Advice on camera purchase

A co-worker and myself may have the opportunity to do some filming for several projects. I have access to a Sony HDR-FX1 through my full time job but would like to get a P2 camera if these projects take off. I have heard good things about Panasonic AG-HVX200A but have found the Panasonic AG-HVX205A cheaper online. I read that the 205A is the Japanese imported version of the 200A but records in PAL. Is this correct and will it make a difference in editing in FCP7? I am also open to other suggestions for cameras. I just want one that shoots HD and uses P2 to record and transfer the files. Thanks.

I have just sold my HVX200 (not the A model), and can say that it will shoot 25fps or 50fps for PAL, but it also shoots other framerates like 30fps, 60fps, 24fps etc. Of course, there is a pixel-dimension issue with PAL vs NTSC for standard def, but if you're shooting HD, it shouldn't be an issue. I have to agree that you don't need to consider your acquisition before quality. P2 is supposedly more error-free than consumer grade media (or so I've been told), but I've bought high-quality cards for my new AF100, and have had no problems so far.
But the MAIN thing is (as mentioned), the HVX is VERY noisy (film grain, in case you weren't aware), in low light. By low light, I mean nearly anything indoors where you've not added lights. Church scenes, etc. I found the noise to be unacceptable. However, they supposedly improved that somewhat on the HVX200A.
Sensors can be a major consideration. The HVX does use CCD sensors which differ from CMOS. Because of the way the CMOS sensors expose (down the chip instead of one "global" exposure per frame), flash photography can look weird. So that's a consideration if you'll be shooting next to photographers. And, if your platform is vibrating (say from a helicopter), then you can get odd looks as well. Google "Rolling shutter" and you should find plenty of info on that. But overall, I went with the AF100 with a CMOS and have been very satisfied with it's performance. I also LOVE that I can use my Canon lenses with an adapter too. But that's another story.
You have a lot of research to do, and I feel your pain. I agonized for months over this upgrade. Hard-earned dollars aren't called that for nothing. Good luck!
Lawrence

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OT where to get good advice on camera purchase?

Sorry this is off topic but perhaps someone here know of the good board for a newbie asking about cameras etc.
I am a video professional but don't know about digital still cameras.

I would love to get a fine Canon SLR but I couldn't justify it. I am balancing between what I want; fine equipment with all the bells and whistles and actually what I need; pull it out of your pocket, point and shoot with enough function to make a video producer happy. I will use it for stills to add into productions I am sure.
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Here's the advice I give at least ten times a week to people who think I know what I'm talking about (I don't know anything about consumer cameras—I only follow the Nikon DSLR line—but I'd be buying a stainless steel, splashproof or encased, 3mp, ultrathin unit from Sony because I carry it on bicycle tours.):
Buy the camera's operating software, not megapixels.
Buy the camera's controls, not megapixels.
Buy glass, not silly features.
Buy the camera's enclosure and accessory lines, not megapixels.
Nikon's older software was insanely useless, it's better now, but compare any camera operation system to Canon, Olympus, HP, Kodak and Pentax. How easily can you review your shots? Do you need to edit in camera?
You need buttons and switches you can find, touch and manipulate. Need to be able to wear gloves? Beware of those stupidly ittybitty thingies.
Look for a good optical zoom range that mimics what you know from 35mm. Digital zoom is worthless.
What do you need for form factor and accessories? Waterproof case, belt clip, external flash, AA batts?
Consumer digital is a marketing jungle; you've got to be able to cut through the marketing BS. (Don't buy megapixels.)
Your budget must include the stuff only a pro thinks about: spare batts, spare charger, extra memory, highspeed reader, protective case, wrist strap, etc.
bogiesan

I have recently acquired Lightroom 5 as part of a Canon camera purchase. I currently have Lightroom 4 so would like to install Lightroom 5 as an upgrade. However, having gone through the install process, Lightroom 5 has installed separately. So please can

I have recently acquired Lightroom 5 as part of a Canon camera purchase. I currently have Lightroom 4 so would like to install Lightroom 5 as an upgrade. However, having gone through the install process, Lightroom 5 has installed separately. So please can you tell me how to re-install Lightroom 5 as an upgrade to Lightroom 4 instead?

Upgrades do not replace their older versions and even if they did you did not purchase an upgrade (which is simply a discounted version of a full version). If you want to get rid of Lightroom 4 go ahead

Advice for prosumer camera purchase

I have worked with both HDV and AVCHD in FCP and know the pros and cons. I also know between these 2 cameras one is HDV and one is AVCHD (avccam as panasonic calls it).
I am ready to purchase a prosumer cam, and although this isn't related to FCP, I would assume some of you have used these cameras and maybe even own them. So, which would you purchase? I am looking to shoot weddings, musical performances, and my own freelance/enjoyment of recording in state parks, downtown Pittsburgh, etc...
Panasonic AG-HMC150 or Canon XH-A1s
Thanks!

I do not have any experience with the cameras that you are considering, though i thought i might throw the cat amongst the pigeons here, i also dont know what your budget is,
but I use the sony FX1 and Z1 cameras, both are HDV and both are excellent in low light conditions.
Being a discontinued line they are quite cheap, I bought a 2nd hand Z1 three month's ago for AUS$3,500 with very low hrs.
They use mini DV tapes, some may consider this a draw back but for me it doesn't make a difference the quality of the footage and colours are exceptional.
Are quite robust, have been using them filming bull catching, cattle mustering, pig hunting and fishing in outback australia on the ground and in the air (helicopters) and touch wood have not let me down yet, but have been through several consumer type cameras.
This is my experience, hope it helps.

Advice needed on purchasing a DVD burner

I'm looking to purchase a used or a new external DVD burner as my eMac came with a CD-RW optical drive, and I would like to ask for your help/advice. Which burners as well as authoring and burning software are considered to be "the best?" (Ideally the burner would come with authoring and burning software.) Any particular vendors I should look into? Thank you for your time.

When I added a DVD+/-R/W to my office Quicksilver G4, I picked a LaCie P5 Porsche from Small Dog Electronics; comes with Toast, easy to set up, and works fine.

Advice on monitor purchase

I'm about to purchase a second display for use with my 27" imac in order to expand my work space. Though the Apple Thunderbolt display is beautiful to look at, I don't need the iSight camera and I'm seeing several other monitors with the same if not better specs for the price. I'd like some advice on whether to get the Apple Display, or if there are specific displays that can be suggested instead. thanks in advance.

The email notification for your reply came in JUST as I was about to order the U2713HM. It's still available and actually on sale at best buy for ~$200 less. The Asus you mentioned was the only other competitor that was leaving me wondering. I'm glad you specified that the stand quality is cheap.
I've read a couple reviews from customers that say there is an nnoying amount of ghosting when dragging windows around on the Dell. Have you experienced this? Will the Dell sit nicely next to my iMac's display? Any other sepcifics you can give would be very much appreciated. Thanks again!

Seeking advice - Walk-in purchase of iphone 4?

Hi All,
I currently own the iphone 3G and when I got it, I waited in line at my local AT&T store for a couple of hours and ended up having to order it, but received it in a few days. That being said, I haven't had much too much experience with huge launches and being a walk-in customer hoping to purchase an iphone on the 24th.
I was hoping you all might have some advice about where you think I should try. The closest Apple store is 1.5 hours away, so I wasn't really planning on going there. I have a Best Buy, 2 radio shacks, 2 Walmarts, and 2 AT&T stores. I plan to call each of them on Wednesday to see if they have any idea if they'll even have phones available for walk-ins, but where would you all suggest trying to obtain a phone on the 24th? I know it's a long shot anywhere I go, but I was hoping people might have more experience or even some educated guesses about who would get more of the product? There has to be some kind of rhyme or reason, right? LOL
Thanks in advance for the help!

well AT&T stores are out of the question since they pushed back the walk in date to the 29th.

Advice needed on purchase

Hello.
Time has come to replace my current phone. I always had Nokias and I don't want to change brands.
The reason why I ask your help is: I am reading reviews and comments about several models, and the more I read, the more confused I am. I keep reading how these new phones are full of bugs and are undeveloped. My primary problem is my buget. I can't let myself buy an expensive phone, and just replace it if I don't like it. Three months' savings will be spent on a phone, so I'd like to be satisfied with what I get.
Ok, so I want a phone that's RELIABLE in the first place. This means, it has to work properly, it will not freeze or shut down whenever it wants to. Secondly, it has to take good quality photos. This is the reason I want to get a new phone, I want it to use as a camera (so I don't have to carry my huge&heavy camera with me all the time). 3 megapixel is the minimum. Third, I'd like if the battery would last at least 4 days (with normal average use) I want to use it for Yahoo IM, but I guess every phone is capable for that.
The models I thought about:
- 6500: I like this one the best, but too many people say it turns itself off or freezes too often, interrupts calls (because of the weak sliding mechanism), battery discharges too soon, no signal etc. Is this all true? Which one is more sensitive to scratches? The balck or the silver one?
This is the phone I wanted, but I will not buy it if I'm not sure it's reliable and works properly. (BTW, why does Nokia make phones that have hundreds of features if none of them work right?)
- 6600: I like the 6500 better, but I read negative comments about this phone too, mainly slide mechanism problems.
- N95 8GB: This would be the best one, but I'm looking for a phone that costs half as the N95
- 5610XM: I belive it has the same features as the 6500, only it has different shape. I like the 6500 design better, but if this one is more reliable and it doesn't have the weaknesses of the 6500, I'd chose this one.
Sorry for the long post. Thanks for your advice.

If I need a reliable phone, you suggest to stay away from any slide model? The 3600 looks great too, but I haven't read many comments yet.
I think I have to wait, none of the current models meet my needs. Those that look nice have a weak camera, those that have a good camera too turns out to be the less reliable.
If anybody have some good tips, keep posting. Thanks.

Advice needed on purchase please!

OK so I plan on making the switch to Mac! Using an old PC desktop right now and plan on getting a portable. The Mac will be my main computer for everyday activities like email, word processing, internet, but I also want to record with it. I plan on getting an Apogee Duet to use with a couple condenser mics and record acoustic guitars and vocals. I'll start with Garageband and hopefully graduate to Logic Express or Logic one day. I don't play games but I do have lots of photos to import onto the Mac and would do general photo editing on them. I also want to take advantage of iMovie and iDVD with little video clips. So...is the Macbook (black one) sufficient or do I need the MBP for what I plan to do? I don't want to spend the extra money if I don't need to...
Second thing - every forum/website I have looked at all highlight the same problems with the MB and MBP - disc drives sticking, fan and overheating issues, faulty displays and so on. It's got me second guessing my purchase but I really want the Mac to record with, and I'm sick of Windows. I realize every computer is not perfect but from what I can tell there is an enormous amount of dissatisfaction with these issues. What's more is that people actually seem to acknowledge the problems but oddly many seem to accept them just because it's an Apple. I really don't want to shell out so much money to experience a major problem after a few weeks of use. I live in a rural area and taking it to a store is not really doable for me.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks!

Second thing - every forum/website I have looked at all highlight the same problems with the MB and MBP - disc drives sticking, fan and overheating issues, faulty displays and so on. It's got me second guessing my purchase but I really want the Mac to record with, and I'm sick of Windows. I realize every computer is not perfect but from what I can tell there is an enormous amount of dissatisfaction with these issues. What's more is that people actually seem to acknowledge the problems but oddly many seem to accept them just because it's an Apple. I really don't want to shell out so much money to experience a major problem after a few weeks of use. I live in a rural area and taking it to a store is not really doable for me.
Welcome to Apple Discussions!
This is a troubleshooting forum. Therefore the majority of the issues you see here are due to the rare lemon, and people still facing a learning curve with computers not knowing what they are doing which may create more issues than solve them. Most people with Macs are very satisfied and don't see these issues. People are too quick to blame the computer or the operating system when the issue is they are doing repairs to systems that otherwise are not broken and then breaking them in the process. If they had just followed some simple rules issues like these would not happen.
So the best thing to do when migrating you to the Mac is to get you started on the right step. If you want to have room to upgrade to Logic Pro a MacBook Pro is probably wiser than a MacBook. You'll have more expansion room in terms of peripherals. The lack of an Express/34 port and a Firewire 800 port really weaken the strength of a simple MacBook when it comes to people in the audio and video editing industry. It is nice to be able to add drives to different buses so editing is faster. Express/34 SATA/II cards are even faster than USB or Firewire when adding an external hard drive.
In the beginning a MacBook is not a bad option, but given where you want to go, don't cheat yourself by only getting a MacBook.

Wanted: Advice of Camera Upgrade?

This may not be the most approperiate forum to ask such a question but I'm thinking a lot of people in this community know a lot about cameras...
I've been shooting with an HV40 for a little while now without any major complaints but a new job contract and Boss requires me to take a step or step two closer to an introductory level "prosumer" grade camera, but with a $2-2500 dollar budget it leaves me with few options.
For me it's all about image quality - I don't need any in-camera effects, 10x digital zoom, fancy new native mics etc. Face Detection would be the only "gizmo" that could prove helpful. The content recorded is intended to be edited by both Avid MC and FCP then burn't straight to Blu-ray & DVD.
I'm recording sit down interviews so face detection and the ability to blur out the background behind the talent would really enhance my operation.
I've read a few articles that suggest AVCHD with the right CCDs can achieve superior results to HDV? So with that and the budget in mind so far I've found the:
CANON LEGRIA HFG10 HD CMOS VIDEO 10x
ticks the boxes but after using tapes forever and having HDDs fail/die on me, the switch over to using HDDs for archiving will be very new. Other suggestions have been:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/821133-REG/JVC_GY_HM150U_GY_HM150U_Pr... and the Canon XF100.
I'm all ready to make the jump from tape to Memory cards. Have you had a go with either of those cameras I listed?
It gets a bit confusing for I've been in the 1080/50i world, I don't really know what kind of format will produce the image that will bring me a little bit closer to the prosumer world. I've read that 1920x1080 is full HD and AHCHD 1920 x1080 is a really high quality codec, better than standard HDV.
Which is the best format/codec to shoot documentary style footage? The answer to that will make choosing the right camera a bit easier....
I'd love to hear and receive advice from the users and not just bloggers reviews.
Please fire at me with any advice, opinions for I would really appreciate to hear and receive advice from the users not just bloggers reviews.

PatMan001 wrote:
I'm recording sit down interviews so face detection and the ability to blur out the background behind the talent would really enhance my operation.
If you want to get a shallow DOF then (as David suggested) you might want to look at a DSLR. Note, however, that you will need some accessories (lenses, mics) to go with that. Also note that they are not really the weapon of choice for interviews as they usually have limitations in their continuous recording times (around 10 min).
The Canon XF100 is an excellent camera but you might want to take a look at the Panasonic HMC40 as well.
The Canon HF G10 is also excellent (in its price range) but I'd put it more inside the consumer class than the prosumer class. A direct competitor would be the Panasonic HDC TM900

Help with surveillance camera purchase

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I think 4 cameras minimal would do fine. Batteries will not be a problem. I have caregivers that can change them at any time. I don't want to spend more than $800. If I don't have to. I know I need a screen and a DVR or whatever as well. I don't think I need movable cameras. I think fixed cameras would be fine with some planned positioning. And yes, I would be moving around my house and everything. This is just when I am in my bedroom and not in my wheelchair. Another concern I have is the weather. From September through March it is below freezing here. January and February. It literally gets -80°F some of the days. So I'm pretty sure the cameras outside would be useless?? What is an IP camera? And they would not be very far from my room through the walls. My house is only 1000 ft.² I think I would just put a small monitor on my wall next to me where I am in my bedroom.

New camera purchase

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Canon HV20 is going for about $700 now. Spend the leftover $800 on a Steadicam Merlin.

Advice on camera calibration

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Need Advice: Which Camera 4 Capturing HDTV & Flipping Monitor Horizontally

I have CS4 Premiere and need to buy an HDTV camera and have questions how to achieve the following:
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2) Display in real time a monitor image with the video flipped horizontally on a consumer LCD HDTV, so the monitor image is reversed as if you were viewing yourself in a mirror (we're recording a makeup artist who is applying makeup to a woman and needs his monitor to reflect a mirror-like image)
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Your recommendations for HDTV camera that works well with CS4, probably feeding a USB-2.0 signal to the PC.
Jonathan in Atlanta

I've learned that Adobe OnLocation when capturing video has a setting to flip video horizontally in the monitor display, so that would be a solution. (Few LCD consumer TVs have any ability to flip in hardware, except for Sharp LCD's which seem to have a mirror command, or professional video monitors which often can flip.)
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Advice on camera purchase

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