[Dave Anderson – roscor]

Nik:

HDX900 packages can vary widely, as low as $35k up to where ever you wish to stop spending. There’s a growing range of pro and broadcast HD lenses and countless accessories and toys (monitors, paint box, mattebox, tripods, cases…). Customer A

[Dave Anderson – roscor]

I couldn’t agree more with everyone’s responses. Avoid using a professional camcorder such as the HDX900 as a VTR. Yes, it can playback the tape but it’s designed for reliable “lightweight” field recording, not as a workhorse studio VTR. I remember this same issue many years ago when Sony first put RS-422 on a portable Betacam deck (BVW-35) and everyone wanted to use it for playback in editing. Even that 15-pound VTR wasn’t designed for that kind of playback situation. The recommendation to not use a camcorder as a playback deck is based on the fact that most of today’s camcorders are tape-based and you don’t want to prematurely wear out the expensive heads and tape path.

Right or wrong, it’s common practice for many owners of small format camcorders (DV, HDV, HVX200) to use their one camcorder forshooting and playback. Not an ideal situation but it fits the budget. Projects that utilize a truly professional camcorder such as the HDX900 (or PDW-F350 or Varicam or HDW-F900, etc.) are more likely to have the budget to afford the most appropriate playback device: a studio deck.

Of course, all of this potentially changes as camcorder technology becomes tapeless and there are fewer or no moving parts left on a camcorder.

Dave Anderson
HD Cinematography Manager
Roscor – HD Sales & Rental
847-299-8080 Ext. 1354

[Dave Anderson – roscor]

The current Digi Beta camcorder model is DVW-970 and was introduced at NAB 2005. It shares the same camera, chassis and options as the IMX version MSW-970 which debuted at the same time. Both have optional 24p and picture cache boards. Other than LA and NYC, there are few of these 970 models for rent because we’re all investing primarily in HD, not SD.

I suggest shooting HD whenever possible and downconverting for post if required. Shoot it once, and make money with that content today and tomorrow.

Dave Anderson
HD Cinematography Manager
Roscor – HD Sales & Rentals
616-954-2001
http://www.roscor.com

[Dave Anderson – roscor]

Nate hit the primary differences between the PDW-F330 and PDW-F350. Basically, the F350 has more features for the production market (overcrank/undercrank, better I/Os) while the F330 will appeal to news and customers requiring a lower priced system. Otherwise, both models share the same camera front-end and XDCAM HD technology, and use the same accessories.

Dave Anderson
HD Cinematography Manager
Roscor – HD Sales & Rental
847-299-8080 Ext. 1354
http://www.roscor.com

[Dave Anderson – roscor]

The “typical” HDX-900 package sells for considerably less than $90k – $100k, although this price range is completely possible for a very nicely loaded package, especially if an AJ-HD1200A (soon to be AJ-HD1400) VTR is included. I suggest a budget of $75k for a very nice package with ENG lens, tripod/head, AC/DC, monitor, mattebox, follow focus, cases. Packages can sell for a lot less and for a lot more.

I regularly receive emails asking “What is your price for an HDX-900?” or HDW-F900? or a Varicam?, I reply by asking for more information about who you are and what you do. An HDX-900 package for Customer A could be all of $40k, while a package for Customer B might be $100k. Exact same camera, but one package is minimally equipped and one is highly configured.

Suggestion: avoid purchasing this level of product by price alone. Select a partner who truly understands HD, one who can provide training, who can answer real-world operational and application questions, and who can provide technical service and support. Lowest price doesn’t necessary mean best price. Afterall, you’ll depend on this camera for years after you’ve purchased it.

Regards.

Dave Anderson
HD Cinematography Manager
Roscor – HD Sales & Rental
616-954-2001

[Dave Anderson – roscor]

There are many excellent HD ENG-style lenses to choose from. In terms of entry price points, look at the Fujinon HA18x7.6BERM and Canon HJ17x7.6BIRS. Both are under $20k MSRP. Many of my customers use these lenses.

Feel free to contact me offlist if you’d like to discuss lenses, cameras and HD.

Dave Anderson
HD Cinematography Manager
Roscor
danderson@roscor.com