[Roger Van duyn]

Think about sound quality. I know you said you don’t need “fancy native mics”, whatever that means. But you seriously need XLR ports if you want to step up a level (unless you’ve already got a JuicedLink or Beachtek adapter with that HV-40)

The biggest difference between my two XH-A1s and my two HV-30s is the XLR ports. Sure, the 3 chips make some difference in the video quality, but using professional microphones off the cameras and closer to the subject gives the most increase in production value.

If you get a camera that just has the 1/8″ jack like your HV-40, you severely limit your options when it comes to audio.

Nothing aggravates a client more than poor audio.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

Seems pretty bad. Are you sure there’s really footage on the tape to start with? Your description is similar to how I used to blank a tape years ago before using it on a shoot. I’d put the lens cap on and record to the end, laying down a timecode track before using the tape for an actual shoot. Maybe the client gave you the wrong tape, and it’s just been blanked.

When you play the tape for capture, is there video on the camera’s LCD screen? Even better, if you connect the camera to a tv and play the tape, how’s the video look and the audio sound?

You can’t capture footage if it isn’t there.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

The standby/lock button isn’t on is it? Sometimes I forget on my XH-A1. It’s the little tab knob encircling the start button on the right side.

Canon removed that feature XH-A1S. I have one of those too! Sometimes I forget which of the two cameras I’m using and instinctively reach to toggle that standby/lock and it’s not there.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

Something to consider. I worked with an out of state producer shooting a very large conference who was using Canon XF-305 and XF-105 with the SDI outputs connected to a switcher in the room he was working. I spent a lot of time “picking his brain.”

He explained to me the tremendous time savings of using the switcher versus doing multicam editing in post later. (Of course, he had to do multicam editing in post on my footage from the other room).

Now, I’m pretty proficient with multicam editing, but in business, time is money. When I step up from my XH-A1 and XH-A1S, it will probably be to something that works well with a switcher.

I’ve seen the XF-105’s being heavily promoted online. Might be some promotions on switchers too. Don’t know. Out of my budget right now. Wish I had 15K to spend.

Good luck.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

As far as I know, only tape based cameras have a firewire jack. Like you said, the USB ports are only for file transfer.

If you still have a tape based camera, you don’t need to have a tape in your tape camera for it to stream. On my Canon XH-A1, and A1S under the
SYSTEM SETUP menu, chose the DV CONTROL option.

Basically, it’s the same as setting up recording to a FireStore or other external recording device through firewire. I also use this setting to record to a laptop.

I’ve had other cameras, such as an old Sony
Digital 8, with firewire output that you don’t need to even set anything to set anything.

If you no longer have a tape based camera with a firewire port, pawn shops and flea markets have tons of used ones. Also garage sales. For what you want to do, the tape mechanism doesn’t even have to work.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

In general, people prefer to do business with someone that they know, like, and trust will do a good job for them.

Next in order of preference is doing business with someone recommended by someone else that they know, like, and trust their opinion that the person or firm recommended will do a good job for them.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

You might consider at least a minor in business, with an emphasis on marketing. On the other hand, you might want to major in business, with a minor in video production. Video is a tough business, and having a strong background in business would be a very good idea.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

That Bescor adapter should work fine. I have one that I use with my stills camera. It screws into the bottom of the camera into the 1/4 inch screw hole.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

I have a couple of Vixias and have used the Rode VideoMic with them both with pretty good results for more than three years. It costs a little more than your budget, unless you find one used. They are pretty good for a camera mounted, non-XLR microphone.

Roger

[Roger Van duyn]

If you have a day rate or a half day rate that’s where you start. Depending on how good a friend, or source of referrals she may be, you can offer a discount if you choose to.

Coming up with your standard rate is another question.

Roger