[Rob Grauert]

have you tried trashing FCP preferences? That kind of resets the program.

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

I’ve never used the EX1, let alone on a helicopter, but I do have some useful information.

I read an article about CMOS vs CCD. Both sensors have their own kids of artifacting, and the reason is because of the “shutter.” Video cameras don’t really have a shutter, it’s just how often the sensor activates to become sensitive to light. When the CCD actives, the whole sensor becomes sensitive to light, whereas a CMOS sensor becomes sensitive starting at the top and then working it’s way to the bottom. I think the big issue is when you use a CCD camera and you shake the camera, you see the shaky footage we’re all used to seeing. But when you use a CMOS sensor the image looks like it’s wobbling. I think it looks worse. The reason I bring this us is because I’ve seen footage from a CMOS camera on a tripod from a helicopter and I couldn’t watch for more than a few seconds. The remedy isn’t boosting shutter speed like you do with a CCD sensor, instead you boost the frame rate.

Now, if you are shooting handheld from the helicopter you may not experience the horrific image wobble i viewed.

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

hmm….are you sure you are hitting record on the deck. I know when you go to file>print to tape, the options window that opens has a box you can check that allows the recording to start automatically.

also, make sure your settings are correct. Audio and video should be going out through firewire to your miniDV camera or deck.

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

ahh, I came across this a really long time ago and don’t exactly remember what it is all about. I believe they are reference files though, which may be why it doesn’t work in DVD authoring program

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

I think tight, shaky, fast cutting footage will serve you will. But keep in mind that your sound design is what sells it.

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

here’s a couple more links so you can compare what the cameras look like on paper:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/255811-REG/Canon_7920A001_GL2_Mini_DV_3CCD.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/308853-REG/Sony_DSRPD170THPAC_DSR_PD170_3_CCD_Mini_DVCAM.html

as you can see, the VX2100 is only a few hundred more than the GL2 and the VX2100 is at least $500 less than the PD170 (the PD170 has a few kits varying in price).

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

Yes. The Sony VX2100 is like the Sony PD170, except it doesn’t have XLR inputs, so it should be a bit cheaper. I’m not sure how it compares to the PD170 as far as image adjustments. Of course the VX2100 still allows you to adjust the aperture, gain, shutter speed, etc, but I’m not sure it you can create custom presets. You might not need that feature either though.

I’d say the VX2100 is like, the competition to the GL2 but is very similar to the PD170.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/303956-REG/Sony_DCRVX2100_DCR_VX2100_3_CCD_Mini.html

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

huh? HDV doesn’t have timecode? Or am I misunderstanding you guys.

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

I used to have a GL2. It was my first camera. It works great in well lit situations; not the best in low light though. The only thing I disliked about my GL2 was that it doesn’t have XLR inputs. So after a few years of having my GL2, I recently upgraded to a Sony PD170, which does have XLR inputs and works better in low light situations.

A new PD170 may be a bit more than the GL2, so want to save some money, a good option is to get the GL2 and purchase a BeachTek XLR adapter.

I would say a GL2 with the BeachTek device will be pretty good for starting in the wedding business. The only time you may have trouble is during the reception, although I was able to pull it off just fine at a wedding I shot for a family friend. It all depends how dark it is during the reception.

So hopefully that helps you come to an educated decision. Good Luck.

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.

[Rob Grauert]

nevermind. I found a good article. In case anyone is interested:

https://www.rippletraining.com/editing_24p_in_final_cut_pro_new_.html

Robert J. Grauert, Jr.