[Olly Lawer]

Thank you.

I knew it was going to be a steep learning curve, but it’s fun learning and lucky people like yourself are willing to share your expeirence.

I was trying to get rid of the slightly jerky look that 25p gives you. Not all SD DVDs look like this, so I’m wondering how they have achieved it and is it possible with the EX1 – if so, then what are the best settings to use?

[Olly Lawer]

OK, thanks for this.

Just to throw another in…how does the OWC compare?

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MEAQ7H1TB32M/

Just a shame I can’t buy it in the UK, not sure how the warranty works if I buy from the US.

[Olly Lawer]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. All three drives, Seagate, G-Tech or CalDigit all run at 7200rpm and have firewire 800. I’m interested to know the detail of what makes the G-Tech and CalDigit faster to edit with?

Also, out of the two (G-Tech or CalDigit) – which one is quieter?

Thanks

[Olly Lawer]

You are absolutely right. The EX1 does beat the other camera’s on image quality that is for sure, but what I need to consider is what will be best for the wedding element of my business.

This where I may need to consider a cheaper alternative, like the HMC150 or XH-A1. What I am keen to know is without going out and spending lots of money renting each camera – how much better is the EX1 picture quality over these other cameras and also how much better is the low light performance. It’s a big step up to spend another £2,500 for the EX1.

Out of interest. If you had to use another camera for weddings (for around £2,800), which would you chose? (good pic + low light performance)

Also, what is your opinion of the Z7 compared to the EX1? Being able to archive cheap tape is a bigger winner!

[Olly Lawer]

rafael,

Thanks for your reply. I am trying not to make a rash decision and just go with the EX1 before doing my homework fully. I have read many posts about just about every proconsumer camera you can think of and have pretty much narrowed it down to the xh-a1 or the EX1 (from what i’ve read the xh-al on picture quality and low light performance – although the Z1 has more vivid color and the EX1 beats the Z7 on picture quality).

EX1
Pro’s: excellent quality image, instant recording, easier editing, no drop outs, cheap SxS workaround, good in low light conditions, Vortex DVD ‘user manual’ available
Con’s: CMOS chips may cause skew, wobble etc, expensive, some annoying design flaws

XH-AL

Pro’s: good picture quality, tapes for backup, cheaper by a long shot
Con’s:drop outs, 7 sec delay in recording, HDV can be a pain to edit (i’m told)

Basically I’ve fallen in love with the EX1 and am trying to make a rational business case for buying one.

[Olly Lawer]

It will mostly be weddings. That is why I am a little concerned about the low light functionality of the Z1 and documentary look (not having true 24p).

[Olly Lawer]

Can I just clarify on what you mean when you say “there are people that thing this is not a solution, but so far i’ve been able to get rid of all the flashes in a couple of concert by shooting interlaced”?

The EX1 will mainly be used to film weddings, where there may indeed be lots of flashes; however, if by turning the electric shutter off and shooting in interlaced, this solves the problem, then great.

Does filming interlaced give similar results to progressive? I know the shutter speed doesn’t stop any unwanted artifacts, but does shooting in other modes change it? i.e. 1080i compared to 720p?

Thanks

[Olly Lawer]

Great. Thanks for your reply.

I can see from other posts that any steadicam system takes a lot of practice and getting used to. Interesting, I was also thinking it would help not to strain the back and the vest supports you. Considering the EX1 is quite a heavy camera then, I need to consider something – I think the shoulder mount is the best thing. In all reality, I won’t be doing a lot of tracking shots and the weddings I will concentrate on in the first part will be the market that wants inconspicuous filming – although I am told others like all the equipment out to show off their status!

Just out of interest, the shoulder mount with quick release you mentioned – have you a good make that you have in mind? Same with the tripod. My budget is low and I am willing to consider buying used equipment if I could only find a decent site that delivers to the UK.

[Olly Lawer]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies.

I am hearing some worrying reports that the FCP doesn’t produce a very good quality output for SD (this is from a Sony Vegas 8 user). Does anyone know of any reports like this?

[Olly Lawer]

I’m really pleased to hear you are getting good results using the Merlin. DId you use extra weights or a plate?

The Steadicam Pilot is very expensive and I am on a low budget. Plus can’t find where to buy this equipment 2nd hand.

The EX1 is quite heavy I am told, so I think i will need to consider a shoulder mount.

I am also very pleased that someone out there things a videographer is a sign of status!