Michael Johnston
Forum Replies Created
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John,
I work in local news and run a production company. It’s important to me to stay up-to-date on the latest technology in the industry to stay ahead of the competition. I also get my hands on the new cameras frequently to at least do a half day test. I also have friends who are industry insiders that fill me in on things from time to time.
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Just FYI, the new PMW-160 is the upgraded NX5. The NX5 was a Sony experiment using AVCHD. The 160 is the NX5 except its 50Mbs XDCAM EX instead of AVCHD. For $600 more, the PMW-200 is a better camera with its 1/2″ chips. It is the replacement/upgraded EX1.
I have an NX5U and edit on Adobe CS6 and I LOVE the camera. I have the FMU128 hard drive too and its a must have accessory. No real complaints except there is a small focus issue. Essentially you zoom in, critical focus, zoom out, then slightly turn the focus ring to the right to get a crisp focus. It’s a slight defect with the chips, not the back focus.
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I’ve had it happen a few times but it was because my shutter was set higher than 1/60 and I didn’t change it before shooting under fluorescents. In every instance, the banding did NOT show up on the LCD and I didn’t see it until post. It will however show up on high end HD-SDI monitors.
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Since the NX5 was the first camera in the NXCAM line, it makes sense that Sony didn’t think to set up the HDMI output for professional applications, especially since it has SDI.
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There is a difference when you look at the raw video but the answer to your question depends on several factors such as 1. How much will you be color grading or adjusting the image in post? 2. How are you exporting your finished project? 3. Export settings? 4. Is it for web? Blu-Ray? DVD? Broadcast? The biggest of these is how much will you change the image in post? The 4:2:2 50Mbs will give you more flexibility in manipulating the image after the fact. However, once both raw images are put through post and then exported out the compression usually leaves a final image quality to a point where you can’t tell a difference between the two. I have the NX5 and I’m assuming the other cam you are considering is the PMW200. The most importance difference with the 200 is the 1/2″ chip versus the NX5 1/3″ chips and that is definitely worth the extra money.
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I have not used the Ninja 2 but after reading the specs it appears you should be able to trigger the start/stop using timecode through HDMI if the cameras timecode is set to record run. I’d have to have a Ninja 2 in front of me to figure it out.
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I would NOT trust mounting an HPX370 in a vertical position using a quick release plate. I certainly wouldn’t do it with some rigged up system. I suggest trying to get a smaller camera such as an HPX250 or 170 for that shot. Otherwise I suggest renting a jib with the proper equipment for that vertical shot.
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Based on the first post, you’ll still need to shoot SD. Your edit equipment won’t handle HD. However, you can still get an HD camera that shoots SD. If $2k is the limit, I suggest the Panasonic AG-HMC80. Solid camera with pro features like XLR inputs. If you can manage to hold off and save another $800, you’d be doing yourself a big favor by going with the Panasonic AG-HMC150. Best camera on the market under $3k. Good luck.
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The only way to get 4:2:2 is by using a Nano Flash and capturing from the SDI out. You can not record 4:2:2 50Mbs in the NXCAM cameras onto SD cards. Nano Flash is another $2k.
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You can’t set up picture profiles in the AX2000. That’s a feature you get when you upgrade to the NX5. That said, you’ll have to play with the NX5 picture profile settings to try to match it to the AX2000. Good luck.