Sune,
With reference to the HDV cameras which I mentioned, I think it is important
to appreciate that their real value is NOT in the HDV facility but rather in
the 16:9 widescreen facility. HDV is something of a Red Herring (rød sild?!)
in this situation.
Practically all TV in Europe is in standard definition and so I am not
surprised that you have found that TV stations are not interested in
receiving material in HDV format (either the Sony 1080i version or the JVC
720p version).
BSkyB is due to start HD transmissions in early 2006.
What is important is that it is now almost impossible to find a TV set for
sale in the UK which is not 16:9. This means that viewers want 16:9 pictures
and your clients will be the same. If you can't provide this you will soon
be out of business.
You might be interested to know that the BBC has bought a very large number
of Sony Z1Es, principally for their 16:9 facility and not for their HDV
facility hence they shoot in DV or DVCAM mode. All BBC output is today
produced in 16:9 (transmitted as 14:9 on the analogue services).
It is true that the Z1E and FX1 are not as good in low light as is the PD170
but this is where you need to know what you expect to be shooting. If you
need 16:9 and good low light sensitivity then you need to consider a PD170
with an anamorphic lens adaptor or a more expensive professional camera
(with bigger chips) such as a second hand DSR 500 or 570 or the current
DSR450, with a good lens. However this is a much more expensive approach to
your problem and probably more expensive than your fledgling enterprise
could justify.
There is also the possibility of using Digital Betacam in 16:9. This has
been the standard high quality professional standard in the UK until now but
the BBC has recently announced that it is abandoning Digibeta and so there
are likely to be a number of (relatively) cheap used Digibeta cameras on the
market. Remember that a decent lens for such a camera will cost more than a
Z1E!
For a hard case for your camera I would suggest a Peli or Pelican 1550 case
with an appropriate foam cut-out designed for your camera. It is important
to 'shop-around' for these cases as the price can vary enormously.
You indicated that you will "use the camera for professional projects" but
you didn't say what sort of projects. It is therefore difficult be more
precise with recommendations for the camera and similarly for the lighting
and sound equipment you may require.
I anticipate that Oslo must have some places where you can rent equipment
and if I were you I would try renting some equipment in order to try it out
and see what suits your style of working before you lay out too much
capital.
Julian
Bristol, England
****************************************************
Date: Fri, 06 Jan 2006 14:10:44 +0100
From: Sune Alexandersen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Buying a great camera!
Hi Julian (and everyone else!)!
I've read some very interesting articles on HDV and they conclude that HDV
is first-generation HD for amateurs. Some TV-stations won't even accept this
format, they rather have miniDV or DVCam. Therefore I am quite hesitant when
it comes to going for HDV. My brother has the low-end Sony HDV camera, and a
friend of mine in the business has the mid-range. They are both quite
satisfied, but the mid-range user tells me stories about how bad it handles
poor lighting. But the NTSC/PAL/16:9 capability is much desired.
I will use this camera for professional projects. Back in 2001 I used Sony
VX2000 for nationally TV-broadcasted tv-spots. I was indeed very happy with
this camera but of course I'd like something that supercedes that model. I
will be needing XLR and 3CCD needless to say. I've been looking (drooling)
at Panasonic AG-DVX100A but I'm afraid it's getting somewhat outdated? And I
do not think it has true 16:9 which you pointed out was very important.
Thank you for making this clear to me by the way.
I will look at the models you mentioned. I'm actually planning on going to
UK to purchase a complete kit (I think the prices are better, but need to
check). I'm looking for something along the lines of £6000 including light,
sound and preferably a hardcase.
Any more pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Sune!
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