[Andrew Dunn]

Mariusz makes an important point that some people find confusing. If both the Varicam and HDX900 camera could take the same tapestock, you would be able to record twice as much information on the HDX900 since it essentially records the same amount of information on half the space. The Varicam has been out long enough for everyone to know that when using the yellow 126 tapes, divide that number by 4 to get the amount of Varicam footage you can fit on it… aprox 32 minutes.

The 9 micron track pitch on the HDX900, like the 3 decks most often used (1700, 1200A and 1400), allow you to record twice as much footage on the tape as you can on the Varicam. That same 126 tape would give you 63 minutes of recording time if used in a 1200A, for example.

Bottom line, the tape you mentioned, the AJ-P66MP, will give you 33 minutes of recording time on the HDX900, not 16.

Andrew Dunn
Equipment Manager
Rule Broadcast Systems
https://www.rule.com

[Andrew Dunn]

Take this with a grain of salt since this is from a rental house point of view so it differs from the individuals who choose to own their own HDX900.

When ever a client calls to rent equipment, We try to learn how they are using the camera and what they are trying to accomplish. We prefer to act almost as a production partner rather than a rental house. There are, as mentioned in this forum, many reasons that a client really needs to use the Varicam. As soon as we realize that, the answer is easy, we will find the client a Varicam even if it can’t be one of ours. We would not try and convince them that the HDX900 is a good alternative if it isn’t and knowing what they are doing is the first step. (As I re-read that last paragraph it sounded really sales like but it is true.)

As for positioning the HDX900, we simply treat it like just another camera that records DVCPro HD. Once we determine that the HDX900 can work for their job, the positioning is pretty easy and not much different from helping them choose one DVCAM camcorder over another. (We have 10 different cameras that can record in the DVCAM format.) Since this is a really new camera, some clients would prefer a demo and, if time allows based on shoot schedule, we would accommodate.

Bottom line, if the client is still not confident, we would still get them a Varicam however, we have been around for awhile and I would like to think that our clients trust our opinion.

OK, next question: Most decks used today will play the HDX900 tapes but that is because most people have been using the Panasonic 1200A or HD1700 decks (and soon the HD1400). In the early Varicam days, there were also the AJ-HD130 and the AJ-HD150 decks. This was before the new LP or EX format existed and they record and play back only in the 18 micron track pitch. Bottom line is that these decks will play a Varicam tape and will not play a HDX900 tape. Think of it in similar terms to Beta decks and BetaSP decks.

I have not found a ‘white paper’ on the exact differences but most things you would find on a white paper is already known. The more interesting things are the ones not advertised like how the knee compares between the two or how to re-create a Film Rec look for the clients that actually shoot in that mode for the look. We do those tests in house however as our curisity gets the best of us.

And finally, as to the Fujinon lens… We tested it in a limited way since the moment the cameras came in the door, they went right out to clients. That said, none of our clients have reported any problems or dislikes with the lens. They have been added to our complete inventory so that a client could choose the Fujinon 17x lens with the F900 if they wish.

Andrew Dunn
Equipment Manager
Rule Broadcast Systems
https://www.rule.com

[Andrew Dunn]

I hope this doesn’t sound too much like an ad, because it wasn’t meant to be. We ( Rule Broadcast Systems ) received our HDX900 last week. We create rental pricing based on our cost of the camera, lens, tripod and batteries. With a list price so low compared to the Varicam, we’re pricing the HDX 900 for $625/day. Sorry Nick. I think once more rental houses have this camera, you are going to see similar pricing. For comparison, our Varicam rents for $950/day and Sony F900 for $1200/day. The rental includes the lens, tripod and batteries.

So far, we are really happy with the way it looks and what it does. Though I wish I new that it takes a 5 pin stereo microphone so I could have ordered it in advance as well. One thing which we discovered, though it should not have surprised us, was the potential problem when in 720/50p. Though the format will not be used too often by our clients, the older BT-LH900 monitors do not recognize this new format nor did the 1200A deck. The newer 8.4″ monitor does recognize the format and I would assume the 1400 deck does as well. Though I am still waiting on the deck.

Andrew Dunn
Equipment Manager
Rule Broadcast Systems
https://www.rule.com