days on the new 2700 rig. Very nice.

The combination of AVC-Intra 100 and the other updates definitely result in a lower noise image which can pushed a little further in color correction. A big improvement.

Now a question.

There are some subtle differences and additions to the settings comparable to my H. My goodman’s guide was great to help me through the H.

Is there anything like a goodman’s guide addendum or resource which would detail the new wrinkles and maybe advise.

The camera is great, the manual however BLOWS.

Chris Magid
RTVF

chris magid
chris@gortvf,com
Renaissance Television & Film
http://www.gortvf.com

[Jeff Regan]

Varicamp was an invaluable training class that I did in ’09. The 2700 and 3700 definitely have new/more menu options to consider:

DRS 1, 2, 3(which supercedes whatever gamma you set)
Chroma
Hi-Color(don’t use with Film-Rec)
Film-Rec up to 600%
Color correction in addition to matrix
CAC
Pre-Record
Gamma compensation for Film-Rec for VF and HD-SDI outputs

I put VFR with one frame rate on a user switch and a second frame rate on another user switch. You can paint the camera with the menu wheel.

Lot of power in these cameras.

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