[Michael Palmer]

What NLE are you using?
With XD Cam you can use the XD Cam Transfer software to convert to .mov if you are using Final Cut, and edit HD and render out SD. I was testing the Sony Clip Browser 2.0 to see if I could convert raw EX codec XD Cam files to SD but had no luck to see if you could convert before you start. I quess you could always capture using the deck but this bleeds you of time and defeats the digital files based system you are starting with.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

Soft light comes by way of indirect lumens and/or diffusing a light and there are tons of ways to achieve different levels of soft indirect or diffused light. I prefer to aim the source light away from the main diffusion bouncing it first into a material like the silver bubble foil insulation you mentioned to reduce the amount of the direct lumens but still have the punch to fill the main diffusion layer you have in front of the box. There is no difference when it comes to coverage needs between the soft or hard light, so if faces are what you plan to use this with then you should be OK, but if you plan to light a car then plan on making it 500 percent larger. Just know this light can only help you so much and you will have to store it unless you devise a plan to break it down.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

Craig, Will this be an end user update or will we be sending the camera to San Jose?

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

No, the camera can’t record like a deck, however there is the EX-30 deck soon to be available that will record HD-SDI signals.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

“What is the relay lens?”

I believe It is a lens that can allow the camera to see the image on the spinning optical plain.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

I can see why you are frustrated so if you haven’t purchased this EX1 I would say you might try the EX3 if after market shoulder rigs aren’t an option. The EX3 has addressed this issue however I’m still waiting to take delivery of my EX3 so I can’t compare them. One thing I have become a custom to is using a monopod that allows me to move quickly to many camera positions, this doesn’t allow me to use the view finder, only the flip out monitor, but this view finder IMO is not worth using anyway. This EX1 camera wasn’t designed to replace shoulder mounted units, I believe it is a replacement / upgrade to those who have been using the PD-150, V1 and Z1 DV/HDV units that packs a much bigger punch, and IMO is a test unit that should lead Sony to making larger units just as Panasonic did with the HVX to HPX units. One look at this camera and it is obviously not something I would hand hold without some support device, so it won’t get any harsh words from me.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

Rick is right learning to see light is the key and in most cases less is more. I would start with a solid 4×4 flag and learn to take light away with exterior shots and only add small amounts of a 4×4 white foam-core bounce for a side fill working tighter shots to learn from.

I’m only going to recommend 2 units, the first would be a china ball for interior shooting together with a wall/hand dimmer and the second is a wonderful new LED 500 & LED 1000 for daylight fill needs. Both of these types of lights are extremely inexpensive as far as lighting going.
China Ball w hand dimmer under $25 (some assembly required)
LED 500 =$499 https://www.prompterpeople.com/led500.php
LED 1000=$849 https://www.prompterpeople.com/led500.php

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

I’m all ears too Don, this firmware update would be a good thing.

MP

[Michael Palmer]

I’m not sure what a BPAV folder is – is it the original RAW files and do I store them as well?
YES, The BPAV folder is the raw files and you need everything within it and you can never rename it or store it with any other files, always put it in its own separate folder and name that folder.

When the original files are converted to quicktimes do we lose any quality from HD?
I don’t think there is any loss because the transfer program is really just rewrapping the file to a .mov wrapper.

how many minutes of HD footage can fit on a 500GB drive?
16gig cards hold 57 minutes of HQ (35Mbps) so you should be able to safely store about 28 16gig cards to the 500gig drive.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Michael Palmer]

Yes, you will need the 2.7 XD Cam Transfer software to convert the raw XD Cam files to a QuickTime .mov to edit in Final Cut. With file based media you must use a well thought out file organization system and will learn to guard the BPAV folder only putting it inside a separate folder of it’s own and naming it properly for archiving. This BPAV folder must never be place with any other BPAV folders and must always be kept in a separate folder to work properly with the transfer software. To work in Final Cut you are going to use the transfer software that makes new .mov files and you must find a place for them to be stored as well. At the end of your edit you have choices to either keep both the raw XD Cam files and the new Quicktime .mov files, I keep them both or if I don’t have the storage room I keep the raw, this allows me the ability to work on any software platform (PC or Mac) later. Craig Seeman has been archiving his files to DVD and he can fill you in on his process.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer