[John Cummings]

I would find that surprising considering a large part of “Planet Earth” was shot on the earlier 720p version of the same camera with the same 2/3″ chip and worse compression.

But then again, you never know.

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

“Reminds me of a job interview I was in once. Head guy told me I was over qualified. I told him “yeah but I don’t plan on doing my best.”

LOL,I almost spewed coffee on my monitor.

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Having made it this far reading this thread, I must say my head hurts a little. My thanks to Fred for making me read his last post three times. Now, I think I’ll take De Bayer (aspirin).

Since I don’t personally own a pocket protector, I’m not sure I’m qualified to join this conversation. But as a small-time DP, what I want to know is this: Does the Alexa make great images? How will it look on the small screen? Is the camera ergonomically and intelligently designed? Can I pop it off the tripod and run with it?Is it rugged and reliable? Is it noisy? Does it run hot? Are the controls and menus easy to access and understand? Can I easily operate it solo? Does the post path work for a wide variety of clients with different systems?

Considering you can now buy an Arri (for cryin’ out loud!) for less than what an F900 cost just a few years ago, I’d say it’s pretty friggin remarkable. For the small screen…and let’s be truthful, that’s where most of us here on the Cow work…who needs Red with all it’s baggage and headaches?

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Wow, that was a great deal.
Sorry boys…as you were…

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Hey Peter, not to derail the thread, but I thought I’d mention that I just put one of those VF gadgets handles on my HDX and love it. Much stronger and more versatile. Now if I could just find some strap posts for it…

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Personally, I would have liked to see it build more…to see her in more trouble…cables tightening around the neck…across the face…over the eyes. Maybe cables coming out of the ground.

I guess I don’t understand the story…she falls down and suddenly is able to free herself from the cables….did I miss something?

Nice first effort though…and good luck with the baby!

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Thanks, that was so…insightful. Care to offer some wisdom about the fix?

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Thanks for the review. I’m very interested in pulling the trigger on one of these but I’m a little put off by not being able to…as far as I can tell…use the record button on the lens or have a tally without stringing more cables on the camera. It’s a small thing, but maybe not an insurmountable one from a technological standpoint? So, do you throw in tapes and double record or just use the record remote switch?
Also, are the files ready-to-edit without re-wrapping or transcoding and can you record a center cut SD if you need it?

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Do yourself a favor and hire a local fixer and driver that know the area and local customs and can cut the red tape. They can make everything happen and take care of any problems that will pop up. Worth every euro you’ll pay them. Bring some extra cash, because nothing seems to get done without it.

Like my buddy Ned said, things can move slowly there and without some help, you may run into some very expensive and/or time-consuming roadblocks.

Good luck!

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50
847-220-3172

[John Cummings]

Hi Cheryl-

If you still need help, feel free to contact me off-list, I can give you the name and email of a great fixer I worked with in Rome last summer.

J.Cummings
Chicago
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50