John Cummings
Forum Replies Created
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LOL–like Todd said!
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
I would try increasing the light level–that will allow you to work with a more forgiving f-stop and a deeper depth of field.
Those cameras have a notoriously bad viewfinder…try hooking up a decent monitor as a better reference?
If you simply can’t nail it, try starting out of focus and allowing the subject to come into focus as you push in and set. Not exactly what you’re after, but possibly an alternative?
Good luck…those shots are always boogers to do!
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
“…why not use the unislot to take the receiver off the side of the camera?”
Because I switch cameras from day to day and often use both channels.
And it’s a bit of a pain to swap it out of the slots…and I’m sorta lazy that way.BTW, I find using the SR as a single channel receiver (in ratio diversity mode) is as solid as a wired mic…even here in Chicago, which is a very frequency congested city. Check your local frequencies carefully so you get the right block before you buy.
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
Hi John-
I own the Lectro SR, and use it with small SMa transmitters, either with mics or as a stereo link. I love the SR, it’s been rock solid for me. I currently use the SR mounted externally on the side of my two slot-equipped cameras, because neither support dual channel slots. I attach it to the Anton/Bauer battery mounts via a BEC plate. I opted for the un-modified SR (no piggyback connector) because I will eventually move to newer cameras with two-channel slot capability.
I now thinking about adding a Nanoflash recorder to the mix, and that may force me to rethink the entire setup.
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
I have an HDX and can tell you that it does NOT support two channel slot receivers…only single. You will have to use the optional “piggyback” output of a Lectro SR to an external mic input for two-channel functionality.
Panasonic opted not to make two channel work with the HDX. Only God knows why…
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
After you hang a lens, battery and perhaps a wireless receiver, mattebox and monitor on that camera, it could weigh close to 30 pounds or more.
There are no safe “lightweight” solutions. If you go with too small of a capacity head, you risk overloading the head or a leg collapse that could ruin your entire day. Trust me, I know about failures.
I’m a big fan of sachtler heads and tripods. I have the same camera and would suggest the video 18 head at the very least. Heads (and especially tripods) lose some load capacity as they age and wear, so you’re always better off buying more capacity than you think you need.
Some guys I know use lighter Gitzo legs, but I feel safer with the HD legs from Sachtler.
Bottom line: this is one piece of gear where you get what you pay for.
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
At first blush, it sounds like a great deal for us.
But why these fire sales?
Panasonic is throwing their entire product-line pricing into disarray, confusing prospective buyers, infuriating recent Varicam purchasers, and sending mixed signals into the marketplace. A marketplace that was already confused by Panasonic’s bloated and redundant product lineup with all of the overlapping features, hobbled models, overpriced media and accessories.
So why risk that much damage for a few sales? What are prospective customers supposed to take away from all this? And does Panasonic actually think they can go back to retail Varicam pricing after this promotion ends and expect to make a ton of sales?
The moral to the story is this:
P2 is past it’s prime. We demand affordable and archivable media.
The split Varicam line was ill-conceived…from a marketing and technical standpoint. A $60K ENG camera doesn’t cut it anymore, regardless of the badge on the side.
We shooters have too many other more-affordable options for getting the same or even superior results.
The marketplace has moved on.
Hence the fire sale.
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
Jennifer-
Philip Bloom’s stuff got me interested…but this one opening shot probably sealed the deal for me:
Canon EOS 5d markII from Florian Foest on Vimeo.
I agree, it’s not for everyone.
But for the right client, the right budget and the right project, it’s definitely a contender to a Varicam…or any other camera out there.Edit- And I suspect the folks at Panasonic know this as well…
Cheers-
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
“I’d love a shiny new camera. But curiously, that P2 call hasn’t come yet.”
It’s not often I get to quote myself.
The P2 call finally came this week. I didn’t get the gig.I still want a shiny new camera, but it’s probably going to be a Canon 5D Mk2, first. That camera is mind-blowingly good.
Don’t know what to say about the new 2700 deal…just glad I didn’t buy one a few months ago…
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
“So…keep in mind that there is a difference between “overpriced” and “out of my price range”.
Well said.
J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50